1996 Geo Metro
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1996 Geo Metro. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
88 complaints28 involved a crash5 involved a fire26 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Latches/locks/linkages
TL* the contact owns a 1996 geo metro. The contact stated that the two rear doors would not unlock from neither the interior nor exterior of the vehicle. the vehicle was not inspected for the failure nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised her that they did not have her vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 geo metro. The contact stated that the two rear doors would not unlock from neither the interior nor exterior of the vehicle. the vehicle was not inspected for the failure nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised her that they did not have her vehicle listed in the database and could provide no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000. The vin was unavailable. updated 1/4/11 *cn
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension › Front
I purchased a 1996 geo metro sedan from a friend and I had driven it for about 3 months. the frame had rotted away from the control arms and broke the axel out of the transmission. I have also started to see this in other metros. I was wondering why there wasn't a recall on this from the…
I purchased a 1996 geo metro sedan from a friend and I had driven it for about 3 months. the frame had rotted away from the control arms and broke the axel out of the transmission. I have also started to see this in other metros. I was wondering why there wasn't a recall on this from the manufacturer and if there was I would like to know because now I am without a car. if you could contact me that would be great. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
My daughter was turning into a private driveway. lost steering and car came to immediate stop. the right front frame had rusted through and dropped car onto the assembly for the right front tire causing it to break and allowing the tire to turn outwards and stop the car. there IS no repair to…
My daughter was turning into a private driveway. lost steering and car came to immediate stop. the right front frame had rusted through and dropped car onto the assembly for the right front tire causing it to break and allowing the tire to turn outwards and stop the car. there IS no repair to this, the car will be junked. if she had been on the highway this probably would have been a very serious accident. this really surprised us as the car had only a small amount of rust on the surfaces that we could see. when the garage had the car up on the rack to show me the problem I could see quite a bit of rusting on all the front components, but none on the rear. I am the original owner of the car, we have taken reasonably good care of it. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
1996 geo metro frame rusted and broke off while driving. *ts *jb
- Tires
Dt*: the contact stated that while driving 75 mph the passenger front tire blew out. The service dealer found air coming out between the valve stem and the tire. After ten days, the driver side front tire blew out while driving 50 mph. the service dealer found air coming out in the same area.…
Dt*: the contact stated that while driving 75 mph the passenger front tire blew out. The service dealer found air coming out between the valve stem and the tire. After ten days, the driver side front tire blew out while driving 50 mph. the service dealer found air coming out in the same area. There were no accidents prior to these incidents. The proper pressure recommended by the manufacturer was unknown and pressure checks were not performed. There was also no vibration before the incident. He brand name of the tire IS turismo two.
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt: the contact complained about a crank shaft problem in the engine. The crank shaft pulley has already been replaced. After hearing a noise in the engine, she took the vehicle to be checked. The mechanic said that a belt broke. The belt was replaced, and a week later she heard another noise in…
Dt: the contact complained about a crank shaft problem in the engine. The crank shaft pulley has already been replaced. After hearing a noise in the engine, she took the vehicle to be checked. The mechanic said that a belt broke. The belt was replaced, and a week later she heard another noise in the engine. The mechanic said it was the crank shaft pulley. Two weeks later, the car was involved in a crash. After the crash the vehicle stalled. after being inspected the bolt came loose in the crank shaft. The car was experiencing a loss of power. She could have foot on the accelerator and the car would not get up to speed. Another mechanic told her it was the crank shaft. She has not made any arrangement to have vehicle repaired. *Ak
- Electrical system
The headlights on my wife's car, like so many others, have become almost opaque. After having the lights repaired at substantial cost I was told that it IS due to uv exposure and that it does not affect all makes. Apparently some manufacturers produce lights that continue to function after exposure…
The headlights on my wife's car, like so many others, have become almost opaque. After having the lights repaired at substantial cost I was told that it IS due to uv exposure and that it does not affect all makes. Apparently some manufacturers produce lights that continue to function after exposure to sunlight. Some do not. I feel this IS a real safety hazard. It significantly reduces the light output and it only takes a few minutes looking about any parking lot to realize that most go uncorrected. Why can't all manufacturers use headlights that do not turn yellow?
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Suspension › Front
Vehicle was taken to dealer for an alignment, and the mechanic noticed that the air conditioning was leaking fluid onto the front right wheel frame. There was so much liquid that the frame holding the wheel rusted, which could cause the wheel to fall off.*ak
- Electrical system
Fuse box/headlight connection burnt/melted. headlights non operative, only daytime running lights available. replaced fusebox for second time. replaced butt conector for fourth time.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
While driving smoke and steam was coming in from the vents. consumer pulled over, and noticed that fluid was leaking inside of the vehicle onto the floor. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the thermostat and radiator cap needed to be replaced. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle engine caught on fire.*mr the vehicle started giving the consumer trouble while driving. Once on the side of the road,the consumer opened the hood and discovered the engine was on fire. *ph *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Car was involved in 2 diffrent crashes one with a impact on the drivers side the other head on into the side of a pickup. Both times car was traveling 25-30 mph. Air bags did not deploy. The second time after impact with the truck the car also struck a telephone pole with the front bumper to the point where it had to be pryed off the pole and it still did not deploy.*ak
- Air bags
Consumer was hit from behind and pushed into a car in front of her, vehicle was totally wrecked and the air bag not did not deploy, causing injuries to the driver. *tt
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While traveling on highway vehicle IS leaking oil. dealership IS aware of problem.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Bolt broke in the engine, damaging crankshaft/ water pump, and timing chain. Also, vehicle would stall when driving. Contact chevrolet, and chevrolet told to take it to dealership.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle was involved in a frontal / driver side collision at 55 or more mph. Upon impact both air bags did not deploy. dealer / manufacturer were not notified at this time. feel free to provide us with any further details on this matter. *Ak
- Air bags
Air bag light remained on while driving. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was out of its warranty, and nothing could be done. please feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak
- Air bags
Airbag light staying on in dash board. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
- Air bags
While driving, airbag light illuminated at times, dealer stated airbag system needed replaced, however after replacement the airbag light became illuminated again, dealer finally agreed to give a refund as a goodwill policy. *slc
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Heater core switch malfunctioned, will not work on low. Also, coolant leaked into engine comparment, and odor could be smelled in passenger compartment. consumer has contacted dealer. *Ak *slc
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Gas gets stuck if pedal IS almost to the floor board, these engines do not last over 80,000 miles. my neighbors had early engine failure as well. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision at 50 mph. Upon impact, airbags did not deploy, resulting in minor injuries. manufacturter will be notified.*ak
- Seats
While driving driver's side seat gave away, consumer lost control for a minute, but was able to keep control, consumer stated if on highway may have been worse. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition · Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Steering wheel able to spin in circles with no resistance, or any effect on steering mechanism, condition finally stopped, next few days a new ignition lock was installed. *cj
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Dimmer switch connection burnt causing headlights not to work ,after replaceing dimmer switch fuse box that it connects to burnt out and had to be replaced had same problem with 1991 metro. *Ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 54419Comment that the ABS light IS on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history.
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