1998 Geo Metro recalls & problems
The 1998 Geo Metro has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 33 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is visibility (8 complaints).
Recalls0safety recalls
Complaints33filed by owners
Crashes · fires5 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths6 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 1998 Geo Metro.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility Defroster/defogger/hvac system; Windshield wiper/washer | 8 | — |
| Engine and engine cooling Engine › Gasoline | 6 | — |
| Service brakes, hydraulic Power assist › Vacuum; Foundation components | 5 | — |
| Power train Automatic transmission; Manual transmission | 4 | — |
| Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal | 3 | — |
| Structure Body; Body › Door | 3 | — |
| Air bags Frontal; Side/window | 3 | — |
| Equipment Appliance › Air conditioner | 1 | — |
| Steering | 1 | — |
| Seats | 1 | — |
| Tires | 1 | — |
| Seat belts Front › Anchorage | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Aug 16, 2005Exterior lighting › Headlights
THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT AIM CORRECTLY. AFTER A FEW FRUSTRATING ATTEMPTS TO ADJUST MY HEADLIGHTS I REALIZED THEY ENTIRE ASSEMBLY RAISES UP AT HIGH SPEEDS AND NEEDS TO BE MANUALLY MANIPULATED (KICKED) BACK IN TO PLACE WHERE IT REMAINS UNTIL THE NEXT TRIP WHICH REQUIRES SPEEDS ABOVE 55 MPH. THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS SECURED BY A SCREW AND A HARD PLASTIC NIPPLE IN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WHICH IS WEDGED INTO A RUBBER GROMMET MOUNTED ON THE CHASSIS. I BELIEVE THAT THIS RUBBER GROMMET STRETCHES, HARDENS OR DRY ROTS OVER TIME WEAKENING ITS EFFECTIVENESS. DURING MY 45 MINUTE DRIVE EACH MORNING PASS ANOTHER CHEVROLET METRO WITH ITS RIGHT HEADLIGHT POINTING HIGH AND TO THE RIGHT AS IT PASSES ME WHICH IS… - Jun 20, 2004 · 60,000 miles · crash · 2 injuriesVehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
WHILE DRIVING 15-18 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE HIT A STREET POLE. THE CONSUMER/PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. *AK *SC *JB - Sep 1, 2003 · 33,110 milesEngine and engine cooling
THIS PROBLEM EXISTS EVERY TIME THE CAR IS DRIVEN. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR WITH VARIOUS DRIVE TIMES, STOPPING AND ALLOWING THE CAR TO SIT FOR APPROX 25-30 MINS THEN TRYING TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN IT STALLS OUT AND DIES IN 2-7 OF DRIVING. IN MOST CASE THE CAR HAS DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS AND ON THE FREEWAY. IT USUALLY TAKE 1-2 MINUTES TO RESTART IT BEFORE IT WILL RUN. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE SEPTEMBER '03 AND ON THE LAST TRIP TO THE DEALER, THEY NOW ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND WHAT IS CAUSING IT. MY CAR HAS NOW BEEN THERE FOR TWO WEEKS, AND THEY STILL HAVE IT. THEY REPLACED THE MAP SENSOR, BUT IT HAS NOT FIXED THE… - Sep 18, 1998Service brakes, hydraulic
THE BRAKES ON MY METRO HAS BEEN FIXED 5 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT IT, I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. 5 TIMES IN 5 YEARS. *AK - Jan 3, 2003 · 54,000 milesPower train › Automatic transmission
THE VEHICLE MADE A GRINDING AND CHATTERING NOISE UPON ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CHEVROLET AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NLM - Feb 26, 2003Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
THE HEATER EMITTED A SMELL WHEN IT WAS ON.*JB - Aug 1, 2002Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
INTERIOR FAN WILL NOT WORK DUE TO HEATER A/C CONTROL FAILURE. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE DEFOGGING SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK, AND SINCE METRO HATCHBACKS ARE EXTREMELY PRONE TO FOGGING, THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN THE MORNINGS OR EVENINGS. ROLLING DOWN THE WINDOWS DOES NOT HELP THIS PROBLEM. WE ALSO OWN A 1992 METRO WHICH HAD THE SAME COMPONENT FAIL (SEE SEPARATE REPORT). - Jun 12, 2002Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.