engine problem
7.6
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$2,691.00
Average Mileage:
83,008 miles
Number of complaints:
50 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (29 reports)
- add oil when needed (5 reports)
- just add oil every 1500 miles (5 reports)
- replace engine (4 reports)
- replace the rings and complete head job (2 reports)
- sell the piece of @#%t (2 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2001 Chevrolet Prizm excessive oil consumption
1920Sep 01
Prizm 1.8L
- Manual transmission
- 125,000 miles
Bought my 2001 prizm new, first oil change i went with valvoline 5w30 full synthetic, change the oil and filter @ 7,000 mi. never lost a drop of oil. average 36 miles to a gallon. check engine light is on but runs great. had lite fixed once came back.
2008Jun 03
Prizm 1.6L V4
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
This car is a piece of ka.
We noticed by about 20,000 miles that it was (burning, eating, farting?) oil, *poof* and it would mysteriously be over a quart low by the 3000 mile oil change.
By 50,000 miles it would be a quart low only 1,000 miles after an oil change.
Last week low and behold *terrible* knocking- checked oil and sure fricken enough, dry as the proverbial bone- only *1,500* miles from the last oil change!
No oil in the driveway, none around the valve covers, none ANYWHERE we can see. I guess the Chevy oil fairies took it. (actually it is probably burnt to a sludge and has killed the engine with the rest coming out into the exhaust, which by the way looks normal).
So anyway, something is horribly amiss in the engine now, it sounds like someone threw a bunch of marbles in a coffee can. I called Chevrolet and they basically said "uh huh, uh huh, sorry, that sounds bad." and gave me a reference number- so basically they told me to go fart in the wind.
Oil light *never* went on, check engine light *never* went on.
RECALL RECALL RECALL RECALL RECALL RECALL RECALL RECALL RECALL
2008May 28
Prizm 4D 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 300,000 miles
Well, of course, same problem. Though from what I have read, I think I may have it figured. It may very likely be a combination of material issues on the rings/seals, a mismatched filler cap, and mismatched ring/seal size. If anyone tries replacing these (I warn y'all, it might be pricey) and it works, then awesome!!! Just my idea to check out, hope it helps. I'm looking into trying this myself on my fiancee's mother's Prizm. Will update if it's a fix, and where to acquire the parts.
2003Feb 12
Prizm Model 1.8L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 16,000 miles
I bought a 2001 Chevrolet Prizm in 2003 with 16,000 miles. I soon found out that I have to add 1 quart of oil between 3,000 mile oil changes. I brought the Prizm to the dealership many times for an oil consumption check while the care was under warranty. i was always told no problem found. I called the regional Chevrolet toll free number about the problem. I was told it is normal for a Prizm to need 1 quart of oil added between oil changes that I have done every 3,000 miles. This was hard for me to believe. I called Toyota since the Prizm & Corolla have the same engine. I was told that it is normal that a Corolla uses 1 quart of oil between oil changes done every 3,000 miles. After reading comments on this website that Toyota fixed the problem on the Corolla's; I am wondering if there is a class action lawsuit requiring the problem to be fixed? I'm worried that this problem may lead to a serious problem. I've read mention of oil sludge on this website. What does it mean/cause?
2008May 22
Prizm LSI 1.4L
- Manual transmission
- 66,000 miles
This is absolutely ridiculous. My car's check engine light came on so I took it to a Toyota dealer since the thing even says Toyota under the hood. They call me today to let me know that the car had run out of oil, I never had any warning lights come on before today though. They estimate the cost to be between $2,800 - $3,500 to rebuild the engine or $3,800 for a new engine.
I have had to put three transmissions into this junker with only 66,000 miles on it and now the engine has burned up! Toyota may have a fabulous reputation for reliability but it seems this car escaped quality control.
Stay far away from a used one of these!!! Don't be enticed by the 38mpg highway because the cost of constantly fixing it far outweighs the fuel savings.
