Owners have filed 90 complaints
about the 1997 GEO Metro with NHTSA between 1997 and 2005.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 62
Against the median year of the GEO Metro. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
30% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% 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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
116.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
233.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
233.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
116.7%
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.
Jun 1997peak 8Mar 2005
Recalls on the 1997 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19981891,610 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the automatic transaxle shift lever appears to be in PARK, but can easily be moved from the PARK position without the use of the key, transaxle lever detent button, or depressing the brake. If the shift lever were to come out of PARK while the vehicle is parked on a non-level surface, a roll away could occur with the possibility of a crash without prior warning. Correction: Shifter assembly will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 19,850 milesEdison, NJCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMER WAS IN A COMMERCIAL PARKING LOT OWNER AND WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE APPLIED BRAKES AND VEHICLE TOOK OFF. CONSUMER STEPPED ON THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET, AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD. CONSUMER EVENTUALLY GOT THE VEHICLE TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint #10099754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,850 milesEdison, NJCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
CONSUMER WAS IN A COMMERCIAL PARKING LOT OWNER AND WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE APPLIED BRAKES AND VEHICLE TOOK OFF. CONSUMER STEPPED ON THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET, AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD. CONSUMER EVENTUALLY GOT THE VEHICLE TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint #10099754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesPort ST. Lucie, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
FRONT DRIVER SEAT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10018321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesLivingston, TXCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10011643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livingston, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CONSUMER WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10009518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington Court House, OHCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED, VEHICLE ROLLED, JUMPED A PARKING BLOCK, UPROOTED A FENCE, THE TOP OF THE FENCE HIT THE WINDHSIELD CAUSING IT TO CRACK, THE FENCE WENT UP OVER THE VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE FROM THE FRONT, TO THE BACK. I HAVE THE ESTIMATE FROM THE BODY SHOP THAT IT WAS TAKEN TO. I ALSO HAVE WITNESSES THAT SAW THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS ENGAGED.
NHTSA complaint #765427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Rockford, IL
POWER TRAIN
ONE OF THE WHEEL HUB CAPS CAME OFF AND THE TREAD OF TWO TIRES BEGAN PEELING OFF.*NM A TICKING SOUND WAS HEARD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AND GETTING LOUDER EVERY DAY. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID APPEARED BROWN INSTEAD OF PINK. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE WORN OUT. THE DISTRIBUTOR CAP CRACKED, THE OIL SWITCH WAS BAD, AND THE PCV VALVE WAS BAD. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE STALLED WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHEED THE 25 MPH MARK. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RESTART.
NHTSA complaint #10110924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ONE OF THE WHEEL HUB CAPS CAME OFF AND THE TREAD OF TWO TIRES BEGAN PEELING OFF.*NM A TICKING SOUND WAS HEARD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AND GETTING LOUDER EVERY DAY. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID APPEARED BROWN INSTEAD OF PINK. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE WORN OUT. THE DISTRIBUTOR CAP CRACKED, THE OIL SWITCH WAS BAD, AND THE PCV VALVE WAS BAD. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE STALLED WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHEED THE 25 MPH MARK. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RESTART.
NHTSA complaint #10110924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, IL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
ONE OF THE WHEEL HUB CAPS CAME OFF AND THE TREAD OF TWO TIRES BEGAN PEELING OFF.*NM A TICKING SOUND WAS HEARD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AND GETTING LOUDER EVERY DAY. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID APPEARED BROWN INSTEAD OF PINK. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE WORN OUT. THE DISTRIBUTOR CAP CRACKED, THE OIL SWITCH WAS BAD, AND THE PCV VALVE WAS BAD. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE STALLED WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHEED THE 25 MPH MARK. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RESTART.
