MotorDeets

2002 Chevrolet Prizm: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm: 0 recalls, 19 owner complaints and up to 31 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
19owner complaints
2mention a crash
31best combined mpg
2002 Chevrolet Prizm
Photo: Cutlass · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Equipment recall #10E002000 · 2010 · 12,657 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: The absence of the weld can allow the strut to come out of its mounting position under certain extreme driving conditions which could cause damage to surrounding vehicle components increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Ride control will notify owners of record and replace the affected parts free of charge. The safety recall began on March 15, 2010.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling4
Latches & locks3
Electrical2
Airbags2
Steering2
Exterior lights1
Body & structure1
Tires1

What owners describe

The 2002 Chevrolet Prizm has 19 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 8 Prizm model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 19). Complaints peaked in 2009 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 67,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (45 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.8 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive273731Regular
1.8 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive263630Regular
1.8 L 4-cylAutomatic 3-spdFront-Wheel Drive253027Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2002 Chevrolet Prizm manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2002 Chevrolet Prizm manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2002 Chevrolet Prizm manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2002 Chevrolet Prizm manual

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FAQ

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Prizm problems?

Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (4), latches & locks (3), electrical (2).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Chevrolet Prizm get?

EPA ratings run up to 31 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2002 Chevrolet Prizm repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Prizm years

19901991199619981999200020012002