VehicleVerdict

1999 Geo Tracker problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Tracker year — the 1999 model ranks #4 of 17 Tracker years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (7), transmission (5), and suspension (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

36

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Tracker years?

Tracker NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted103 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 10 complaints1990: 27 complaints1991: 21 complaints1992: 20 complaints1993: 35 complaints1994: 56 complaints1995: 68 complaints1996: 103 complaints1997: 35 complaints1998: 27 complaints1999: 36 complaints2000: 8 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 1 complaints
Tracker NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tracker years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Geo Tracker problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine719%
Suspension514%
Transmission514%
Electrical System411%
Brakes38%
Airbags26%
Other26%
Visibility & Wipers26%
Speed Control13%
Steering13%
Body & Structure13%
Lighting13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Seats13%

Does the 1999 Geo Tracker have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

99V273001LightingOctober 20, 1999 · 30,605 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH. IF THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE, A FAILURE IN THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH MAY ALSO PREVENT SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS FOLLOWING CLOSELY, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY.

98V329000Visibility & WipersDecember 22, 1998 · 12 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLE. THE WINDSHIELD MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AND MAY NOT MEET THE WINDSHIELD RETENTION DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING."

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RETAINED AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELDS ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

98V324001SteeringDecember 15, 1998 · 1,158 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COUPLING THAT CONNECTS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT TO THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT IS CRACKED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE STEERING SHAFTS TO SEPARATE.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT COUPLING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ENGINE STALLS AT STOP LIGHTS, LACK OF POWER IN COLD TEMP. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT BLINKS ON REPEATEDLY. BOTH DEALERSHIP AND CHEVROLET SAY THEY NEED TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER BUT AT THIS DATE THEY DON'T HAVE ONE WRITTEN TO FIX IT, I'VE OWNED THIS CAR FOR LESS THEN 20 DAYS AND ITS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“COMING OUT OF A CURVE TO THE LEFT, THE LEFT-REAR WHEEL CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FISH-TAIL TO THE LEFT. COUNTERSTEERING TO THE LEFT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE TO THE RIGHT. COUNTERSTEERING TO THE RIGHT STRAIGHTENED THE VEHICLE, BUT NOT BEFORE RUNNING INTO A FOREST. BREAKS WERE NOT TOUCHED DURING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 16, 2000 · crash

“VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO SHIFT PROPERLY INTO 4- WHEEL DRIVE ON ITS OWN. ALSO, MAKE NOISES. VEHICLE WAS TEST DRIVEN BY HUSBAND & IT POPPED OUT OF 4WD INTO 2WD. TOOK TO GARY POWERS DEALERSHIP & MECHANIC HAD HARD TIME GETTING VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE. ALSO FOUND NO RECALLS ON 4 WHEEL DRIVE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH. MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER AND MODIFY A CHIP. BUT MANUFACTURER HAS NO SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM. VEHICLE IS STILL STALLING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 1, 1999

“WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, AND WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ON WET PAVEMENT ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATES, CAUSING BRAKE PEDAL TO GO TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

1999 Geo Tracker — common questions

Is the 1999 Geo Tracker reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 1999 model at #4 of 17 Tracker years. It is one of the Tracker years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Tracker problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (7 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), suspension (5 complaints).

Does the 1999 Geo Tracker have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Geo Tracker. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.