Six problems related to engine burning oil have been reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Prizm. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Chevrolet Prizm based on all problems reported for the 2001 Prizm.
Excessive oil consumption (one quart low every 300-400 miles), worsening, appears to be known defect for Toyota supplied engines in 2001 Chevrolet Prizm and possibly other years of this motor type (possible factory ring, valve early failure issues), no leaks or heavy smoke apparent, air filter normal with no apparent blow-by from rings at that point. Regular oil and filter changes, car driven daily for local use, no other known defects or recurring problems, car operates normally other than high oil amounts used.
Oil consumption in 2001 prism is overwhelming!.
2001 Chevrolet Prizm with Toyota engine began burning excessive amounts of oil at 70,000 miles. Now burning 1 quart of oil every 300-400 miles. Toyota has admitted a problem with the engine, but gm refuses to do anything.
Engine is eating oil!! -- I purchased an 18-month old chevy Prizm lsi with a 1zz-fe 1. 8l engine back in November 2002 with about 27k miles. This car is still in mint condition. It's garaged and I do all the routine maintenance and use pure synthetic engine oil since I purchased it. Unfortunately at about 50k miles, my engine started eating up oil at about 1 quart per 200 miles. After researching the 1zz fe 1. 8l engine block series, it appears this engine has piston and ring problems leading it to consume oil at a rapid pace. I keep a case of oil in the trunk for long trips and put in at least one quart each time I refill the tank. This engine can be found in at least 10 Toyota and one chevy model (prizm). This is an excellent car, however I can't believe GMC hasn't issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) regarding excessive engine oil consumption problems. These cars can run for at least 250k miles if you make sure the engine has enough oil. Buyer beware -- 1998-2002 chevy Prizms and their siamese twin, Toyota corollas with the izz fe 18. L engine with more than 50k miles will consume much more oil and it is therefore imperative to ensure you have enough oil in the engine block to prevent engine seizure. GMC should issue a TSB for this problem. I realize this car is more than 10 years old, but there are millions of 1998-2002 Prizms and corollas on the road. If you buy one, make sure the previous owner is honest with you regarding oil consumption, otherwise you may be buying a car with lots of engine problems. Your engine may seize up on you and leave you stranded in timbuktu. . .
I own a 2001 and a 2002 chevy Prizm. Both cars are using excessive oil (several quarts every 100 miles each). Dealer states this is a common problem due to carbon buildup in the cylinders. Excessive oil consumption started around 50,000 miles. The chevy Prizm is really a Toyota corolla. Toyota has had this problem and has warranted the repair. General motors is not assisting its customers with the repair. I guess that is why Toyota is number one car maker and gm is number 2. I will never buy another gm product again.
My 2001 Chevrolet Prizm has been burning oil since around 60-70k miles and has only gotten worse. Chevrolet didn't build the engine right and the rings/heads I think need replaced (what I read on). And Chevrolet has not fixed this problem and its costly as it burns around a quart every 200 miles.