RoadVitals

1999 Geo Tracker

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.
22
Latest Jun 25, 2007
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.
3
Latest Oct 20, 1999
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.
0
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.
4

Overview

Our database contains 22 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1999 Geo Tracker, most frequently naming the engine, suspension and electrical categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 11 manufacturer communications are 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

  • Engine618.8%
  • Suspension515.6%
  • Electrical412.5%
  • Transmission412.5%
  • Brakes412.5%
  • Visibility26.3%
  • Airbags26.3%
  • Interior & seats13.1%

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

3 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
99V273001

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Oct 20, 1999
30,605 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH. IF THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE, A FAILURE IN THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH MAY ALSO PREVENT SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
The risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS FOLLOWING CLOSELY, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 99052View on NHTSA.gov
98V329000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Dec 22, 1998
12 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLE. THE WINDSHIELD MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AND MAY NOT MEET THE WINDSHIELD RETENTION DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RETAINED AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELDS ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 98077View on NHTSA.gov
98V324001

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

Dec 15, 1998
1,158 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COUPLING THAT CONNECTS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT TO THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT IS CRACKED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE STEERING SHAFTS TO SEPARATE.
The risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT COUPLING.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 98076View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 22
Suspension
Filed Jun 25, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GEO TRACKER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER IS ROTTED OUT AND CORRODED FROM THE INSIDE. THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WITH FRONT CROSS MEMBERS DESIGNED AND MADE BY SUZUKI, WHICH RUST FROM THE INSIDE OUT DUE TO INSUFFICIENT CORROSION PROTECTION. NHTSA ACTION # EA06018 WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 69,300.

NHTSA ID
10194177
Incident
Jun 24, 2007
Mileage
69,300 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 8, 2006

ENGINE IDLES ROUGH AND STALLS. *JB

NHTSA ID
10175543
Incident
Dec 6, 2006
Mileage
63,000 mi
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Aug 5, 2003

MY CHEVROLET/GEO TRACKER HAD A ARECAL ISSUED ON IT. HOWEVER THE DEALER FAILED TO REPAIR IT PRIOR TO SALING IT THOUGH THE TITLE EXPLICITLY STATED THEY MUST. WHAT SHOULD I DO?. *AK

NHTSA ID
10030846
Incident
Aug 5, 2003
Engine
Filed Jul 6, 2003

I HAVE ONLY OWNED MY 1999 TRACKER FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS AND HAVE HAD MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH IT. I HAD THE TIMING CHAINS AND HEAD GASKET REPLACED IN FEB DUE TO AN UNEXPLAINED OIL LEAK. I HAVE NOW BEEN INFORMED BY THE PLACE THAT DID THE OTHER ENGINE REPAIRS THAT IT NOW NEEDS A NEW OIL PUMP AND CONNECTING RODS TO THE TUNE OF 1000 DOLLARS. I HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN ANY SATISFACTION FROM CHEVY OR MY DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE AUTO. THE CAR HAS DIED AND IT WAS SHAKING AND STALLING OUT AT STOP LIGHTS AS WELL AS WHEN I WOULD BE PUTTING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE FOR ANYTHING. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE OR RELIABLE AND I AM PISSED OFF AT CHEVY AND ROCKENBACH THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD ME THIS PIECE OF CRAP. *AK

NHTSA ID
10025493
Incident
Jul 3, 2003
Mileage
55,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 11, 2002
Crash reported

WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, AND WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ON WET PAVEMENT ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATES, CAUSING BRAKE PEDAL TO GO TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK

NHTSA ID
8007385
Body & structureEngineSuspension
Filed Apr 25, 2001

BUMPER BOLTS FAILED(3), IN ADDITION, 1 GRILLE BOLT, AND 1 MANIFOLD BOLT HAS COMPLETLY FALLEN OFF. THE DEALER TOLD ME "MY LICENSE PLATE WAS LOOSE". THIS TRACKER IS LOSING BOLTS AT AN ALARMING RATE. THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION DEVELOPED A SEVERE "RATTLE"AT ANY AND ALL SPEEDS. THE STRUT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED, BUT A RATTLE IS STILL NOTICABLE OVER UNEVEN SURFACES. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ON A LONG-DURATION TRIP.*AK

NHTSA ID
744522
Incident
Oct 1, 2000
Engine
Filed Aug 14, 2000

FAN SQEALING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD OR TEMPERTURE IS COLD. IT CAN GET VERY LOUD IF COLD OUTSIDE. DON'T KNOW IF FAN MAY FAIL FAIL AND COME APART. *AK

NHTSA ID
727847
Incident
Feb 1, 2000
Heating & air conditioningSuspensionTransmission
Filed Aug 2, 2000

TRANSMISSION-COULD NOT GET CAR INTO FIRST GEAR AND THIRD GEAR GRIND ON THE UP & DOWN SHIFT.REPLACED BOTH GEARS. TWO MONTHS LATER HAPPENED AGAIN SO TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED.THREE MONTHS LATER SAME PROBLEM WITH FIRST, FOURTH AND REVERSE.DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE COMPLETE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. AC-THE AC IS NOT A BIG ENOUGH UNIT FOR THE VEHICLE. HAVE TO LEAVE IT ON HIGH AT ALL TIMES TO COOL THE BACK SEAT. SUSPENSION- THE VEHICLE IS ALL OVER THE ROAD. VERY HARD TO HANDLE IN THE WIND, RAIN OR EVEN ANY SPEED OVER 55 MPH. BUMPER- ALL THE FASTENERS HOLDING THE BACK MOLDING ON FELL OUT. *AK

NHTSA ID
726395
Incident
Jun 24, 1999

Manufacturer communications

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

17-NA-073

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

16NA260

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS.

Recalls

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Vehicle Recalls

99-08-51-007F

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; WHEELS

Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility — Outside Company later in this bulletin.

99-08-51-007F

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; WHEELS

Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility — Outside Company later in this bulletin.

PI0281D

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.

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 Tracker by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2002100—
2001210—
2000700—
1999Viewing223052.2
1998180038.7
1997250041.7
1996711049.4
1995640041.9
1994483162.4
1993241154.7
1992190043.9
1991181352.5
1990251352.5
1989101451.6
1988001—
1987001—
1986101—

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.