Owners have filed 116 complaints
about the 1996 GEO Metro with NHTSA between 1996 and 2011.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 80
Against the median year of the GEO Metro. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
53.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Frontal
2046.5%
Fuses AND Circuit Breakers
49.3%
Ignition
49.3%
Front
49.3%
Cooling System
37.0%
Recliner
37.0%
Engine
37.0%
Accelerator Pedal
24.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
75,000 – 99,999 miles
116.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
466.7%
150,000+ miles
116.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1996 Geo Metro 4-DR.
—
—
—
—
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 1996peak 7Feb 2011
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Jacksonville Beach, FLCrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A CRANK SHAFT PROBLEM IN THE ENGINE. THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED. AFTER HEARING A NOISE IN THE ENGINE, SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE CHECKED. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT A BELT BROKE. THE BELT WAS REPLACED, AND A WEEK LATER SHE HEARD ANOTHER NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. AFTER THE CRASH THE VEHICLE STALLED. AFTER BEING INSPECTED THE BOLT CAME LOOSE IN THE CRANK SHAFT. THE CAR WAS EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF POWER. SHE COULD HAVE FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GET UP TO SPEED. ANOTHER MECHANIC TOLD HER IT WAS THE CRANK SHAFT. SHE HAS NOT MADE ANY ARRANGEMENT TO HAVE VEHICLE REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10141300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avon, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE.*MR THE VEHICLE STARTED GIVING THE CONSUMER TROUBLE WHILE DRIVING. ONCE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD,THE CONSUMER OPENED THE HOOD AND DISCOVERED THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10047825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mishawaka, INCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CAR WAS INVOLVED IN 2 DIFFRENT CRASHES ONE WITH A IMPACT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE THE OTHER HEAD ON INTO THE SIDE OF A PICKUP. BOTH TIMES CAR WAS TRAVELING 25-30 MPH. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SECOND TIME AFTER IMPACT WITH THE TRUCK THE CAR ALSO STRUCK A TELEPHONE POLE WITH THE FRONT BUMPER TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAD TO BE PRYED OFF THE POLE AND IT STILL DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #762487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sewickley, PACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
CONSUMER WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND PUSHED INTO A CAR IN FRONT OF HER, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY WRECKED AND THE AIR BAG NOT DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING INJURIES TO THE DRIVER.
NHTSA complaint #785858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sewickley, PACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
CONSUMER WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND PUSHED INTO A CAR IN FRONT OF HER, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY WRECKED AND THE AIR BAG NOT DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING INJURIES TO THE DRIVER.
NHTSA complaint #785858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hereford, TXCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL / DRIVER SIDE COLLISION AT 55 OR MORE MPH. UPON IMPACT BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE US WITH ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #889386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 175,000 milesNorth Charleston, SC
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 GEO METRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TWO REAR DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM NEITHER THE INTERIOR NOR EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE FAILURE NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE HER VEHICLE LISTED IN THE DATABASE AND COULD PROVIDE NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 1/4/11
NHTSA complaint #10384466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,685 milesNanticoke, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
I PURCHASED A 1996 GEO METRO SEDAN FROM A FRIEND AND I HAD DRIVEN IT FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS. THE FRAME HAD ROTTED AWAY FROM THE CONTROL ARMS AND BROKE THE AXEL OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE ALSO STARTED TO SEE THIS IN OTHER METROS. I WAS WONDERING WHY THERE WASN'T A RECALL ON THIS FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND IF THERE WAS I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW BECAUSE NOW I AM WITHOUT A CAR. IF YOU COULD CONTACT ME THAT WOULD BE GREAT.
NHTSA complaint #10259525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,685 milesNanticoke, PA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
I PURCHASED A 1996 GEO METRO SEDAN FROM A FRIEND AND I HAD DRIVEN IT FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS. THE FRAME HAD ROTTED AWAY FROM THE CONTROL ARMS AND BROKE THE AXEL OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE ALSO STARTED TO SEE THIS IN OTHER METROS. I WAS WONDERING WHY THERE WASN'T A RECALL ON THIS FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND IF THERE WAS I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW BECAUSE NOW I AM WITHOUT A CAR. IF YOU COULD CONTACT ME THAT WOULD BE GREAT.
NHTSA complaint #10259525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesNorwalk, OH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
MY DAUGHTER WAS TURNING INTO A PRIVATE DRIVEWAY. LOST STEERING AND CAR CAME TO IMMEDIATE STOP. THE RIGHT FRONT FRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND DROPPED CAR ONTO THE ASSEMBLY FOR THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE CAUSING IT TO BREAK AND ALLOWING THE TIRE TO TURN OUTWARDS AND STOP THE CAR. THERE IS NO REPAIR TO THIS, THE CAR WILL BE JUNKED. IF SHE HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY THIS PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS REALLY SURPRISED US AS THE CAR HAD ONLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE SURFACES THAT WE COULD SEE. WHEN THE GARAGE HAD THE CAR UP ON THE RACK TO SHOW ME THE PROBLEM I COULD SEE QUITE A BIT OF RUSTING ON ALL THE FRONT COMPONENTS, BUT NONE ON THE REAR. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR, WE HAVE TAKEN REASONABLY GOOD CARE OF IT.
NHTSA complaint #10200780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lorain, OH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
1996 GEO METRO FRAME RUSTED AND BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING. *TS
NHTSA complaint #10174336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pueblo, CO
TIRES
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. THE SERVICE DEALER FOUND AIR COMING OUT BETWEEN THE VALVE STEM AND THE TIRE. AFTER TEN DAYS, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. THE SERVICE DEALER FOUND AIR COMING OUT IN THE SAME AREA. THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS PRIOR TO THESE INCIDENTS. THE PROPER PRESSURE RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNKNOWN AND PRESSURE CHECKS WERE NOT PERFORMED. THERE WAS ALSO NO VIBRATION BEFORE THE INCIDENT. HE BRAND NAME OF THE TIRE IS TURISMO TWO.
