1988 Flxible METRO problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1988 Flxible METRO — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other METRO years?

METRO NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all METRO years to avoid →

Does the 1988 Flxible METRO have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V235000Visibility & WipersDecember 14, 1995 · 741 units

Defect

THESE BUSES HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED WHENEVER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE ACTIVATED. NO OTHER EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE ACTIVATED BY WINDSHIELD WIPER ACTIVATION. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THIS COULD CAUSE A VISIBILITY PROBLEM INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ELECTRICAL WIRING TO ACTIVATE ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS WHENEVER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE ACTIVATED.

90V203000Seat BeltsDecember 14, 1990 · 1,447 units

Defect

ADJUSTABLE LENGTH TETHER BELT ON DRIVER'S AIR SUSPENSION TYPE SEAT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED TO THE CORRECT LENGTH DURING MANUFACTURE.

Consequence

INCORRECT LENGTH BELTS WILL NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN DRIVERIN AN ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN STOP AND WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 207 AND FMVSS 210.

Remedy

PROPERLY ADJUST TETHER BELTS TO CORRECT LENGTH.

90V122000LightingJune 26, 1990 · 45 units

Defect

RETROFIT LIGHT SOCKETS FOR REAR STOP, TURN, TAIL AND BACKUP LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WOULD CAUSE THE BUSES TO BE IN NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 108.

Consequence

THESE BUSES WOULD NOT MEET THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTSOF FMVSS 108, AND MAY NOT HAVE THE DESIRED EFFECT FOR MOTORISTS FOLLOWING THESEBUSES AND COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSTALL NEW LIGHT SOCKETS AND NEW REAR LIGHT HOUSINGS ON BUSES.

89V169000OtherOctober 12, 1989 · 51 units

Defect

FLOOR ANCHORAGE INSERT BOLTS FOR SECURING WHEELCHAIR ARE SUBJECT TO BREAK.

Consequence

A BROKEN OR DAMAGED BOLT MAY NOT ADEQUATELY RESTRAIN AWHEELCHAIR AND PERSON DURING HARD BUS MANEUVER OR DURING A CRASH.

Remedy

FLOOR ANCHORAGE MOUNTING INSERT DESIGN WILL BE CHANGED.

89V040000Body & StructureMarch 22, 1989 · 4,758 units

Defect

THE ENTRANCE DOOR EMERGENCY RELEASE MECHANISM MAY EXCEED THE 20 LB. FORCE ALLOWED BY FMVSS 217.

Consequence

BUSES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH STANDARD.

Remedy

REPAIR RELEASE CABLE MECHANISM TO COMPLY WITH STANDARD.

88V196000Seat BeltsDecember 27, 1988 · 551 units

Defect

THE ADJUSTABLE LENGTH TETHER BELT INSTALLED BETWEEN THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT ATTACHMENT ON SEAT FRAME AND ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENT POINT FAILED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 207.

Consequence

TETHER BELT LENGTH FAILED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS207. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE UNLATCHING OF THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM.

Remedy

THE TETHER BELT WILL BE ADJUSTED TO THE PROPER LENGTH ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

1988 Flxible METRO — common questions

Is the 1988 Flxible METRO reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1988 Flxible METRO have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Flxible METRO. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1988 Flxible METRO under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1988 compare to other METRO years?

Does the 1988 Flxible METRO have recalls?

1988 Flxible METRO — common questions

Is the 1988 Flxible METRO reliable?

Does the 1988 Flxible METRO have recalls?

Is the 1988 Flxible METRO under NHTSA investigation?

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