NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 45 owner complaints for the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. Most complaints involve air bags (8) and steering (7). The EPA rates it 26–29 mpg combined.
RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET PRIZM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OVER LOOSE GRAVEL, THE CONTACT TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN CONTROL BUT ENDED UP OVER STEERING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE COMING TO REST IN A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUFFERED A MILD CONCUSSION AND WHIPLASH. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.”
“I HAVE A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. TO DATE IT HAS LESS THAN 25,000 MILES. THERE IS AND HAS BEEN "SOMETHING WRONG" WITH THE FRONT-END OF MY CAR. IT SEEMS THE "CLUNKING" SOUND THAT ONE CAN FEEL AS BEEN THERE FOR QUITE AWHILE. WHILE DRIVING(ON FLAT, STRAIGHT FORWARD, PAVEMENT)(BETWEEN 32 AND 37 MPH) MY CAR WILL VEER, "BOUNCE" TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT THE STEERING WHEEL MOVING(AS IN TURNING). I HAVE DESCRIBED THE/THIS SITUATION TO A CERTIFIED MACHINIST/MECHANIC, WITHOUT HESITATION PROCEEDED TO EXPLAIN RACK AND PINION STEERING. I HAVE FOUND IT NECESSARY AND ESSENTIAL, IN REGARDS TO SAFETY, TO RENT A VEHICLE IN ORDER TO LEAVE MY SMALL AND SOMEWHAT ISOLATED HOME TOWN. SINCERELY, [XXX] *TR”
“FIRESTONE, AFFINITY, P21560R15; WHILE LOOKING OVER TIRES NOTICED ONE OF THE FRONT TIRES GROVE HAD CRACKS AROUND TIRES.*AK CONSUMER STATED UPON LOOKING AT TIRES, HE NOTICED THAT THEY CONTAINED CRACKS IN ALL 4, DEALER INFORMED CONSUMERS T HAT TIRES WERE OK.*SLC”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prizm Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 34 | 29 | $2,150 | 306 |
| Prizm Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,200 | 317 |
| Prizm Auto 3-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 30 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 45 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (8), steering (7), tires (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1998 Chevrolet Prizm at 26–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).