NHTSA complaint #10110924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE CONSUMER SLOWED VEHICLE DOWN FROM 65 MPH AND HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC, AND WAS INFORMED THAT NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC THEN LOOSENED O RINGS TO STOP THE NOISE AND STALLING, BUT THE NOISE AND THE STALLING CONTINUED. THE STALLING OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE HAD TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP FOR ANY REASON. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10103502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Howard, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE CONSUMER NOTICED A WHEEL HAD COME OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF A TRACTOR TRAILER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE WHEEL SUBSEQUENTLY HIT THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10004095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,850 milesEdison, NJCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMER WAS IN A COMMERCIAL PARKING LOT OWNER AND WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE APPLIED BRAKES AND VEHICLE TOOK OFF. CONSUMER STEPPED ON THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET, AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD. CONSUMER EVENTUALLY GOT THE VEHICLE TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint #10099754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,850 milesEdison, NJCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
CONSUMER WAS IN A COMMERCIAL PARKING LOT OWNER AND WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE APPLIED BRAKES AND VEHICLE TOOK OFF. CONSUMER STEPPED ON THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET, AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD. CONSUMER EVENTUALLY GOT THE VEHICLE TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint #10099754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesWernersville, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
I HELPED MY MOTHER IN LAW PURCHASE A NEW 1997 GEO METRO FROM A DEALER IN 1997. I AM DISSATIFIED WITH THE QUALITY OF THE PAINT JOB. THE PAINT IS WEARING OFF THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE AND APPEARS TO ALSO BE HAPPENING ON THE HOOD. IN ADDITION THE CHROME PAINT HAS WORN OFF THE WHEEL COVERS LAST YEAR. WE HAVE MAINTAINED THIS CAR, WASHING , WAXING ETC AS WE HAVE ALL OUR OTHER VEHICLES SO I DON'T BELIEVE IMPROPER MAINTENACE IS THE CAUSE. IS THERE ANY FINANCIAL HELP AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10052774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesWernersville, PA
WHEELS:HUB
I HELPED MY MOTHER IN LAW PURCHASE A NEW 1997 GEO METRO FROM A DEALER IN 1997. I AM DISSATIFIED WITH THE QUALITY OF THE PAINT JOB. THE PAINT IS WEARING OFF THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE AND APPEARS TO ALSO BE HAPPENING ON THE HOOD. IN ADDITION THE CHROME PAINT HAS WORN OFF THE WHEEL COVERS LAST YEAR. WE HAVE MAINTAINED THIS CAR, WASHING , WAXING ETC AS WE HAVE ALL OUR OTHER VEHICLES SO I DON'T BELIEVE IMPROPER MAINTENACE IS THE CAUSE. IS THERE ANY FINANCIAL HELP AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10052774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
STALLING PROBLEMS. WHILE DRIVING ENGINE WILL STOP RUNNING. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10022392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesPort ST. Lucie, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
FRONT DRIVER SEAT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10018321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port ST. Lucie, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CIGARETTE LIGHTER WHEN PRESSED IN WILL HURL OUTWARD INTO THE CAR WHEN IT IS HOT. IT HAPPENS CONSISTENTLY UNLESS YOU HOLD ONTO THE LIGHTER. THE CAR HAS HAD THIS DEFECT SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT USED AT A DEALERSHIP, IN 2/ 1999 THE INCIDENT DATE WAS CHOSEN AT RANDOM.
NHTSA complaint #10018319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesLivingston, TXCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10011643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livingston, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CONSUMER WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10009518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weston, WV
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
BROUGHT CAR JULY 11, 2000-DEC. 20,2000-TRANSMISSION REPLACED-AUG. 23, 2002 THROUGH SEPT. 30, 2002-SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON CRANK SENSOR SEAL O-RING REPLACED, BURNING OIL, HAS A SHAKE TO IT WHEN DRIVING AND SLOWING DOWN, AND ALL THIS HAPPENED IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. MR
NHTSA complaint #767904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington Court House, OHCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED, VEHICLE ROLLED, JUMPED A PARKING BLOCK, UPROOTED A FENCE, THE TOP OF THE FENCE HIT THE WINDHSIELD CAUSING IT TO CRACK, THE FENCE WENT UP OVER THE VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE FROM THE FRONT, TO THE BACK. I HAVE THE ESTIMATE FROM THE BODY SHOP THAT IT WAS TAKEN TO. I ALSO HAVE WITNESSES THAT SAW THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS ENGAGED.
