VehicleVerdict

1997 Geo Metro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 90 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Metro year — the 1997 model ranks #4 of 16 Metro years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (17), transmission (11), and brakes (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

90

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Metro years?

Metro NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Metro years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Geo Metro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1719%
Transmission1112%
Brakes1011%
Airbags89%
Visibility & Wipers67%
Fuel System56%
Tires & Wheels56%
Body & Structure44%
Seats44%
Speed Control44%
Suspension33%
Seat Belts33%
Other33%
Steering22%
Lighting22%
Electrical System22%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 1997 Geo Metro have recalls?

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

98V225001TransmissionSeptember 21, 1998 · 32,903 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE. THE SHIFT LEVER APPEARS TO BE IN "PARK," BUT CAN EASILY BE MOVED FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITHOUT THE USE OF THE KEY, TRANSAXLE LEVER DETENT BUTTON, OR DEPRESSING THE BRAKE.

Consequence

IF THE SHIFT LEVER WERE TO COME OUT OF "PARK" WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A NON-LEVEL SURFACE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, OWNERS ARE ADVISED WHEN SHIFTING TO "PARK," ALWAYS APPLY THE PARK BRAKE BEFORE RELEASING THE SERVICE BRAKE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CAR CAUGHT FIRE SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY AFTER MAKING A BACKFIRE NOISE. HAD MY CHILDREN BEEN IN THE CAR IN THEIR CAR SEATS, THEY WOULD HAVE BURNED TO DEATH. THE CAR BURNED SO FAST MY WIFE ONLY HAD TIME TO SLAM IT IN PARK AND JUMP OUT. SHE DID NOT EVEN HAVE TIME TO PULL IT OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 16, 1999 · fire

“THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED, VEHICLE ROLLED, JUMPED A PARKING BLOCK, UPROOTED A FENCE, THE TOP OF THE FENCE HIT THE WINDHSIELD CAUSING IT TO CRACK, THE FENCE WENT UP OVER THE VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE FROM THE FRONT, TO THE BACK. I HAVE THE ESTIMATE FROM THE BODY SHOP THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 1, 2002 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS IN A COMMERCIAL PARKING LOT OWNER AND WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE APPLIED BRAKES AND VEHICLE TOOK OFF. CONSUMER STEPPED ON THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET, AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD. CONSUMER EVENTUALLY GOT THE VEHICLE TO STOP. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 3, 2004 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A SNAPPING NOISE. FRONT WHEEL BROKE, AND VEHICLE ROLLED THREE TIMES AND LANDED ON ROOF UPSIDE DOWN, AND AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 7, 2001 · crash

“WINDOW ON DRIVER'S SIDE FAILED TO UP & DOWN PROPERLY. INTERFERES WITH DOOR REGULATOR. DOOR WOULD JAM. WINDOW TILTS FORWARD. HAS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES. BEEN TO DEALER AND REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY FIRST TIME. WARRANTY RAN OU. TOOK VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. EACH TIME REPAIRED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 22, 1998

1997 Geo Metro — common questions

Is the 1997 Geo Metro reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 90 complaints put the 1997 model at #4 of 16 Metro years. It is one of the Metro years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Metro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (17 complaints), transmission (11 complaints), brakes (10 complaints).

Does the 1997 Geo Metro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 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.