MYRModel Year Report

1997 Geo Metro

● Typical for this model
1997 Geo Metro
RENDERED 2026-09-16T20:50:54.260Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Geo Metro Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 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 1997: 63 complaints 1997 1998: 33 complaints 1999: 23 complaints 1999 2000: 19 complaints 2001: 6 complaints 2001
1997: 63 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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 27%

27% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
POWER TRAIN 17%

17% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and park/neutral start interlock switch.

CRASH
AIR BAGS 13%

13% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

FRONT DRIVER SEAT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030506

THE VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030313

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CONSUMER WAS INJURED.*JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030227

SERVICE BRAKES 13%

13% of complaints: service brakes — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
VISIBILITY 10%

10% of complaints: visibility — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield and motor.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19981103 — power train

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE. THE SHIFT LEVER APPEARS TO BE IN "PARK," BUT CAN EASILY BE MOVED FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITHOUT THE USE OF THE KEY, TR

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, OWNERS ARE ADVISED WHEN SHIFTING TO "PARK," ALWAYS APPLY THE PARK BRAKE BEFORE RELEASING THE SERVICE BRAKE.

Campaign 98V225001 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Geo Metro — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 98V225001 (power train) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1998 ▲ 1990 ● 1991

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ◆ 1996 ◆ 1994

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 Geo Metro reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Geo Metro is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Geo Metro?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Geo Metro have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

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