1999 Geo Metro problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1999 Geo Metro sits mid-pack among Metro years: 36 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 transmission (6), airbags (5), and suspension (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
36
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other Metro years?
What are the most common 1999 Geo Metro problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 6 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 5 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION AND AIR CONDITIONER.*MR *TS. THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, THE SWITCH THAT WENT FROM LOW SPEED TO HIGH SPEED CONTAINED FREE PLAY AND ONLY WORKED ON HIGH SPEED, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE COMPRESSOR FAILED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE WAS A DEFECT WITH THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL…”
“WHILE AT A STOP A VEHICLE HIT THE METRO IN THE REAR AND THE METRO WENT FORWARD HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A FRONTAL IMPACT, BUT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS ACCIDENT. ALSO, DURING THE ACCIDENT THE DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE, CAUSING…”
“ONGOING / INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING WHILE AT SLOW SPEED, IDLING WHILE COMING TO A STOP OR DRIVING DOWN A HILL. VEHICLE BEEN IN / OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK ALSO THERE WAS A GRENDING NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE…”
“ONGOING / INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING WHILE AT SLOW SPEED, IDLING WHILE COMING TO A STOP OR DRIVING DOWN A HILL. VEHICLE BEEN IN / OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK ALSO THERE WAS A GRENDING NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE…”
“WINDOW GASKETS OR DOOR WATER SEALS ARE FAILING ON ALL 4 DOORS. BOTH FRONT DOOR LOCKS ARE FROZEN; BOTH FRONT DOOR HANDLES ARE BEGINNING TO FREEZE; REAR DRIVER DOOR LOCK AND DOOR HANDLE IS BEGINNING TO FREEZE; REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK IS BEGINNING TO FREEZE. FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HAS BEEN FROZEN TO…”
1999 Geo Metro — common questions
Is the 1999 Geo Metro reliable?
It is close to typical for the Metro: 36 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 1999 Metro problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (6 complaints), airbags (5 complaints), suspension (4 complaints).
Does the 1999 Geo Metro have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 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.