GEO Prizm owners have reported 4 latches/locks/linkage related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common latches/locks/linkage problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's door latch (4 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Door Latch problems |
The handle of the left-hand (driver) door has stopped opening the door. The plastic fixture where it should engage for the door to open does not function. In addition, the window stopped rolling up at the same time. This exact defect has happened to our 2002 chevy prism. The plastic piece around the door handle of the same driver's side has cracked and no longer can engage to work. It is a safety issue when you can not open the door!.
Three of my doors on my 1996 Geo Prizm locks have failed, shutting the doors permanently. I have only one door to get in/out of my car. I have spoken to other Geo owners and they are experiencing the same problem. I now have to se if I can find a shop to get the doors unlocked so I no longer have to climb over the seat to get in to drive. Heaven help me if I get into an accident.
The power lock system jams so that the driver's side door is impossible to open, making it impossible for a driver to escape in an emergency.
All of the handles inside the vehicle do not work. No one can exit the vehicle. Currently, the passenger's side handles do not work, and one cannot open the vehicle from the outside.