Owners have filed 54 complaints
about the 1993 GEO Metro with NHTSA between 1995 and 2011.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 37
Against the median year of the GEO Metro. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
22.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Latch
828.6%
Door
517.9%
Hood
414.3%
Anchorage
310.7%
Switch
27.1%
Engine
27.1%
Headlights
27.1%
Frontal
27.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1995peak 3Dec 2011
Recalls on the 1993 GEO Metro
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
93V189001
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
MISLOCATED ATTACHING SPOT WELDS OF THE HOOD STRIKER ASSEMBLY CAUSE CRACKS TO START ON THE HOOD INNER PANEL. IF CRACKS OCCUR, THE HOOD STRIKER ASSEMBLY MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE THE HOOD LATCH WHEN THE HOOD IS CLOSED.
Risk: AN IMPROPERLY ENGAGED HOOD LATCH MAY RESULT IN A HOODFLY-UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS WOULD OBSTRUCT THE DRIVER'S VIEWAND COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1993155106,580 units in Canada
Structure
CRACKS ON THE HOOD INNER PANEL MAY LEAD TO A CONDITION IN WHICH THE HOOD STRIKER ASSEMBLY DOES NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE THE HOOD LATCH WHEN CLOSED. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN HOOD "FLY-UP" WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO (2) BOLTS AND NUTS TO BETTER SECURE THE STRIKER ASSEMBLY TO THE HOOD INNER PANEL. DEALERS WILL ALSO ENSURE THAT THE THREE (3) EXISTING HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY RETAINING BOLTS ARE PROPERLY TORQUED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
LA Plata, MDCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE HIT A DEER AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY UPON COLLISION. TS
NHTSA complaint #10002230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ1 injured
TIRES
WHILE DRIVING THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEWOUT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER OFF THE ROADWAY, HIT AN OFFRAMP MEDIAN AND BECOME AIRBORN APPROXIMATELY 30 FEET, THE VEHICLE THEN STRUCK A TREE BEFORE COMING TO A STOP, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BRAIN, AND LEG (3RD DEGREE BURNS) (GOODYEAR TIRE). NLM
NHTSA complaint #556804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, IN1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
DURING A FRONT END COLLISION THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT DID NOT PROVIDE CONSUMER WITH PROTECTION RESULTING IN AN INJURY, CONSUMER STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #785145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenneth City, FL1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
HEAD RESTRAINTS ON CARS LIKE THE METRO AND THE DAEWOO LANOS ARE NOT SAFE
NHTSA complaint #703790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Streamwood, ILCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DRIVING DOWN MIDDLE OF STREET, ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT REAR OF DRIVER SIDE VEHICLE, FRAME BUCKLED, SEAT FELL BACKWARDS, SEAT BELT HELD, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #982421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paradise VAL, AZ1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
CONSUMER ALMOST LOST FINGER TRYING TO CLOSE THE CONVERTIBLE TOP . TT
NHTSA complaint #977571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 180,000 milesTurners Falls, MA
SUSPENSION
THE LEFT FRONT A FRAME ROTTED OUT. I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10441006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesTurners Falls, MA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
THE LEFT FRONT A FRAME ROTTED OUT. I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10441006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,042 milesNewhall, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
DT: CONSUMER STATES HE FOUND A RECALL ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, #93V189001. THE HOOD FLEW UP AND OFF, HITTING THE ROOF AND DAMAGED THE HOOD. HE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THERE WAS NO WARNING; IT HAD BEEN ABOUT A WEEK SINCE THE HOOD WAS OPENED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT HIMSELF AND THE VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THERE IS A CASE FILE NUMBER,1-348-257471. THERE WAS ALMOST A ACCIDENT AND THERE WAS NOT A POLICE REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #10128334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LA Plata, MDCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE HIT A DEER AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY UPON COLLISION. TS
NHTSA complaint #10002230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Munster, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
FRONT PASSENGER'S DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF. SPRING CAME OUT OF HANDLE. DEALER CONTACTED. PLEASE ADD VIN.
