1989 Geo Metro

○ Not enough data
1989 Geo Metro
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:49:58.035Z

Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
27

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1989: 27 complaints 1989 27 1990: 39 complaints 1991: 51 complaints 1991 1992: 55 complaints 1993: 51 complaints 1993 1994: 69 complaints 1995: 109 complaints 1995 1996: 88 complaints 1997: 63 complaints 1997 1998: 33 complaints 1999: 23 complaints 1999 2000: 19 complaints 2001: 6 complaints 2001
1989: 27 complaints 1989 27 1990: 39 complaints 1990 1991: 51 complaints 1991 1992: 55 complaints 1992 1993: 51 complaints 1993 1994: 69 complaints 1994 1995: 109 complaints 1995 1996: 88 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1997 1998: 33 complaints 1998 1999: 23 complaints 1999 2000: 19 complaints 2000 2001: 6 complaints 2001
1989: 27 complaints 1989 27 1990: 39 complaints 1990 1991: 51 complaints 1991 1992: 55 complaints 1992 1993: 51 complaints 1993 1994: 69 complaints 1994 1995: 109 complaints 1995 1996: 88 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1997 1998: 33 complaints 1998 1999: 23 complaints 1999 2000: 19 complaints 2000 2001: 6 complaints 2001

1989: 27 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19860
19870
19880
198927
199039
199151
199255
199351
199469
1995109
199688
199763
199833
199923
200019
20016

Known problem areas

Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Structure

8 of 27 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing hinge and attachments and hood.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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…

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-22

Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline and service brakes, hydraulic

Hood bracket broke, causing hood to fly up, loss of visibility and accident, prior to recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-06

Latches/locks/linkages

6 of 27 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.

Seat belts

4 of 27 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Automatic seat belts did not lock in place during head on collison.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-09-06

Visibility

2 of 27 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing glass, side/rear.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The drivers side window blew in while driving and cut the passengers due to a rusted out channel that holds the window up.tt consumer was cut on the left leg, scalp and the knuckles on right hand due to glass blowing across, also 2 year old son had...

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-05

Seats

2 of 27 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1990-05-30Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-08-14 Rear suspension fails
  2. I
    1992-10-26Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-02-19 Hood fly-up
  3. I
    1993-02-26Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-26 Hood fly-ups
  4. R
    1993-12-23Latches/locks/linkages93V189001 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…

    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.

  5. I
    1994-12-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-04-25 Takata seat blt bckls fail
  6. I
    1995-04-25Engineering analysisClosed 1995-07-28 Seat belt buckles failure
  7. R
    1996-05-17Seat belts95V103007 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…

    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…

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Geo Metro — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Latches/locks/linkages: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 93V189001 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 95V103007 · Seat belts

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1989 Geo Metro reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Geo Metro?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Geo Metro have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-08-03 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.