2006Oct 13
Prizm 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
Like so many others, I bought the Chevrolet Prizm mainly because I was really getting a Toyota. I don't have much against Chevrolet, I have owned several in my life, but obviously this oil consumption problem has been known about by both Toyota and Chevrolet for a long time.
Toyota and Chevrolet both know that everyone in the world knows that a Prizm is a Corolla. When Toyota lets Chevrolet put it's Prizm model name on a Toyota Corolla, Toyota expects Chevrolet to do what is right by it's customers. Toyota has offered it's customers relief from the cost of fixing Corolla (and other models) oil sludge caused engine detonation. Chevrolet, on the other hand, has not.
Perhaps Toyota has not offered Chevrolet any way to at least share the cost of replacing/repairing the 1.8L engines that have detonated, more than likely it's in their contract for Chevrolet to take care of problems. It is a shame that Chevrolet/GM won't own this issue and offer relief to it's customers. Chevrolet/GM could really set itself apart from all of the other (domestic AND foreign) car companies whom are having the EXACT same problem with oil sludge caused engine breakdown.
It is sad to think that Chevrolet doesn't realize the good reputation they could GAIN if only they would OWN this hugely expensive problem that they have dropped into their customer's laps.
2003Mar 12
Prizm
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
Well it's good to finally know what the problem is about my car using so much oil. I kept thinking it was an oil leak that none of the mechanics were finding!
The good thing is that with my oil change at Jiffy Lube, I get free top-offs between oil changes. Talk about saving money! Oil is expensive!
2004Nov 10
Prizm
- Automatic transmission
- 44,900 miles
I purchased my 2001 Prizm with almost 45,000 miles about 3 and a half years ago. It now has over 122,000 miles. I currently get 31.4 mpg. It's fairly reliable, but I will probably sell it in about 18 months. The engine light has been on for over two years. The code is always the same: LEAN MIXTURE. I'll be replacing the fuel filter; maybe the light will go off (but, somehow, I doubt it). This would be a great car if not for the excessive oil consumption. There is no smoke, and there are no oil stains on my garage floor. (??) I've gotten into the habit of checking the oil every other day. I'd say it uses a quart for every 375 miles. This only happens, though, if the car is driven primarily on the interstate. In the spring and autumn, I use 10W40 with STP oil treatment. In winter I use 10W30, and in sumer I use 20W50. I read somewhere that Havalin (spelling?) oil works best. Actually, that is a myth. This vehicle does not discriminate.
2008Apr 15
Prizm STD 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
This updates prior problem report, where adding a quart every 300-400 miles was happening: Oil use definitely rises during warmer weather, have added some Mystery Oil and switched to 10w40 which appears to have reduced oil binge a bit but still more than the norm. Any news on a GM warranty extension for this systemic problem would be appreciated, since this is certainly a design or assembly defect common to many owners of these otherwise decent cars.
2006Mar 01
Prizm
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I bought the piece the piece of crap with 55,000 miles on. Noticed it started burning excessively at about 80,000. Had to check every 300-500 miles. I did change oil regularly. I see based on the # of complaints that this is a fairly common problem on this Toyota engine. My engine failed(connecting rod poked through wall of the engine) at about 115,000 miles. Had an estimate to put a "quality" used engine with 65,000 miles on it for $3700...no thanks. The inside door handles also break on this car. This engine is definitely a piece of crap. I would never buy this car.
