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1990 Geo MetroProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 39 owner complaints about the 1990 Geo Metro, most often about the latches/locks/linkages. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

59
CarFlaw IndexSolid year30% below the Metro median · #8 of 12 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints398 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem16Latches/locks/linkages

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 26, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1990 Geo Metro has problems

39 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
Latches/locks/linkages161
Seat belts111
Engine and engine cooling40
Structure30
Interior lighting20
Exterior lighting20
Seats22
Visibility10
Steering10
1 other systems11

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

2 recalls

1990 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

1990 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
4 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1990 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. TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAILPE94092 · closed Apr 25, 1995
    No recall
In owners' words

What Metro owners report

Recent latches/locks/linkages complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE DOOR LATCH HANDLES STAY UP WHEN OPENED. I HAVE 2 DOOR HANDLES DOING THIS, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE & REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. WHEN THE DOORS ARE OPENEN THE HANDLES STAY UP AND WHEN THE DOOR IS PULLED SHUT THE DOOR WILL NOT LATCH. THE WINDOW HAS TO BE ROLLED DOWN AND THE HANDLE PUSHED DOWN TO LATCH…
Complaint 9004455 · Sep 19, 2001
EXPERIENCD OUTSIDE DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTION, RENDERING DOORS INOPERATIVE FROM OUTSIDE WHEN ALL DOORS WON'T OPEN WITH KEY. *AK
Complaint 985257 · Jun 4, 1996
PERFORMANCE CHEVROLET 93C21/93V189. OWNER SEEKS ASSISTANCE IN HAVING RECALL REPAIR HONORED. AFTER THREE MONTHS PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. *AK
Complaint 985098 · May 31, 1996

Own a 1990 Metro?

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