MYRModel Year Report

1996 Geo Metro

◆ Worse than typical
1996 Geo Metro
RENDERED 2026-09-16T06:46:18.266Z

This year had 30% to 100% more 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

Complaints per year, Geo Metro Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1989: 27 complaints 1989 1990: 39 complaints 1991: 51 complaints 1991 1992: 55 complaints 1993: 51 complaints 1993 1994: 69 complaints 1995: 109 complaints 1995 1996: 88 complaints 1996 1997: 63 complaints 1997 1998: 33 complaints 1999: 23 complaints 1999 2000: 19 complaints 2001: 6 complaints 2001
1996: 88 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.

AIR BAGS 32%

32% of complaints: air bags — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19960205

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and ignition.

FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A CRANK SHAFT PROBLEM IN THE ENGINE. THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED. AFTER HEARING A NOISE IN THE ENGINE, SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE CHECKED. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT A BELT BROKE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20051031

VEHICLE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE.*MR THE VEHICLE STARTED GIVING THE CONSUMER TROUBLE WHILE DRIVING. ONCE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD,THE CONSUMER OPENED THE HOOD AND DISCOVERED THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. *PH *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20031120

WHILE DRIVING SMOKE AND STEAM WAS COMING IN FROM THE VENTS. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND NOTICED THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE FLOOR.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040727

SEATS 9%

9% of complaints: seats — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

▮ 1996 — complaint volume: 88

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Geo Metro — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (28 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1998 ▲ 1990 ● 1991

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ◆ 1994 ● 1997

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 Geo Metro reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Geo Metro is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Geo Metro?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Geo Metro have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

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