VehicleVerdict

1989 Geo Metro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 1989 Geo Metro — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

29

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

5

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Metro years?

Metro NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted132 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 29 complaints1990: 45 complaints1991: 65 complaints1992: 78 complaints1993: 54 complaints1994: 91 complaints1995: 132 complaints1996: 116 complaints1997: 90 complaints1998: 39 complaints1999: 36 complaints2000: 23 complaints2001: 7 complaints
Metro NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Metro years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Geo Metro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure828%
Latches & Locks621%
Seat Belts414%
Seats27%
Visibility & Wipers27%
Fuel System27%
Lighting13%
Electrical System13%
Engine13%
Brakes13%
Transmission13%

Does the 1989 Geo Metro have recalls?

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

95V103007Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 466,902 units

Defect

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

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

Remedy

OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

93V189001Latches & LocksNovember 23, 1993 · 356,097 units

Defect

MISLOCATED ATTACHING SPOT WELDS OF THE HOOD STRIKER ASSEMBLY CAUSE CRACKS TO START ON THE HOOD INNER PANEL. IF CRACKS OCCUR, THE HOOD STRIKER ASSEMBLY MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE THE HOOD LATCH WHEN THE HOOD IS CLOSED.

Consequence

AN IMPROPERLY ENGAGED HOOD LATCH MAY RESULT IN A HOODFLY-UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS WOULD OBSTRUCT THE DRIVER'S VIEWAND COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

GM DEALERS WILL (A) INSTALL TWO BOLTS AND NUTS TO SECURE THE STRIKER ASSEMBLY TO THE HOOD INNER PANEL, AND (B) ENSURE THAT THE HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY FASTENERS ARE PROPERLY TIGHTENED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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 filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 15, 2003 · crash

“CONSUMER TOOK CAR TO DEALER ON 3/15/95 TO BE REPAIR FOR RECALL LETTER SHE STILL DON'T HAVE CAR CALL TWICE AND WHEN DOWN THERE DON'T HAVE TIME TO FIX HER CAR.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · March 15, 1995

“WHEN THE SEATBELTS ARE IN USE THE BELTS LOCK UP TOO TIGHT AND WILL NOT LOOSEN UNTIL THE BELT BUCKLE COMES LOOSE. DEALER SAYS THAT IS HOW THEY WORK. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW BLEW IN WHILE DRIVING AND CUT THE PASSENGERS DUE TO A RUSTED OUT CHANNEL THAT HOLDS THE WINDOW UP.TT CONSUMER WAS CUT ON THE LEFT LEG, SCALP AND THE KNUCKLES ON RIGHT HAND DUE TO GLASS BLOWING ACROSS, ALSO 2 YEAR OLD SON HAD GLASS BLOWN PAST HIM AND INTO HIS CAR SEAT.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 26, 1995

“WHILE DRIVING TO WORK BRACKET HOLS=DINGF THE SRICER'S BACK SEAT BROKE, DRIVER FELL INTO REAR OF VEHICLE. DON HAROUFFI [EMAIL]. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · June 14, 1995

1989 Geo Metro — common questions

Is the 1989 Geo Metro reliable?

The record is thin — 29 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1989 Metro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (8 complaints), latches & locks (6 complaints), seat belts (4 complaints).

Does the 1989 Geo Metro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Geo Metro. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Geo Metro under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Geo Metro years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Metro years to avoid are 1995, 1996, 1994, 1997, 1992, 1991. The cleanest record among Metro years belongs to 1988.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.