VehicleVerdict

1993 Geo Metro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1993 Geo Metro sits mid-pack among Metro years: 54 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 42, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (12), latches & locks (8), and lighting (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

54

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Metro years?

Metro NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 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, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Metro years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Geo Metro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure1222%
Latches & Locks815%
Lighting47%
Electrical System47%
Airbags36%
Engine36%
Seat Belts36%
Seats36%
Visibility & Wipers36%
Tires & Wheels24%
Brakes24%
Other24%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Suspension12%
Fuel System12%
Transmission12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 1993 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.

“RECALL #93V189, STRUCTURE HOOD ASSEMBLY: DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35MPH AND HOOD FLEW UP ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. GM WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL,SAYING THE SAFETY CATCH HAD RUSTED ON IT AND THAT'S WHY IT DID NOT CATCH. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 3, 1996

“DT: CONSUMER STATES HE FOUND A RECALL ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, #93V189001. THE HOOD FLEW UP AND OFF, HITTING THE ROOF AND DAMAGED THE HOOD. HE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THERE WAS NO WARNING; IT HAD BEEN ABOUT A WEEK SINCE THE HOOD WAS OPENED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND HE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · July 7, 2005

“CONSUMER STATES THE CIRCUIT BOARD WITHIN THE FUSE BOX CORRODED, CAUSING VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. HEAD LIGHT BECOME INOPERATIVE, VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO RUN WITH KEY OUT THE IGNITION. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE FUSE BOX IS HOT ALL THE TIME AND IT DESTOYED THE IGNITION BOX. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 1, 1997

“CONSUMER STATES THE CIRCUIT BOARD WITHIN THE FUSE BOX CORRODED, CAUSING VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. HEAD LIGHT BECOME INOPERATIVE, VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO RUN WITH KEY OUT THE IGNITION. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE FUSE BOX IS HOT ALL THE TIME AND IT DESTOYED THE IGNITION BOX. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · April 1, 1997

“DURING A FRONT END COLLISION THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT DID NOT PROVIDE CONSUMER WITH PROTECTION RESULTING IN AN INJURY, CONSUMER STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · December 20, 2000

1993 Geo Metro — common questions

Is the 1993 Geo Metro reliable?

It is close to typical for the Metro: 54 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1993 Metro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (12 complaints), latches & locks (8 complaints), lighting (4 complaints).

Does the 1993 Geo Metro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 Geo Metro. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.