no report yet
Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
Risk. IF THE SHIFT LEVER WERE TO COME OUT OF "PARK" WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A NON-LEVEL SURFACE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
1997 Geo MetroProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 63 owner complaints about the 1997 Geo Metro, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 14, 2005. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 1997 Geo Metro has problems
63 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
14Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
11Power train1 crash/fire/injury
8Air bags7 crash/fire/injury
7Service brakes, hydraulic2 crash/fire/injury
5Visibility
5Fuel system, gasoline
4Seats
4Structure
4Vehicle speed control
209 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 14 | 1 |
| Power train | 11 | 1 |
| Air bags | 8 | 7 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 7 | 2 |
| Visibility | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 5 | 0 |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1 |
| 9 other systems | 20 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
1997 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.
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
1997 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
NHTSA crash tests
1997 Geo Metro safety ratings
1997 Geo Metro 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Metro owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
ONE OF THE WHEEL HUB CAPS CAME OFF AND THE TREAD OF TWO TIRES BEGAN PEELING OFF.*NM A TICKING SOUND WAS HEARD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AND GETTING LOUDER EVERY DAY. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID APPEARED BROWN INSTEAD OF PINK. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE WORN OUT. THE…
THE CONSUMER SLOWED VEHICLE DOWN FROM 65 MPH AND HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC, AND WAS INFORMED THAT NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC THEN LOOSENED O RINGS TO STOP THE NOISE AND…
STALLING PROBLEMS. WHILE DRIVING ENGINE WILL STOP RUNNING. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALLS.*AK
Own a 1997 Metro?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.