Owners have filed 36 complaints
about the 1999 GEO Metro with NHTSA between 1999 and 2008.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 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 — 25
Against the median year of the GEO Metro. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
30.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1999 GEO Metro
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
616.7%
Median failure at 69,000 miles
Airbags
513.9%
5 crashes, 0 fires
Suspension
411.1%
Engine & Cooling
411.1%
Median failure at 28,600 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
38.3%
Median failure at 84,391 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
38.3%
Tires
25.6%
Fuel & Propulsion
25.6%
Brakes
25.6%
Equipment & Accessories
12.8%
Median failure at 69,000 miles
Seats
12.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Seat Belts
12.8%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
12.8%
Body & Structure
12.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
120.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
240.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
240.0%
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.
Mar 1999peak 5Jul 2008
Recalls on the 1999 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 20011464,536 units in Canada
Label
Certain vehicles have an incorrect compliance label that does not meet the requirements of section 6 (1) (f) of the motor vehicle safety regulations. Specifically the vehicle type was listed as "passenger car" instead of "Type: PC/VT" There is no detrimental effect on vehicle safety so no corrective action is necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
FT Worth, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
HEAD-ON IMPACT- AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY-POLICE AT SCENE NOTED THE BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED - THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE IMPACT.
NHTSA complaint #764379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FT Worth, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
HEAD-ON IMPACT- AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY-POLICE AT SCENE NOTED THE BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED - THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE IMPACT.
NHTSA complaint #764379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH REAR ENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THIS CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #875303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ottumwa, IACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE AT A STOP A VEHICLE HIT THE METRO IN THE REAR AND THE METRO WENT FORWARD HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A FRONTAL IMPACT, BUT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS ACCIDENT. ALSO, DURING THE ACCIDENT THE DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT TO FLY BACKWARD AND MAY HAVE CAUSED INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #835566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ottumwa, IACrash2 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE AT A STOP A VEHICLE HIT THE METRO IN THE REAR AND THE METRO WENT FORWARD HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A FRONTAL IMPACT, BUT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS ACCIDENT. ALSO, DURING THE ACCIDENT THE DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT TO FLY BACKWARD AND MAY HAVE CAUSED INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #835566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Vernon, NCCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIRBAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE OFF AT SUCH LOW SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #704922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lyndonville, VT
SUSPENSION:REAR
1999 GEO METRO CONSUMER QUESTION ABOUT CAR REPAIR MONEY. CONSUMER WOULD TO KNOW ABOUT A GRANT FOR $200 DOLLARS FOR A CAR REPAIR SINCE HE CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY IT FOR SURE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE CV JOINT AND REAR STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED/REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10233889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lyndonville, VT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
1999 GEO METRO CONSUMER QUESTION ABOUT CAR REPAIR MONEY. CONSUMER WOULD TO KNOW ABOUT A GRANT FOR $200 DOLLARS FOR A CAR REPAIR SINCE HE CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY IT FOR SURE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE CV JOINT AND REAR STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED/REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10233889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,600 milesCrest Hill, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED BECAUSE THE EXHAUST SYSTEM SNAPPED AT THE MANIFOLD. ALSO, WHEN STARTING VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE UNTIL IT WARMED UP.
NHTSA complaint #10061027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,391 milesOneida Castle, NY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
WINDOW GASKETS OR DOOR WATER SEALS ARE FAILING ON ALL 4 DOORS. BOTH FRONT DOOR LOCKS ARE FROZEN; BOTH FRONT DOOR HANDLES ARE BEGINNING TO FREEZE; REAR DRIVER DOOR LOCK AND DOOR HANDLE IS BEGINNING TO FREEZE; REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK IS BEGINNING TO FREEZE. FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HAS BEEN FROZEN TO THE POINT OF NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN IT FROM THE INSIDE. WHEN DOOR WAS DISMANTLED EXTENSIVE RUST WAS FOUND ON ALL COMPONENTS. NO WORK HAS BEEN DONE TO ANY DOORS TO MY KNOWLEDGE OTHERWISE. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT BECOMING ENTRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE IF THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I HAVE LIVED IN THE NORTHEAST FOR MOST OF MY LIFE AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS OTHERWISE IN EXCELLENT REPAIR, AND I HAVE FOUND NO REASON FOR THE INTERIOR DOOR RUST OTHER THAN FAILED GASKETS OR SEALS. PLEASE NOTE THIS VEHICLE IS A CHEVROLET, BUT "METRO" IS NOT LISTED AS A CHEVROLET OPTION ON THIS SITE.
