RoadVitals

1989 Geo Metro

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
27
Latest Jan 15, 2004
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest May 24, 1995
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
5
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
7 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 27 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1989 Geo Metro, most frequently naming the body & structure, interior & seats and seat belts categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 5 NHTSA investigations name it; and 1 manufacturer communication is on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
95V103007

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

May 24, 1995
466,902 units potentially affected
The defect: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
The risk: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
93V189001

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Nov 23, 1993
356,097 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: GM DEALERS WILL (A) INSTALL TWO BOLTS AND NUTS TO SECURE THE STRIKER ASSEMBLY TO THE HOOD INNER PANEL, AND (B) ENSURE THAT THE HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY FASTENERS ARE PROPERLY TIGHTENED.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA95014ClosedEngineering Analysis

SEAT BELT BUCKLES FAILURE

Opened Apr 25, 1995
Closed Jul 28, 1995

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLYLed to recall 95V103007
PE94092ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL

Opened Dec 21, 1994
Closed Apr 25, 1995

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS
EA93006ClosedEngineering Analysis

HOOD FLY-UPS

Opened Feb 26, 1993
Closed Nov 26, 1993

There is no summary currently available

STRUCTURELed to recall 93V189000
PE92085ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

HOOD FLY-UP

Opened Oct 26, 1992
Closed Feb 19, 1993

There is no summary currently available

STRUCTURE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 27
Body & structureBrakesFuel system
Filed Jan 15, 2004
Crash reported

1. HOOD FLEW UP ON FREEWAY AND SHATTERD WINDSHIELD AND DAMAGE HOOD BEYOND REPAIR. 2.FUEL SYSTEM THE CAR WOULD STALL 3. WOULD WEAR OUT BRAKE PADS UNEVENLY AND SCAR ROTERS

NHTSA ID
10069031
Incident
Jan 15, 2003
Mileage
68,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Nov 11, 2001

ON OCTOBER 8, 2001, THE HOOD OF OUR 1989 GEO METRO FLEW UP AND CRACKED OUR WINDSHIELD, DESTROYED THE HOOD AND OBSCURED OUR VISION. AFTER TALKING WITH ANOTHER GEO OWNER WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON GEO METROS FOR A HOOD LATCH DEFECT. WHEN LOOKING AT OUR HOOD IT WAS EVIDENT THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED HAS THE SPOT WELDS DID NOT HOLD. I CONTACTED THIS SITE FIRST AND IT APPEARS THERE WAS A CAMPAIGN FOR THIS DEFECT. HOWEVER, WHEN CALLING THE DEALER TO PROCEED I WAS TOLD MY CAR DID NOT COME UP FOR A RECALL IN THE SYSTEM. I THEN CONTACTED GM TO FURTHER DISCUSS THE SAFETY OF MY CAR. WE HAVE RELACED THE HOOD WITH A USED HOOD WHICH I AM SURE COULD POSSIBLY CONTAIN THE SAME DEFECT. I WAS TOLD THE CAMPAIGN NUMBER ON THE NHTSA SITE DID NOT MATCH THE GM CAMPAIGN AND FURTHER THAT THE CAMPAIGN WAS SO OLD THEY WOULD HAVE TO RESEARCH. I AM IN THE MEANTIME DRIVING WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE A DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE CAR. I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM GM UNLESS I CALL THEM FOR STATUS AND WHEN I DO THEY HAVE NOTHING NEW TO TELL ME. I HAVE REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD AND HOOD AT MY OWN COST AND WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF MY CURRENT HOOD IS ALSO DEFECTIVE. I DO NOT SEE ANY BOLTS IN THE LATCH WHICH IS THE REMEDY FOR THE DEFECT. *AK

NHTSA ID
754390
Incident
Oct 8, 2001
Fuel system
Filed Nov 24, 1998

THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH 0IL CARBURETOR. THE CONSUMER OIL SHOOTS UP INTO THE CARBURETOR, WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO DIE OUT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ID
831327
Incident
Nov 24, 1989
Seat belts
Filed Feb 6, 1998

WHEN THE SEATBELTS ARE IN USE THE BELTS LOCK UP TOO TIGHT AND WILL NOT LOOSEN UNTIL THE BELT BUCKLE COMES LOOSE. DEALER SAYS THAT IS HOW THEY WORK. *AK

NHTSA ID
821338
Body & structure
Filed May 27, 1997

OWNER DID NOT RECEIVE RECALL NOTICE ON HOOD FAILURE BEFORE HOOD CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ID
603360
Incident
May 29, 1996
Seat belts
Filed Oct 25, 1996
3 injuries reported

SEAT BELT FAILED DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURIES.

NHTSA ID
510565
Incident
Oct 18, 1994
Body & structure
Filed Oct 17, 1996

DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR SCREWS PULLED THREW FRAME BODY WITH HINGE ATTACHED, DOOR HUNG ONLY BY ONE SINGLE BOLT. *AK

NHTSA ID
803687
Body & structure
Filed Oct 17, 1996

DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR SCREWS PULLED THREW FRAME BODY WITH HINGE ATTACHED, ALLOWED TO HANG BY ONE SINGLE HINGE. *AK

NHTSA ID
803686

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

MSG01145

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

UNKNOWN

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Geo Metro by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2001600—
2000190040.4
1999230039.1
1998330039.2
1997631049.3
1996880048.8
19951091054.7
1994680042.3
1993501046.7
1992541149.3
1991502361.2
1990392460.6
1989Viewing272562.3
1988001—
1987001—
1986001—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.