Equal-exposure complaint evidence and changes in the reported problem mix
1996 vs 1997 GEO PRIZM
NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21
Share shifts show how a vehicle's problem mix changed. They do not measure reliability, and complaint counts are not normalized for sales volume.
First 359 months on market for each model year
Exposure window calculated through Aug 22, 2026
Age-matched reports
▼ 20.0% fewer reports in the equal exposure window
NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21
Component share shift
Bars start at the neutral midpoint. Left means a smaller share; right means a larger share.
View component share data as a table
| Component | 1996 share | 1997 share | Share change |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEAT BELTS | 21.7% | 33.3% | ▲ 11.7 pts larger share |
| AIR BAGS | 35.0% | 27.1% | ▼ 7.9 pts smaller share |
| STEERING | 5.0% | 10.4% | ▲ 5.4 pts larger share |
| STRUCTURE | 3.3% | not reported | ▼ 3.3 pts smaller share |
| TIRES | 3.3% | not reported | ▼ 3.3 pts smaller share |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1.7% | 4.2% | ▲ 2.5 pts larger share |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.7% | 4.2% | ▲ 2.5 pts larger share |
| PARKING BRAKE | not reported | 2.1% | ▲ 2.1 pts larger share |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1.7% | not reported | ▼ 1.7 pts smaller share |
| WHEELS | 1.7% | not reported | ▼ 1.7 pts smaller share |
| VISIBILITY | 1.7% | not reported | ▼ 1.7 pts smaller share |
| POWER TRAIN | 3.3% | 2.1% | ▼ 1.3 pts smaller share |
| ENGINE | 3.3% | 2.1% | ▼ 1.3 pts smaller share |
| SUSPENSION | 1.7% | 2.1% | ▲ 0.4 pts larger share |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8.3% | 8.3% | ◆ 0.0 pts unchanged |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 80.0% | 87.5% | ▲ 7.5 pts larger share |
NHTSA Safety Recalls recalls · snapshot 2026-08-22
Recall campaigns
Campaign components: not reported
Campaign components: not reported
NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21
Safety signals
- ◆ Fires
- 2 → 2
- ◆ Injuries
- 22 → 7