2008Jan 01
Prizm LSI 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
check engine light constantly off and on and it EATS oil like crazy NO leaks but about 2 quarts low every 3000 miles
2006Mar 16
Prizm LSI 1.8L
- Manual transmission
- 114,000 miles
Oh Crap.... Was just checking recalls for Dodge Durango and decided to check for the Prizm. I was not looking for this though it has been a weird problem. I had a 1994 Metro that I junked with 260,000! I take care of my cars. I have to as we put 20,000 to 30,000 a year on each car. Well noted rattle in valve train and checked oil several times to put in 3-4 quarts. Raise the hair on the back of the neck couple times so now I check often as light comes on only when VERY low. I have two other problems that tick me off. The clutch bearing for the AC let go so the grinding is like nails on a chalk board. Also I chunked 3rd gear (let the clutch out when only half way in gear with spirited drive) and now grinds with down shift. Tranny is far from smooth. (Had 1979 Corrola Wagon junked with 119,000miles and that was great tranny). Was thinking of having it rebuilt and the compressor fixed (replaced, only Toyota's have AC clutch that can be replaced). Guess that I will not be fixing either thing....... Crap again I say Crap..... Can't afford new car so will thank God I know to add oil and do that. Chevy and Toyota should fix this. I know that it has over 130,000 now but this should not happen in this century.
2005Mar 06
Prizm 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
MY chevy prizm burns oil!!!! As if everyone here didn't already know that!
2005Jan 01
Prizm
- Automatic transmission
- 161,000 miles
I am tired of spending money on oil. I have had other prizms before and they have never done this. I am surprised to see that I am not the only one with this problem. Why has Chevrolet not corrected this problem? My car also knocks and the engine light has been on twice!! The first time was a sensor that cost me $300! Who knows what else is next. I will never own another prizm! The cost of gas is enough let alone the oil!!!
I think Toyota/Chevrolet should pay the cost of repairs or whatever is needed to repair these cars. I depend a lot on my vehicle and can't afford to have it break down!!
2007Oct 14
Prizm LSI
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I really liked this car before my son took it on a trip and it ran out of oil and the engine died two hours from home. I had the oil changed less than 3000 miles prior. Assumed all was well and without warning (no oil light coming on or anything like that) it was a real shock being faced with replacing the engine. Now I have a new used engine and you guessed it , the oil is low. Good thing I came here and read all these posts. I'm going straight to the store to get a case of oil. This is all I need . I will never buy another used car without reading Autobeef first.
2007May 16
(reported on)Prizm LSI 1.8L DOHC
- Automatic transmission
- 225,000 miles
Like so many others on here, my Prizm has also been excessively consuming oil (usually add at least 1-2 quarts a month). It generally runs ok (not that great though until it warms up and sometimes it hesitates a little only right when gas is initially pressed at a stoplight but assume that may be due to mileage and/or fuel pump issue - a mechanic told me a year ago that it appeared that my fuel pump would be going out soon because my check engine light had come on with the code being the engine was running lean although after they ran some kind of carbon test thing the light went off and has not come on since and the fuel pump still works. Anyway, as far as the oil consumption issue, the engine seems to mildly knock/ping once in a while but nothing major. I try to check the oil at least once a week and the engine just keeps on running, even with the high mileage. I've put about 15,000 miles on this car since I bought it and have never had any major repairs. Question... if the excessive oil consumption has to do with oil sludge build-up would it help to run a petroleum distillate engine cleaner through the engine (like Gunk Motor Flush) right before having the oil changed so the sludge is removed? Also, why would sludge be building up on these engines (mainly this year) when others are fine? Anything related to a PCV valve issue? (I read about a Chevy Silverado's PCV valve being too big which allowed oil vapors to escape resulting in oil sludge build-up and thus engine failure) As I don't want to invest money in a new engine when the car has such high mileage, I just keep adding oil and driving it! :) Of course, I still have the oil changed as well.
2006Feb 06
Prizm LE 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Bought this car and gave to daughter to use for school. Discovered the same problem everyone else here has. Can't see blue smoke out of tail pipe but it is burning oil and need needs to be check every other fill up. Have over 100,000 miles on has been reliable but don't know what to do about oil burning problem. Can't sell it to an individual because of problem
2008Feb 02
Prizm
- Automatic transmission
- 75,524 miles
Went looking online to see if my car was the only one with the problem...good to know my dad can't be too mad at me for not caring for my car, lol.
At any rate, I noticed my car was making noises over a year ago (mileage would have been just under 60k), but I figured it was because I needed an oil change (I WAS overdue on it). Got the oil changed, noise went away until it was time for my NEXT oil change, at which time I changed the oil, and all was fine...
