VehicleVerdict

1991 Geo Metro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 65 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Metro year — the 1991 model ranks #6 of 16 Metro years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 13 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across latches & locks (16), seat belts (15), and electrical system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

65

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

13

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Metro years?

Metro NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 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, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Metro years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Geo Metro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Latches & Locks1625%
Seat Belts1523%
Body & Structure58%
Electrical System58%
Engine58%
Seats46%
Visibility & Wipers35%
Airbags35%
Suspension23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Fuel System23%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%
Brakes12%

Does the 1991 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.

“WHILE DRIVING ON HWY AT APPROX. 50MPH, SUDDENLY HOOD FLEW UP, SHATTERING WINDSHIELD, BENDING HOOD, GLASS THROUGH OUT INTERIOR, VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR HOOD LATCH DEFECT, DLR REPLACED HOOD STRIKER ASSEMBLY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks

“THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR COLLISION WHERE BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS BECAME UN-BUCKLED, WHICH RESULTED IN THE PASSENGER BEING EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND KILLED. RELATED RECALL 95V103007, MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · May 5, 2003 · crash

“HM [PHONE]; CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS TWICE RESULTING IN BLOWING HOLE IN MUFFLER TO STALLING WITH NO WARNING. CONVERTER REPLACED TWICE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“CONSUMERS HUSBAND WAS IN MOTION WHEN THERE WAS A POPPING SOUND, FOLLOWED BY LOST OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ALL BRAKING AND STEERING POWER WAS LOST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE UNISTRUT FRAME ON THE VEHICLE HAD BROKEN. CHEVROLET DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 1, 2002

“DRIVER/PASS. WINDOW SLIPS OFF TRACK AND FALLS INSIDE DOOR, ALSO EXPERIENCES KEY BREAKAGE IN IGNITION AND HATCHBACK DOOR. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

1991 Geo Metro — common questions

Is the 1991 Geo Metro reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 65 complaints put the 1991 model at #6 of 16 Metro years. It is one of the Metro years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Metro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are latches & locks (16 complaints), seat belts (15 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 1991 Geo Metro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Geo Metro. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Geo Metro under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 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.