1998 Geo Metro

▲ Better than typical
1998 Geo Metro
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:34:43.566Z

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

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Visibility

21% 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 1998: 33 complaints 1998 33 1999: 23 complaints 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 1998: 33 complaints 1998 33 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 1998: 33 complaints 1998 33 1999: 23 complaints 1999 2000: 19 complaints 2000 2001: 6 complaints 2001

1998: 33 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.

Visibility

21% · 7 reports

Most 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 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline.

Service brakes

15% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Power train

12% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH
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 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY
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 →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

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.