NHTSA complaint #10030396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,391 milesOneida Castle, NY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
WINDOW GASKETS OR DOOR WATER SEALS ARE FAILING ON ALL 4 DOORS. BOTH FRONT DOOR LOCKS ARE FROZEN; BOTH FRONT DOOR HANDLES ARE BEGINNING TO FREEZE; REAR DRIVER DOOR LOCK AND DOOR HANDLE IS BEGINNING TO FREEZE; REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK IS BEGINNING TO FREEZE. FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HAS BEEN FROZEN TO THE POINT OF NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN IT FROM THE INSIDE. WHEN DOOR WAS DISMANTLED EXTENSIVE RUST WAS FOUND ON ALL COMPONENTS. NO WORK HAS BEEN DONE TO ANY DOORS TO MY KNOWLEDGE OTHERWISE. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT BECOMING ENTRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE IF THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I HAVE LIVED IN THE NORTHEAST FOR MOST OF MY LIFE AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS OTHERWISE IN EXCELLENT REPAIR, AND I HAVE FOUND NO REASON FOR THE INTERIOR DOOR RUST OTHER THAN FAILED GASKETS OR SEALS. PLEASE NOTE THIS VEHICLE IS A CHEVROLET, BUT "METRO" IS NOT LISTED AS A CHEVROLET OPTION ON THIS SITE.
NHTSA complaint #10030396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesBanning, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION AND AIR CONDITIONER.*MR *TS. THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, THE SWITCH THAT WENT FROM LOW SPEED TO HIGH SPEED CONTAINED FREE PLAY AND ONLY WORKED ON HIGH SPEED, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE COMPRESSOR FAILED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE WAS A DEFECT WITH THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10029627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesBanning, CA
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION AND AIR CONDITIONER.*MR *TS. THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, THE SWITCH THAT WENT FROM LOW SPEED TO HIGH SPEED CONTAINED FREE PLAY AND ONLY WORKED ON HIGH SPEED, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE COMPRESSOR FAILED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE WAS A DEFECT WITH THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10029627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
THE PASSENGER FRONT AND BACK SEAT BELTS DID NOT RETRACT AFTER THE BUCKLE WAS RELEASED, THE BELTS HUNG LOOSE ALONG SIDE. (LOCK MECHANISM BROKE) DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *TS
NHTSA complaint #10002403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Vegas, NV
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING AT HIGH SPEED BUT NOT AT LOW SPEED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8015400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FT Worth, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
HEAD-ON IMPACT- AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY-POLICE AT SCENE NOTED THE BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED - THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE IMPACT.
NHTSA complaint #764379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FT Worth, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
HEAD-ON IMPACT- AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY-POLICE AT SCENE NOTED THE BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED - THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE IMPACT.
NHTSA complaint #764379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, ME
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BOUGHT CAR IN 5/2001 IN 9/2001 PROBLEM WITH FRONT ROTORS HAD THEM GROUND DOWN IN 9 & 10 OF 2001 STILL HAVING HIGH SPEED SHUDDERING PROBLEM IN APRIL OF 2002 WENT BACK AND HAD ROTORS REPLACED IN MAY OF 2002 DEALER SHIP TELLS ME IT IS THE DRUMS NOW THAT ARE THE PROBLEM???? STILL HAVE SAME PROBLEM WITH CAR SINCE SEPT OF 2001.
NHTSA complaint #763881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cementon, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPAIRED THREE TIMES TO DATE, BUT WITH SUB STANDARD RESULTS.
