1990 Geo Metro

▲ Better than typical

1990 Geo Metro
RENDERED 2026-09-16T05:24:39.280Z

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 PER YEAR

1990: 39 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1986	0
1987	0
1988	0
1989	27
1990	39
1991	51
1992	55
1993	51
1994	69
1995	109
1996	88
1997	63
1998	33
1999	23
2000	19
2001	6

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 41%

41% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

HOOD LATCH FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL (93V-189), CAUSING HOOD TO FLY UP INTO WINDSHIELD/ACCIDENT. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19950713

SEAT BELTS 28%

28% of complaints: seat belts — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

INQUIRING ABOUT WHETHER RECALL # 95V103007 IS AN ACTUAL RECALL .

NHTSA ODI report, 20030326

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13%

13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and crankcase (pcv).

STRUCTURE 8%

8% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hinge and attachments and hood.

INTERIOR LIGHTING 5%

5% of complaints: interior lighting — 2 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19900530 — PE (closed 19900814)

REAR SUSPENSION FAILS

I 19930226 — EA (closed 19931126)

HOOD FLY-UPS

R 19931223 — latches/locks/linkages

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 H

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.

Campaign 93V189001 — check if this car was fixed

I 19941221 — PE (closed 19950425)

TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL

I 19950425 — EA (closed 19950728)

SEAT BELT BUCKLES FAILURE

R 19960517 — seat belts

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

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 A

Campaign 95V103007 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1990 Geo Metro — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (16 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seat belts issues (11 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 93V189001 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
Verify recall 95V103007 (seat belts) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1998 ● 1991 ● 1993

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ◆ 1996 ◆ 1994

See all years ranked →

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.