VehicleVerdict

1992 Geo Metro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 78 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Metro year — the 1992 model ranks #5 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 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across seat belts (11), suspension (11), and body & structure (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

78

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Metro years?

Metro NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Metro years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Geo Metro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts1114%
Suspension1114%
Transmission810%
Body & Structure810%
Latches & Locks79%
Airbags56%
Brakes56%
Visibility & Wipers56%
Lighting45%
Electrical System45%
Tires & Wheels34%
Seats23%
Fuel System23%
Engine11%
Other11%
Child Seat11%

Does the 1992 Geo Metro have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

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.

“INAPPROPRIATE SEAT BELT BOLT INSTALLED ON DRIVERS SIDE, ALLOWING DRIVERS SEAT BELT BOLT TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY FRAME UPON IMPACT, RESULTING IN A FATALITY. (ATTORNEY FOR THE DECEASED)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · October 2, 1994

“DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM SUPPORT RUSTED AND COULD POSSIBLY BREAK AND RELEASE THE CONTROL ARM. A LOCAL BODY SHOP SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE CONTROL ARM SUPPORT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 1, 2005

“HOOD LATCH SEPARATED FROM BODY (STILL LATCHED); SUDDENLY FLEW OPEN, SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD AND MANGLED THE HOOD. I NOTICE, NOW, THAT THE CAR WAS RECALLED 6 YEARS AGO FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. WHY WASN'T I NOTIFIED BY MAIL OR THE MANY TIMES THE CAR WAS SERVICED BY DEALERS SINCE THE RECALL???? THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 4, 1999 · crash

“WHILE TURNING INTO DRIVEWAY AT APPROX. 5MPH, THE BOLT WHICH HELD BALL JOINT BROKE, CAUSED AXEL TO DETACH, TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK OUT AND RIGHT FRONT FELL OFF, HITTING RIGHT FRONT FENDER*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“HOOD ASSEMBLY REPAIRED AS PER RECALL, BUT BOLTS HAVE DETACHED FROM HOOD AND LATCH IS NOT SECURE, HAVE BUNGI-CORRODED HOOD TO CAR FRAME, BUT CONTINUE TO NOT DRIVE CARE OVER 30MPH. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · January 1, 2001

1992 Geo Metro — common questions

Is the 1992 Geo Metro reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 78 complaints put the 1992 model at #5 of 16 Metro years. It is one of the Metro years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Metro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (11 complaints), suspension (11 complaints), body & structure (8 complaints).

Does the 1992 Geo Metro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Geo Metro. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Geo Metro under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.