NHTSA complaint #754911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frazier Park, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
THE CAR WAS PARKED. I OPENED THE DOOR AND THE WIND TOOK IT OPENING IT PAST IT'S DESIGNED MAXIMUN. I WAS ABLE TO RECLOSE THE DOOR WITH ONE HAND, SO THE WIND WAS NOT THAT STRONG. I FEEL THE DAMAGE THAT OCCURRED WAS EXCESSIVE FOR A SAFELY CONSTRUCTED VEHICLE. THE PARTS THAT WERE DESIGNED TO GIVE WAY AND ARE REPLACEABLE DID NOT GET DAMAGED. THE DAMAGE OCCURED TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WHICH IS NOT DESIGNED TO BE REPLACEABLE AND THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE MUST BE FABRICATED. UPON VIEWING THE DAMAGE IT IS EVIDENT THAT THERE IS A FACTORY DEFECT IN THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST FACTORY PROBLEM THAT I HAVE HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE. AT 18,000 MILES A NEW ENGINE WAS PUT IN THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THE ENGINE DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY FROM THE TIME I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT AND THE PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE A DEFECTIVE BLOCK, SO THE ENTIRE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. QUITE HONESTLY I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. IF A LITTLE WIND COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MUCH DAMAGE, WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF SURVIVING A EVEN A MINOR IMPACT FROM THE SIDE IN THIS VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO A PRIVATE BODY SHOP AND THEY SUGGESTED THAT I CONTACT CHEVROLET BECAUSE OF THE SEVERITY OF THE DAMAGE DID NOT SEEM CONSISTENT WITH THE NATURE OF THE INCIDENT AND THE DESIGNED INTEGRITY OF A ROAD WORTHY VEHICLE! THE CAR IS SITTING IN THE DEALER LOT AT RYDELL CHEVROLET AT 18600 DEVONSHIRE ST. IN NORTHRIDGE, CA 91324 PHONE# (818) 832-1695 [XXX] IS MY CONTACT. I WOULD APPECIATE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM YOUR ORGANIZATION TO COME OUT, VIEW THE DAMAGE THAT OCCURED AND MAKE AN UNBIASED DETERMINATION OF WHETHER THIS SITUATION WAS A RESULT OF ANOTHER FACTORY DEFECT IN THIS VEHICLE OR NOT. A MANUFACTURES REP FROM CHEVROLET SUPPOSEDLY EVALUATED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT IT WAS NOT A DEFECT, BUT I HAVE NOT BEEN PRESENTED WITH ANY DOCUMENTATION TO THAT EFFECT AND HAVE TO ASSUME THAT HIS OPINION IS A BIASED ONE. THANK YOU FOR YOU TIME AND CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER. SINCERELY, [XXX]. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMAT
NHTSA complaint #742877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sandwich, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
WHEN STARTING VEHICLE THERE IS STRONG FUEL SMELL WHICH CAUSES OCCUPANTS TO FEEL SICK. *AK THE SMELL COMES THROUGH THE VENTS. GM SAID IT IS NORMAL ALL 98,99 AND 2000'S HAVE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #877624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH REAR ENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THIS CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #875303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forthworth, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
EXCESSIVE WEAR OF BRAKE PADS. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PADS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #866436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monterey, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I BELIEVE CRACKED HEAD ENGINE GASKET HAPPENED LONG AGO AND SIGNS ONLY SHOWED 5/16/2000.
NHTSA complaint #722786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
POWER TRAIN
SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE WIGGLES AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 20 AND 45 MPH, SPEEDOMETER CABLE REPLACED AND DID NOT RECTIFY PROBLEM. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #550356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM EXPERIENCES NOISE AND VIBRATION/PULLING, ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS WITH UNEVEN WEAR OF THE TIRES, SEVERAL REPAIR ATTEMPTS, HOWEVER NO PROBLEM FOUND, DEFECTIVE STRUT AND MOUNT REPLACED ON TWO OCCASION HOWEVER DID NOT RECTIFY PROBLEMS. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #550356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM EXPERIENCES NOISE AND VIBRATION/PULLING, ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS WITH UNEVEN WEAR OF THE TIRES, SEVERAL REPAIR ATTEMPTS, HOWEVER NO PROBLEM FOUND, DEFECTIVE STRUT AND MOUNT REPLACED ON TWO OCCASION HOWEVER DID NOT RECTIFY PROBLEMS. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #550356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
THE SEALANT SEEPS OUT FROM BETWEEN THE RUBBER SEAL AND THE GLASS, UPON DELIVERY OF VEHICLE, SEVERAL REPAIRS HOWEVER CONTINUES. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #550356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
THE KEY IN HARD TO INSERT INTO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS DOOR AND HAS BECOME JAMMED DURING INSERTION. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #550356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
TIRES
ORIGINAL TIRES FAIL PREMATURELY/FLAT, PREMATURE WEAR SHOWED AT 1,500 MILES. YH
NHTSA complaint #551132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burbank, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE IDLES HIGH AND THE VEHICLE CRUISES WITHOUT APPLYING GAS. PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND CUSTOMER SERVICE. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #855204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.