NHTSA complaint #8004361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ1 injured
TIRES
WHILE DRIVING THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEWOUT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER OFF THE ROADWAY, HIT AN OFFRAMP MEDIAN AND BECOME AIRBORN APPROXIMATELY 30 FEET, THE VEHICLE THEN STRUCK A TREE BEFORE COMING TO A STOP, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BRAIN, AND LEG (3RD DEGREE BURNS) (GOODYEAR TIRE). NLM
NHTSA complaint #556804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miamia, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HOOD STARTED LIFTING UP. ABOUT THREE SECONDS LATER, HOOD CAME OFF, AND HIT TOP OF WINDSHIELD AND ROOF OF VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #891738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, IN1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
DURING A FRONT END COLLISION THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT DID NOT PROVIDE CONSUMER WITH PROTECTION RESULTING IN AN INJURY, CONSUMER STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #785145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Claymont, DE
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
I WAS CHARGED $186.00 TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELT. I WAS TOLD IT IS NOT WARRANTED.
NHTSA complaint #737027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #717776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roseville, MN
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
HOOD BLEW COMPLETELY OFF GOING 55 MPH, BREAKING WINDSHIELD, AND DAMAGING TOP OF CAR.
NHTSA complaint #714614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colton, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH AND DUE TO CRACKS WITHIN THE HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY, THE HOOD FLEW UP, CRACKING THE WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AND BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP.
NHTSA complaint #851923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexander, NC
INTERIOR LIGHTING
THE TAIL LIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT WHILE DRIVING, AND WILL NOT COME BACK ON. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #849052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexander, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
THE TAIL LIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT WHILE DRIVING, AND WILL NOT COME BACK ON. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #849052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burke, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
PASSENGER'S SIDE AND DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLES BROKE FROM THE INSIDE, CAUSING CONSUMERS TO GET LOCKED IN VEHICLE. AS SOON AS CONSUMER STARTED TO DRIVE DOORS IMMETEALLY LOCKED.
NHTSA complaint #838093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenneth City, FL1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
HEAD RESTRAINTS ON CARS LIKE THE METRO AND THE DAEWOO LANOS ARE NOT SAFE
NHTSA complaint #703790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairport, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
INSIDE DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF.
NHTSA complaint #529114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Juli, TN
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
CRACKS IN THE HOOD INNER PANEL.
NHTSA complaint #536209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grayson, KY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
FRONT HOOD POPS UP WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAD RECALL WORK DONE FOR HOOD LATCH FAILURE, BUT LATCH REMAINS DEFECTIVE. OWNER VERY CONCERNED FOR SAFETY.
NHTSA complaint #822711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewiston, ME
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OIL PAN HAS FAILED AT BASE WHERE SCREW IS FOUR TIME IN TWO MONTHS.
NHTSA complaint #531062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goldsboro, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
KEYS BREAK OFF IN THE IGNITION, DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN OF KEY BEING NARROW IN LOCATIONS.
NHTSA complaint #525104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, MI
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, HOOD LATCH FAILED, ALLOWING THE HOOD TO FLY UP AND STRIKE THE WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #526137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gwinn, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CONSUMER STATES THE CIRCUIT BOARD WITHIN THE FUSE BOX CORRODED, CAUSING VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. HEAD LIGHT BECOME INOPERATIVE, VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO RUN WITH KEY OUT THE IGNITION. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE FUSE BOX IS HOT ALL THE TIME AND IT DESTOYED THE IGNITION BOX. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #818336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gwinn, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
CONSUMER STATES THE CIRCUIT BOARD WITHIN THE FUSE BOX CORRODED, CAUSING VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. HEAD LIGHT BECOME INOPERATIVE, VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO RUN WITH KEY OUT THE IGNITION. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE FUSE BOX IS HOT ALL THE TIME AND IT DESTOYED THE IGNITION BOX. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #818336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gwinn, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
CONSUMER STATES THE CIRCUIT BOARD WITHIN THE FUSE BOX CORRODED, CAUSING VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. HEAD LIGHT BECOME INOPERATIVE, VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO RUN WITH KEY OUT THE IGNITION. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE FUSE BOX IS HOT ALL THE TIME AND IT DESTOYED THE IGNITION BOX. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #818336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.