Back in December (December 22, 2007), I filled the oil up (full 4 quarts) when the noise started to come back. 3 days later, I made a trip from my house near Panama City, FL, to Summerfield, FL and back...a week later, I made a trip from my house to San Antonio, TX. Last week, the oil light came on, the noise came back, and my check engine light was now on (never had that before). Filled the oil (it was dry again), everything was fine. Not only did I have to fill up a month after already doing it...the noise has since come back (3 days after a full fill up), suggesting to me that it's already low (gonna check when I get back home).
If there is any fix to this other than a new engine, I'm all ears. Otherwise, let me know what happens if y'all make a case against Chevy.
2007Jul 31
Prizm 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
I went searching today and had I feeling I might run into a whole list of others who are having the same issue with a Chevy Prism. I'd honestly prefer no one else had the problem but it is nice to find we're not alone.
So there's little need to repeat what I already found. Our Prizm was given to us in the Fall of 2007 by my wife's father with about 58k miles on it. We noticed that the engine was making some rumbles and ran the dipstick to see that it was dry. My wife saw the oil light flash on a few times but I never did. After that we refilled on oil only to discover that it was disappearing much too quickly. We haven't gaged how many miles between adding quarts yet, but its turning into a monthly issue.
After having it checked for leaks and of course finding none, I assumed it was something related to the rings or something. But after searching the web for a few moments I can see that this is no isolated issue. We don't have any miraculous fix other than to waste oil on this machine until is can be replaced with something engineered properly.
I am very disappointed in knowing that this is a Toyota derived engine with such a fundamental flaw in its oil system. I expect any long established auto manufacturer such as Toyota and Chevrolet to be able to design a car without core defects in it such as this one. Additionally, the fact that many other people are also not being given a suitable heads-up warning by the oil light coming on reveals that the oil detection system is also a faulty design. With the price of oil and environmental considerations as well, this wasteful Prizm is flatly irresponsible.
I don't have many resources or time to take this issue further but I hope that other postings which mentioned a class-action suit may go somewhere.
As far as solutions to this oil consumption problem, it sounds like there aren't any real ones as this is a poor engine design issue. I read a post where someone advises using Havoline which is supposed to cut down on the problem somewhat. Other people are trying oil additives. I might try a thicker oil but it's unlikely to do much since this problem is not a leak situation.
I advise everyone who has this problem to post at least a short description of their story.
2007Dec 19
Prizm 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
Car runs fine, BUT uses excessive oil, estimate now a quart every
300-400 miles, no drips, tailgate fairly sooty, suspect valves or
rings, no oil blow into air filter chamber (typical if rings); this
is my wife's car, driven daily, any known cures or clues would
be appreciated... Best of luck on this LEMON.
2007May 24
(reported on)Prizm Base
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
Well here's another one to add to the list. Car is like all the other's, leaks about 4 quarts every 1000 miles, especially with highway driving. I had it smoked (to check for leaks) came back negative. I've also spent $300 on gas caps for the fuel emissions code (P0440). My mechanic says that my fuel is also not flowing properly to the engine, which might also be affecting the oil. The recommendation was to have the lines checked, which I did, to no avail. I hope this class action suit either takes place or GM finally decides to fix something, I'd hate for my family's loyalty of over 50 years to GM (including two employees) to be wasted.
2006Aug 24
Prizm 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
Looks like I have the same problem as everyone else. I purchased a 2001 Chevy Prizm with 62000 miles on it. Checked the oil when I was looking at the car, was fine. Drove it for two or three fill ups and noticed the engine was rattling - almost no oil on the dipstick! It regularly takes a quart every 500 miles, highway driving seems to make it worse. No visible or detectable oil leaks, does not smoke. Lucas Oil additive seems to help a lot. Talked to knowledgeable person at Advanced Auto, said sludging is another problem with the engine, been adding Rislone Oil Treatment to help it remove the sludge. This definitely seems to be an engine defect. I have 84,000 on the car now, no problems except having to add oil. Continuing to troubleshoot, will post a solution if I ever find one. Really disappointing - I had an '87 Chevy Nova (same, Toyota built) that just would not quit. This car is definitely not the same experience.