NHTSA complaint #765427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington Court HOU, OH
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT STARTED TO ROLL BACK WITH THE VEHICLE BEING TURNED OFF, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK THE VEHICLE JUMPED A PARKING BLOCK AND HIT A FENCE, WHICH HIT THE WINDSHIELD, CRACKING IT. THE VEHICLE WENT UNDER THE FENCE AND THE FENCE SCRATCHED THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK. IT DAMAGED THE FRONT BUMPER, FRONT LIGHTS, HOOD, FENDER, VENT SCREEN, LEFT WIPER ARM, RIGHT TO LEFT WIPERS, LIFT GATE, REAR LIGHTS, AND POSSIBLE SUSPENSION DAMAGE. THE TOTAL ESTIMATE IS 3026.15. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #8015939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington Court HOU, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT STARTED TO ROLL BACK WITH THE VEHICLE BEING TURNED OFF, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK THE VEHICLE JUMPED A PARKING BLOCK AND HIT A FENCE, WHICH HIT THE WINDSHIELD, CRACKING IT. THE VEHICLE WENT UNDER THE FENCE AND THE FENCE SCRATCHED THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK. IT DAMAGED THE FRONT BUMPER, FRONT LIGHTS, HOOD, FENDER, VENT SCREEN, LEFT WIPER ARM, RIGHT TO LEFT WIPERS, LIFT GATE, REAR LIGHTS, AND POSSIBLE SUSPENSION DAMAGE. THE TOTAL ESTIMATE IS 3026.15. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #8015939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington Court HOU, OH
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT STARTED TO ROLL BACK WITH THE VEHICLE BEING TURNED OFF, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK THE VEHICLE JUMPED A PARKING BLOCK AND HIT A FENCE, WHICH HIT THE WINDSHIELD, CRACKING IT. THE VEHICLE WENT UNDER THE FENCE AND THE FENCE SCRATCHED THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK. IT DAMAGED THE FRONT BUMPER, FRONT LIGHTS, HOOD, FENDER, VENT SCREEN, LEFT WIPER ARM, RIGHT TO LEFT WIPERS, LIFT GATE, REAR LIGHTS, AND POSSIBLE SUSPENSION DAMAGE. THE TOTAL ESTIMATE IS 3026.15. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #8015939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington Court HOU, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT STARTED TO ROLL BACK WITH THE VEHICLE BEING TURNED OFF, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK THE VEHICLE JUMPED A PARKING BLOCK AND HIT A FENCE, WHICH HIT THE WINDSHIELD, CRACKING IT. THE VEHICLE WENT UNDER THE FENCE AND THE FENCE SCRATCHED THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK. IT DAMAGED THE FRONT BUMPER, FRONT LIGHTS, HOOD, FENDER, VENT SCREEN, LEFT WIPER ARM, RIGHT TO LEFT WIPERS, LIFT GATE, REAR LIGHTS, AND POSSIBLE SUSPENSION DAMAGE. THE TOTAL ESTIMATE IS 3026.15. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #8015939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington Court HOU, OH
SUSPENSION
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT STARTED TO ROLL BACK WITH THE VEHICLE BEING TURNED OFF, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK THE VEHICLE JUMPED A PARKING BLOCK AND HIT A FENCE, WHICH HIT THE WINDSHIELD, CRACKING IT. THE VEHICLE WENT UNDER THE FENCE AND THE FENCE SCRATCHED THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK. IT DAMAGED THE FRONT BUMPER, FRONT LIGHTS, HOOD, FENDER, VENT SCREEN, LEFT WIPER ARM, RIGHT TO LEFT WIPERS, LIFT GATE, REAR LIGHTS, AND POSSIBLE SUSPENSION DAMAGE. THE TOTAL ESTIMATE IS 3026.15. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #8015939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington Court HOU, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT STARTED TO ROLL BACK WITH THE VEHICLE BEING TURNED OFF, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK THE VEHICLE JUMPED A PARKING BLOCK AND HIT A FENCE, WHICH HIT THE WINDSHIELD, CRACKING IT. THE VEHICLE WENT UNDER THE FENCE AND THE FENCE SCRATCHED THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK. IT DAMAGED THE FRONT BUMPER, FRONT LIGHTS, HOOD, FENDER, VENT SCREEN, LEFT WIPER ARM, RIGHT TO LEFT WIPERS, LIFT GATE, REAR LIGHTS, AND POSSIBLE SUSPENSION DAMAGE. THE TOTAL ESTIMATE IS 3026.15. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #8015939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington Court HOU, OH
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT STARTED TO ROLL BACK WITH THE VEHICLE BEING TURNED OFF, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK THE VEHICLE JUMPED A PARKING BLOCK AND HIT A FENCE, WHICH HIT THE WINDSHIELD, CRACKING IT. THE VEHICLE WENT UNDER THE FENCE AND THE FENCE SCRATCHED THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK. IT DAMAGED THE FRONT BUMPER, FRONT LIGHTS, HOOD, FENDER, VENT SCREEN, LEFT WIPER ARM, RIGHT TO LEFT WIPERS, LIFT GATE, REAR LIGHTS, AND POSSIBLE SUSPENSION DAMAGE. THE TOTAL ESTIMATE IS 3026.15. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #8015939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lazerne, MICrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WITH A DEER, AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME.*AK
NHTSA complaint #8014303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
AT 35-40MPH AND WITH NO WARNING, ENGINE STALLED, COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE CONNECTOR AT THE FUEL INJECTOR, THE CONNECTORS CONTACT HAD SLIGHTLY OPENED, CONSUMER CLOSED SOME OF THE CONTACTS AND NOW THE ENGINE RUNS WELL. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #8012627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.