1991 Geo Metro
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.
- Complaints
- 51
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Latches/locks/linkages
Campaigns on file for 1991
Opened by NHTSA
31% of complaints
Complaints per year
1991: 51 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
31% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing latch and lock.
Show complaint excerpts
Hood latch failed, hood flew open, hit top and became detached from vehicle prior to recall (93V-189.001)
NHTSA ODI report, 1994-10-23
Seat belts
29% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle was involved in a single car collision where both the driver and passenger seat belts became un-buckled, which resulted in the passenger being ejected from the vehicle and killed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-22
Driving vehicle on i-90, road under construction, vehicle hit rocks in road/flipped over, driver thrown from vehicle, seat belt did not restrain driver.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-29
Automatic seat belts did not restrain upon rear end collision. Occupants head impacted the windshield. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-13
Structure
10% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and hood.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumers husband was in motion when there was a popping sound, followed by lost of control of the vehicle. All braking and steering power was lost.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-13
Engine and engine cooling
10% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing catalytic convertor and gasoline.
Electrical system
10% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing switch and module.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1993-02-26Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-26 Hood fly-ups
-
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.
-
I
1994-12-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-04-25 Takata seat blt bckls fail
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I
1995-04-25Engineering analysisClosed 1995-07-28 Seat belt buckles failure
-
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
1991 Geo Metro — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Latches/locks/linkages: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 5 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 →FAQ
- Is the 1991 Geo Metro reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Geo Metro is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1991 Geo Metro?
- The most-reported component is latches/locks/linkages, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1991 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.