2007Nov 04
Prizm
- Automatic transmission
- 42,000 miles
bought car with 14,000 miles on it never really had a problem and after 42,000 miles the pos takes a dump on me during a 3 hour trip to LaCrosse to visit my gf. Turns out there was no oil in my car even though i wasn't even due for an oil change and the oil light wasn't on. i could get a used engine for around $2,000 or a new one for about $5,ooo but i honestly don't know what to do, just really pissed that a lot of people have had the same problem with the same car and no recall has been made
2007Nov 05
(reported on)Prizm LSI 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 122,000 miles
I bought the car used with 80,000 miles. No burning, smoking etc, just uses oil every fill up. I never heard a word about this issue when I did research on Consumers Reports (I have heard rumors that CR favors Toyota's and gives them favorable reports and I am starting to believe this since this is really a Corolla with Chevy nameplates). I am REALLY disappointed in this vehicle since I had heard such good things about Toyota products. I had a Chevy dealer tell me there are no rebuild kits available from GM but I may find one in the after market. I did find some, but after reading about all the problems and that there doesn't seem to be any true fix out there, I don't want to waste the money rebuilding the engine! Do I start with the valve, valve seals, piston rings, etc? Very disappointing!!!!
2007Oct 23
(reported on)Prizm 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 38,000 miles
Not impressed with Toyota or Chevy on this, never had a car burn this much oil. Had regular oil changes and all maintenance done. This is obviously an engine defect.
2007Aug 25
(reported on)Prizm LSI 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 54,000 miles
Purchased car two months ago, looks and drives like new. Noticed that the oil was about 2 quarts low. Added the 2 quarts and didn't think much of it until today. Have put 3,000 miles on it and finally checked the oil again. Nothing on dipstick!!! Put 2.5 quarts in it and found this site. I sure hope there is a recall of some kind!!! This is ridiculous!!!
2007Sep 24
(reported on)Prizm Gold 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
I own four Prizms. The 1994 and 1995 burn no oil, but the 2001 and now the 2002 have become oil burners. The 2002 has 70,000 miles, and is burning about a quart every 1,500 miles, but the 2001 is much worse. I could hear the tappets knocking so I pulled over and checked the oil in the 2001. Empty. Luckily, I had an emergency quart in the car. I drove a 1987 Chevy Nova (virtually the same car) 240,000 miles. But now I am gun shy about buying a Corolla or a Pontiac Vibe. I haven't heard a word from GM about a recall on the 2002. I imagine Corrolas are experiencing the same problem. It is disheartening to find the car you depended on for so long is a lemon.
2007Sep 24
(reported on)Prizm Gold 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
I own four Prizms. The 1994 and 1995 burn no oil, but the 2001 and now the 2002 have become oil burners. The 2002 has 70,000 miles, and is burning about a quart every 1,500 miles, but the 2001 is much worse. I could hear the tappets knocking so I pulled over and checked the oil in the 2001. Empty. Luckily, I had an emergency quart in the car. I drove a 1987 Chevy Nova (virtually the same car) 240,000 miles. But now I am gun shy about buying a Corolla or a Pontiac Vibe. I haven't heard a word from GM about a recall on the 2002. I imagine Corrolas are experiencing the same problem. It is disheartening to find the car you depended on for so long is a lemon.
2007Aug 20
(reported on)Prizm
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
2001 Chevy Prizm. I've owned it since 2004, so about 3 years now. I almost lost my car on a weekend trip to and from Boston to Rochester NY. I and my mechanic thought maybe the bad air filter was to blame. I replaced the filter and I'm still losing oil. I just took a trip to Ottawa and had to check the oil every couple hundred miles, and sure enough I was down at least a 1/2 quart, if not a whole quart. I just dropped it off and my mechanic says this is a flagged problem and might be a recall issue with some valve. He needs to keep my car overnight to check it in the AM.
