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1989 Geo MetroProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 27 owner complaints about the 1989 Geo Metro, most often about the structure. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

67
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years51% below the Metro median · #10 of 12 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints276 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage68kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 15, 2004. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 Geo Metro has problems

27 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure82
Latches/locks/linkages60
Seat belts42
Seats20
Visibility21
Fuel system, gasoline21
Power train10
Engine and engine cooling10
Exterior lighting10
2 other systems21

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1989 Geo Metro recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Front: buckle assembly

Recall 95V-103 · May 24, 1995 · 466,902 vehicles

Risk. THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Geo.

Best & worst years

1989 vs. every other Metro year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Metro median. How we score

'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
5 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1989 Geo Metro, and the recalls they led to.

  1. HOOD FLY-UPSEA93006 · closed Nov 26, 1993
    Led to recall 93V-189
  2. SEAT BELT BUCKLES FAILUREEA95014 · closed Jul 28, 1995
    Led to recall 95V-103
  3. REAR SUSPENSION FAILSPE90084 · closed Aug 14, 1990
    No recall
  4. HOOD FLY-UPPE92085 · closed Feb 19, 1993
    No recall
  5. TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAILPE94092 · closed Apr 25, 1995
    No recall
In owners' words

What Metro owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

1. HOOD FLEW UP ON FREEWAY AND SHATTERD WINDSHIELD AND DAMAGE HOOD BEYOND REPAIR. 2.FUEL SYSTEM THE CAR WOULD STALL 3. WOULD WEAR OUT BRAKE PADS UNEVENLY AND SCAR ROTERS
Complaint 10069031 · Jan 15, 2004 · 68,000 miles

Own a 1989 Metro?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.