VehicleVerdict

1990 Geo Metro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1990 Geo Metro sits mid-pack among Metro years: 45 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 42, with 2 recalls and 4 closed investigations.

Latches & Locks leads the complaint categories with 16 reports (36% of the total).

45

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

4

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Metro years?

Metro NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Metro years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Geo Metro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Latches & Locks1636%
Seat Belts1124%
Engine511%
Lighting49%
Body & Structure37%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Seats24%
Steering12%
Airbags12%

Does the 1990 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.

“IT'S BEEN 1 MONTH SINCE CONTACTING THE DEALER CONCERNING HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY RECALL. HOOD LATCH IS BROKEN SO BADLY THAT THE ENTIRE HOOD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER IS GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND. I'VE CALLED THEM 3 TIMES ALREADY THIS WEEK. THE DEALER IS SAYING THAT THEY NEED APPROVAL TO REPAIR IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks

“DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT ACCIDENT AT 25 MPH, FRONT SEAT BELT FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED. THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK IN PLACE UPON IMPACT.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 15, 1995 · crash

“ENGINE IS BURNING OIL WHILE DRIVING, AND SMOKE COMES OUT REALLY BADLY. DRIVER CAN'T SEE TRAFFIC BEHIND HER. CONSUMER FEELS UNSAFE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 1, 2000

“THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE DASH LIGHTS CAME BACK ON BUT THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting

“WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT 75 MPH, LATCH ON THE HOOD ON DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE, CAUSING THE HOOD TO FLY UP AND BREAK WINDSHIELD. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SHOULDER SAFELY. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. HOOD AND WINDSHIELD HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED. CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THERE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 20, 2000

1990 Geo Metro — common questions

Is the 1990 Geo Metro reliable?

It is close to typical for the Metro: 45 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 4 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1990 Metro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are latches & locks (16 complaints), seat belts (11 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 1990 Geo Metro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Geo Metro. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Geo Metro under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 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.