I'm happy with this car so far, but this is not cool. I shouldn't have to fill my car with oil every time I fill it with gas. I'm going to monitor this site for any advice on how to handle this through GM, and certainly will report if I hear anything from my mechanic. I'm pretty stupid when it comes to cars, so I'm really hoping. I don't know what my options are in terms of yelling at GM and joining some kind of class action suit.
And this *is* GM we're talking about here, so I'm not expecting a whole lot of useful customer service...
2007Jul 10
(reported on)Prizm
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
Bought this vehicle used in 2004, ran great for 2 1/2 years. Researched Edmunds.com prior to buying and was given 5 stars for reliability. Also the Toyota Engine made the choice even easier to purchase...... hmmm, well reliability at this point is horrible.
I've always made it a habit to maintain my cars, change oil/plugs, etc.
However a couple months ago after exiting the highway the car started to make a knocking sound and stalled. Had towed home and noticed no oil ( I just changed it 1 month prior).
I never got a Oil Light warning or anything.
*
Had towed to a shop and they recommended a new engine $3200.00
Since I don't really have that kind of cash lying around I am currently borrowing a vehicle.
*
Still unsure as to what my next step is - might try to fix it myself however "time" is an issue with Full-time work and kids.
*
Just really upset with this car, a 2001 with 62K and is currently sitting on the road.
*
It's comforting in a way to know that I'm not the only one with this problem, had I known about this issue before I might have checked the oil more frequently. It was probably running on no oil for a couple weeks (who knows!!!!)
*
Hope everyone's problem has been resolved.
I'll never buy GM again, per someone's note Toyota would correct the situation, however GM won't.
2007Jul 18
(reported on)Prizm
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
I had an oil consumption test done. As the engine was over a certain mileage, it was not covered. May I add, that I had a new used motor put in it already (after sale, included in warranty)
Seems this is an ongoing problem with this engine. The oil light may or may not come on. If you keep this car, you will have to be diligent in checking the oil every-other gas fill up. Seeing my car is paid for, and I don't wish to get a new car loan... I will bite the bullet, check it often, and fill the bugger with oil. 5W 30 not 10W 30...
Oh yeah, who's idea was it to put the cup holder over the ashtray?
Jill
2007Jul 17
(reported on)Prizm LX
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
I actually own a 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
Same issues as everyone else.
However, my engine started knocking and died.
Everyone needs to call Chevrolet and advise of this issue - Toyota owners did the same and have been reimbursed for repairs.
I personally have given an earful to Chevrolet and have an RVP getting involved.
Appears we all have fairly low mileage.
Call Chevrolet and Complain.
If the RVP does nothing for me I will file a suit - supoena this website and everyone else who has the same issue.
2007Mar 27
(reported on)Prizm
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
Same problem: Heavy oil consumption. Bought the car with 36,000 miles. At the time it used about a quart between oil changes. Wasn't terribly worried because my previous '94 Prizm did the same thing but never got much worse, even at 130,000 miles. Annoying but I could live with it.
Anyway, my 2001 Prizm has always had regular oil changes... the problem remained fairly constant until about 65,000 miles and consumption starting increasing. Now the car has 77,000 miles, and within the last month it increased to 1 quart every 250 miles!!
My mechanic initially thought it needed a complete head / valve job, but when he got the report from the machine shop, there was strong indication of an oil ring failure in one cylinder.
My mechanic says his research (Toyota and other rebuild shops indicated that there is NO REBUILD kit for this engine. (I'm not sure where previous poster found oil rings for this engine.)
I recall reading at an engine rebuilder's website a while back that the reason rebuilding is not recommended is that the Corolla engine does not have cylinder walls thick enough to handle honing or re-boring.
