MYRModel Year Report

1997 Geo Metro

● Typical for this model
1997 Geo Metro
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:47:32.471Z

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
63
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

27% of complaints

Complaints per year

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 63 1998: 33 complaints 1999: 23 complaints 1999 2000: 19 complaints 2001: 6 complaints 2001
1989: 27 complaints 1989 1990: 39 complaints 1990 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 63 1998: 33 complaints 1998 1999: 23 complaints 1999 2000: 19 complaints 2000 2001: 6 complaints 2001
1989: 27 complaints 1989 1990: 39 complaints 1990 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 63 1998: 33 complaints 1998 1999: 23 complaints 1999 2000: 19 complaints 2000 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% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE

Power train

17% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and park/neutral start interlock switch.

CRASH

Air bags

13% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Front driver seat air bag did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-06

The vehicle was in a frontal collision, and the air bags failed to deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-13

The vehicle was involved in a frontal collision, and the air bags did not deploy, consumer was injured.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-27

Service brakes

13% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Visibility

10% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing windshield and motor.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1998-11-03Power train98V225001 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Geo Metro — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 98V225001 · Power train
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

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.