1998 Geo Metro
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.
- Complaints
- 33
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Visibility
None on file
None on file
21% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 33 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.
Visibility
21% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Show complaint excerpts
The heater emitted a smell when it was on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-26
Engine and engine cooling
18% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline.
Service brakes
15% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle made a grinding and chattering noise upon acceleration. The consumer took the vehicle to Chevrolet and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-18
Vehicle speed control
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving 15-18 MPH, the accelerator pedal became stuck and the vehicle hit a street pole. The consumer/passenger sustained minor injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-07-12
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Geo Metro — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 Geo Metro reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Geo Metro is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Geo Metro?
- The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 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.