So, I'm told I can either replace with another used engine (Yeah, like I'm SURE going to do that!!) or replace with a brand new engine from overseas (about $5,100 with 3 yr parts and labor warranty.)
I'm considering the new engine since this is the only problem this car has ever had (a biggie of course). The mechanic told me that often when a problem is discovered with an existing engine model they re-engineer to make the new ones better than the originals.
But on the other hand, it's very tempting to sell this car!
Given the number of similar complaints, I truly hope there is a class action lawsuit against GM and/or Toyota.
I'M DISGUSTED!!!
2004Nov 06
(reported on)Prizm
- 75,000 miles
i recently wrote a complaint about this engine eating up the oil, i forgot to mention that there are no leaks, every where i go i check before and after entering the car even when the car is on and it doesnt produce no green or bluish exhaust color.
I have no clue what could be the problem, once again from the last time that i wrote this complaint i have added another 3 quarts of oil to this car and im just losing it. Please help....?
2006May 22
(reported on)Prizm
- 80,000 miles
I have to add at least 1 quart of oill every 1,000 miles or so. I see no visible leaks, and no smoke out the exhaust. There is a known problem with Toyota Corollas with this same engine. It is caused by oil sludge in the engine. Toyota has extended the engine warranty and is apparently covering engine failures due to lack of oil. Chevrolet has no information about this problem on their Prizm website.
2006Oct 10
(reported on)Prizm
- 110,000 miles
We have had to put in a quart of oil per week for at least 2 years. Has anybody else had this fixed? If so, how much did it cost?
2007Feb 26
(reported on)Prizm 1.4L 4
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Need to add 1 quart of oil every 500 to 750 miles. Nobody can tell me what is going on. Car runs great except for checking the oil all the time for fear of running out. Had car recently tuned up. Replaced plugs - no problems, replace PVC valve, no probles. Cleaned throttle body, so no problems there either. No visible smoke. If somebody finds a real cure, please let us know.
2007Feb 18
(reported on)Prizm 1.8
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
2001 Chevy Prizm/same as a COrolla... Excessive oil consumption
28 year GM employee, know my way around cars.. rebuild wrcks, R&R engines, etc.
This car was purchased with 50k miles in January 2005, used no oil at first (remember it was winter). Then when summer came here in TN car would use 1-2 qts between changes (not too worried yet). Oil consumption was always worse in hot weather than in cool or cold. Oil consumption was always worse when excessive highway driving took place.
Now its February 2007 and this car will use 1 quart per week (probably less than 500miles). Ran compression test, approx 200psi in all cylinders with lowest cylinder within 10% of the highest, had a leak down test performed and nothing unusual was found. Checked plugs and they are burning clean, removed valve cover and found valvetraina rea was clean as well with oil drain back hole(s)unobstructed. PCV valve was replaced (old one was not plugged).
This thing is a major POS, and people rave about Toyota's? you've got to be out of your freakin minds.
I will take this to the dealer for diagnosis so I can document the proper steps, then I will be appealing to our UAW/GM board for for further analysis and consideration.
After reading many message boards I still cannot conclusively find if its a ring problem or valve seal/guide problem. Car does not visibly smoke, but the converter was replaced about a year ago while still under warranty. I saved a oil sample today and will be sending it in for analysis.
I think maybe we have the basis for a class action lawsuit, I will keep this board informed
2007Feb 16
(reported on)Prizm LE 1.8
- Automatic transmission
- 54,000 miles
Purchased used with 54000. No signs of anything wrong only to find out it uses 2qts of oil ever 1200 miles. Spoke with GM - they said "to bad" and would not not help. They would however provide me with $500 of off the price of a new GM product. Yea - like I'll make that mistake again. Spoke with the mechanic- he said that putting in a new ring kit only solves the problem about 50% of them time and would cost about $2500. Suggested a new engine which would run about $6000. Any ideas on what to do would be greatly appreciated
2007Jan 30
(reported on)Prizm 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I bought this car with 24,000 miles on it. I use this car for my work and ut used maybe a quart between oil changes. Now I have 90,000 miles and I changed the oil and filter 2 days ago and today 200 miles later, I heard a pinging noise under the hood and found no oil on the dip stick! I have owned several Toyota vehicles and was very pleased with them, but this 1.8L is a piece of crap! Toyota should be ashamed to have their fine name on this!