NHTSA complaint #10161790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville Beach, FLCrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A CRANK SHAFT PROBLEM IN THE ENGINE. THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED. AFTER HEARING A NOISE IN THE ENGINE, SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE CHECKED. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT A BELT BROKE. THE BELT WAS REPLACED, AND A WEEK LATER SHE HEARD ANOTHER NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. AFTER THE CRASH THE VEHICLE STALLED. AFTER BEING INSPECTED THE BOLT CAME LOOSE IN THE CRANK SHAFT. THE CAR WAS EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF POWER. SHE COULD HAVE FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GET UP TO SPEED. ANOTHER MECHANIC TOLD HER IT WAS THE CRANK SHAFT. SHE HAS NOT MADE ANY ARRANGEMENT TO HAVE VEHICLE REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10141300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesAvon Park, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY WIFE'S CAR, LIKE SO MANY OTHERS, HAVE BECOME ALMOST OPAQUE. AFTER HAVING THE LIGHTS REPAIRED AT SUBSTANTIAL COST I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS DUE TO UV EXPOSURE AND THAT IT DOES NOT AFFECT ALL MAKES. APPARENTLY SOME MANUFACTURERS PRODUCE LIGHTS THAT CONTINUE TO FUNCTION AFTER EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT. SOME DO NOT. I FEEL THIS IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD. IT SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE LIGHT OUTPUT AND IT ONLY TAKES A FEW MINUTES LOOKING ABOUT ANY PARKING LOT TO REALIZE THAT MOST GO UNCORRECTED. WHY CAN'T ALL MANUFACTURERS USE HEADLIGHTS THAT DO NOT TURN YELLOW?
NHTSA complaint #10123831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sarasota, FL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR AN ALIGNMENT, AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS LEAKING FLUID ONTO THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL FRAME. THERE WAS SO MUCH LIQUID THAT THE FRAME HOLDING THE WHEEL RUSTED, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE WHEEL TO FALL OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10113641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sarasota, FL
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR AN ALIGNMENT, AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS LEAKING FLUID ONTO THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL FRAME. THERE WAS SO MUCH LIQUID THAT THE FRAME HOLDING THE WHEEL RUSTED, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE WHEEL TO FALL OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10113641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesClaxton, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FUSE BOX/HEADLIGHT CONNECTION BURNT/MELTED. HEADLIGHTS NON OPERATIVE, ONLY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AVAILABLE. REPLACED FUSEBOX FOR SECOND TIME. REPLACED BUTT CONECTOR FOR FOURTH TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10096260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristol, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING SMOKE AND STEAM WAS COMING IN FROM THE VENTS. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND NOTICED THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR CAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10083648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avon, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE.*MR THE VEHICLE STARTED GIVING THE CONSUMER TROUBLE WHILE DRIVING. ONCE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD,THE CONSUMER OPENED THE HOOD AND DISCOVERED THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10047825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mishawaka, INCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CAR WAS INVOLVED IN 2 DIFFRENT CRASHES ONE WITH A IMPACT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE THE OTHER HEAD ON INTO THE SIDE OF A PICKUP. BOTH TIMES CAR WAS TRAVELING 25-30 MPH. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SECOND TIME AFTER IMPACT WITH THE TRUCK THE CAR ALSO STRUCK A TELEPHONE POLE WITH THE FRONT BUMPER TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAD TO BE PRYED OFF THE POLE AND IT STILL DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #762487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sewickley, PACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
CONSUMER WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND PUSHED INTO A CAR IN FRONT OF HER, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY WRECKED AND THE AIR BAG NOT DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING INJURIES TO THE DRIVER.
NHTSA complaint #785858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE IS LEAKING OIL. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #8008440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sewickley, PACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
CONSUMER WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND PUSHED INTO A CAR IN FRONT OF HER, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY WRECKED AND THE AIR BAG NOT DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING INJURIES TO THE DRIVER.
NHTSA complaint #785858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Champaign, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BOLT BROKE IN THE ENGINE, DAMAGING CRANKSHAFT/ WATER PUMP, AND TIMING CHAIN. ALSO, VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHEN DRIVING. CONTACT CHEVROLET, AND CHEVROLET TOLD TO TAKE IT TO DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #894840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Champaign, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
BOLT BROKE IN THE ENGINE, DAMAGING CRANKSHAFT/ WATER PUMP, AND TIMING CHAIN. ALSO, VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHEN DRIVING. CONTACT CHEVROLET, AND CHEVROLET TOLD TO TAKE IT TO DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #894840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hereford, TXCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL / DRIVER SIDE COLLISION AT 55 OR MORE MPH. UPON IMPACT BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE US WITH ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #889386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumpter, SC
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON IN DASH BOARD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #884305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumter, SC
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ON WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY, AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #884309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Owensboro, KY
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING, AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT TIMES, DEALER STATED AIRBAG SYSTEM NEEDED REPLACED, HOWEVER AFTER REPLACEMENT THE AIRBAG LIGHT BECAME ILLUMINATED AGAIN, DEALER FINALLY AGREED TO GIVE A REFUND AS A GOODWILL POLICY. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #559475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HEATER CORE SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED, WILL NOT WORK ON LOW. ALSO, COOLANT LEAKED INTO ENGINE COMPARMENT, AND ODOR COULD BE SMELLED IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #881951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mabscott, WV
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
HEATER CORE SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED, WILL NOT WORK ON LOW. ALSO, COOLANT LEAKED INTO ENGINE COMPARMENT, AND ODOR COULD BE SMELLED IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #881951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.