1997 Geo Tracker problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 35 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Tracker year — the 1997 model ranks #5 of 17 Tracker years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (7), engine (6), and airbags (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
35
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other Tracker years?
What are the most common 1997 Geo Tracker problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 7 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 6 | 17% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 5 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 4 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 3 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 3 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“BRAKES ARE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES THEY AR EON, AND OTHER TIMES THEY ARE OFF. ALSO, WHILE GOIN G DOWN A GRADE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THERE WEREN'T ANY BRAKES. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND IT OVERTURNED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK”
“PROBLEMS WITH EGR VALVES BLOWING OUT. THIS CAUSES THE ENGINE HEAD GASKETS TO ALSO BLOW. BEEN TO MECHANIC & HAD 4 EGR VALVES REPLACED & EACH TIME THEY BLEW OUT. MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER IT WAS POOR DESIGN. DEALERSHIP & ZONE REPRESENTATIVE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. VEHICLE & PARTS AVAILABLE FOR…”
“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON SIDE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITION, ALL OF SUDDEN BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO HIT A PARKED VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REFUSED TO BELIEVE THA T AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. *AK”
“THE FREE WHEEL LOCKING HUB WAS NOT UNLOCKING WHEN SHIFTING FROM 4 WHEEL DRIVE TO 2 WHEEL DRIVE, WHICH CAUSED A SHRILL GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE HUB. THEY TOLD ME THEY HAVE HAD A RASH OF THESE COMPLAINTS LATELY.”
“MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING 5-7 MPH ON ICE, THE CAR SPUN AND HIT THE CURB (IT DID NOT GO OVER THE CURB, JUST HIT IT). NO DAMAGE WAS INITIALLY DONE TO THE VEHICLE, OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT IT STALLED. WHEN SHE TRIED TO RESTART IT, IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER 5 MINUTES, SHE GOT OUT, WALKED AWAY, AND THE…”
1997 Geo Tracker — common questions
Is the 1997 Geo Tracker reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 35 complaints put the 1997 model at #5 of 17 Tracker years. It is one of the Tracker years to avoid.
What are the most common 1997 Tracker problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints), airbags (5 complaints).
Does the 1997 Geo Tracker have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Geo Tracker.
Which Geo Tracker years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tracker years to avoid are 1996, 1995, 1994, 1999, 1993, 1997. The cleanest record among Tracker 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.