2007Jan 22
(reported on)Prizm LSI 1.8
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
I bought this car used and in excellent condition with 64000 miles. Now I find it's using a quart of oil every 600 miles. Disgusting
2007Jan 18
(reported on)Prizm 1ZZFE 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
Engine started guzzling oil - up to 1 qt /500 miles depending on driving (Colorado, mountains). It did not smoke visibly. Eventually I had to replace the rings, and 10k miles later, all 16 valves were bad. Cost me a LOT of money and I did all the removal/installation work myself. Toyota should be ashamed of ever producing this engine.
2006Dec 19
(reported on)Prizm LX 2L
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
I have to keep track of my mileage so I can add oil to it. It needs it one quart every 1500 miles. Also my check engine light has been on for the last 2 years and no one can fix it!!!
2006Nov 21
(reported on)Prizm
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
I drive a lot and just discovered that my car is using way more oil than any other car I've ever had. I keep oil with me at all times and top it off now. I also had the problem where my engine was ticking badly and when I checked the oil, there was practically none in there. My oil light did not alert me either.
2006Sep 13
(reported on)Prizm LE
- 68,000 miles
Glad to see others have the same problem. No leaks, no smoke... but uses alot of oil. I'm having my mechanic look at this problem (going to do an oil consumption test under warranty) If I find something out... I will defintely let you all know!
2006Jul 18
(reported on)Prizm
- 80,000 miles
Consumes about 1-2 quarts of oil a week. The underside of the hood is soaked with oil. Fresh oil is around the oil cap, but I can't see how it could leak that much from the oil cap. Even replaced with a new one.
2006Jul 03
(reported on)Prizm
- 64,000 miles
I am burning oil at an approximate rate of 1 quart per 300 miles. One mechanic suggested it may cost $3,000 to fix. I plan on getting a second or third opinion from other mechanics.
2005Jan 13
(reported on)Prizm
- 67,000 miles
Inbetween every oil change I have to add a quart of oil. The car has no leaks and no smoke out of the tail pipe.
2004Oct 24
(reported on)Prizm
- 75,000 miles
i am tring to figure out why my car eats up so much engine oil. one time the engine light didnt even turn on and when i checked the dipstick there was no oil in it. i checked it because the car was making a horrible ticking sound. why? if i always changed the oil every three thousand miles. what could be the problem?
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Aug 20
Prizm 1.8L
I too have an oil usage problem...but with my Corolla, which has the same engine as the Prism. I just bought it, and the gal even told me it uses a lot of oil. No problem, I figured. I'm a mechanic. So, I got it home, looked it over, changed the oil, was going to drive it and monitor the oil. I noticed it wasn't running smooth. Checked compression, #2 cylinder only had 10 pounds, vs. the other 3 cylinders having 125. So, I did a cylinder leakage test...it was coming out the tailpipe. I proceeded to remove the head, the exhaust valves in cylinder #2 did not look like they were seating. I took the head in to a shop, they replaced all the exhaust valves, seals, and exhaust guides. I put the head back on, figured...problem solved. Started driving it...check engine light was on. After checking everything, determined the catalytic converter was faulty, probably due to the oil going through it. But the oil continues to disappear. I filled it up, took it on a drive totaling 100 miles or so, put it in my garage. In the morning, I checked the oil, already down 1 quart. in 100 miles!
So, after talking to other mechanics, I have decided to install new rings, and hope for the best. I do believe this is a common problem with this 1.8 engine, after reading forums about both Corollas and Prisms (that use a Toyota engine). Not sure why, but I'm going to proceed on. I will add a post later when I see if it does any good or not.
Kerry M.
Ames, IA, USA
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