MYRModel Year Report

1990 Geo Metro

▲ Better than typical
1990 Geo Metro
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:34:48.323Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
39
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1990

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Latches/locks/linkages

41% of complaints

Complaints per year

1989: 27 complaints 1990: 39 complaints 1990 39 1991: 51 complaints 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 1990: 39 complaints 1990 39 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 1990: 39 complaints 1990 39 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

1990: 39 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Latches/locks/linkages

41% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing latch.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Hood latch failed prior to recall (93V-189), causing hood to fly up into windshield/accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-13

Seat belts

28% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Inquiring about whether recall # 95V103007 is an actual recall .

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-26

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing engine and crankcase (pcv).

Structure

8% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing hinge and attachments and hood.

Interior lighting

5% · 2 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 4 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
    1993-02-26Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-26 Hood fly-ups
  3. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1994-12-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-04-25 Takata seat blt bckls fail
  5. I
    1995-04-25Engineering analysisClosed 1995-07-28 Seat belt buckles failure
  6. 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1990 Geo Metro — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Latches/locks/linkages: 16 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 93V189001 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 95V103007 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1990 Geo Metro reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Geo Metro is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Geo Metro?
The most-reported component is latches/locks/linkages, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 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.