1998 Geo Metro problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1998 Geo Metro sits mid-pack among Metro years: 39 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 42, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (8), engine (6), and brakes (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
39
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Metro years?
What are the most common 1998 Geo Metro problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility & Wipers | 8 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 6 | 15% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 6 | 15% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 4 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 3 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 3 | 8% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 8% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“INTERIOR FAN WILL NOT WORK DUE TO HEATER A/C CONTROL FAILURE. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE DEFOGGING SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK, AND SINCE METRO HATCHBACKS ARE EXTREMELY PRONE TO FOGGING, THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN THE MORNINGS OR EVENINGS. ROLLING DOWN THE WINDOWS DOES NOT HELP THIS PROBLEM. WE ALSO OWN A…”
“AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 200 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY THE ENGINE STARTS TO LOSE POWER. ALSO WHEN GOING UP AN INCLINE THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER AT ABOUT 20MPH, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO BE REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE OVER 11 TIMES. *AK”
“PARKING BRAKE IS DEFECTIVE. CONSUMER HEARS A CLICKING NOISE WHEN HE ENGAGES PARKING BRAKE, AND FEELS THAT BRAKES MAY NOT HOLD VEHICLE WHILE PARKED ON A SLOPE. *NOTE: CONSUMER OWNED A 1994, GEO, METRO THAT ROLLED BACKWARDS WHILE PARKED ON A SLOPE. CONSUMER STATED THAT BOTH BRAKE MECHANISMS WERE…”
“TRANSMISSION WOULD REQUIRE EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO SHIFT FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR AND PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL WAS WORSE WHEN HOT. OWNER WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A LOOSE CONNECTION FROM THE COMPUTER TO THE TRANSMISSION.”
“WHILE DRIVING 15-18 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE HIT A STREET POLE. THE CONSUMER/PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. *AK *SC *JB”
1998 Geo Metro — common questions
Is the 1998 Geo Metro reliable?
It is close to typical for the Metro: 39 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 1998 Metro problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (8 complaints), engine (6 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).
Does the 1998 Geo Metro have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Geo Metro.
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.