1989 GEO Metro Problems
- Complaints
- 27filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 41 mpgcombined, 1.0L 3-cyl FWD · 38 city / 45 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 GEO Metro (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 27 consumer complaints for the 1989 GEO Metro. The part named most often is body and structure, with 8 complaints (30% of the total), followed by latches, locks and linkages (6) and seat belts (4). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 68,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 7 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Body and structure complaints overlap with 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part. Latches, locks and linkages complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the latch filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure8 30%
- Seat belts4 15%
- Fuel system2 7.4%
- Seats2 7.4%
- Brakes1 3.7%
- Electrical system1 3.7%
- Engine cooling1 3.7%
- Exterior lighting1 3.7%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “1. Hood flew up on freeway and shatterd windshield and damage hood beyond repair. 2.fuel system the car would stall 3. Would wear out brake pads unevenly and scar roters”
NHTSA complaint #10069031, filed 2004-01, 68,000 milesLatches, locks and linkages: “On october 8, 2001, the hood of our 1989 Geo Metro flew up and cracked our windshield, destroyed the hood and obscured our vision. After talking with another Geo owner we were told there was a recall on Geo metros for a hood latch defect. When looking at our hood it was evident this is what happened has the spot welds did not hold. I contacted this site first and it appears there was a campaign for this defect. However, when calling the dealer to proceed I was told my car did not come up for a recall in the system. I then contacted GM to further discuss the safety of my car. …”
NHTSA complaint #754390, filed 2001-11Fuel system: “The consumer has been experiencing problems with 0il carburetor. The consumer oil shoots up into the carburetor, which causes the vehicle to die out. The manufacturer has yet to be contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #831327, filed 1998-11Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 68,000 and 68,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 GEO Metro version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl | 5-speed manual | 43 | 52 | 47 | $1,450 |
| Metro LSI FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl | 5-speed manual | 38 | 45 | 41 | $1,650 |
| Metro LSI FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 32 | 36 | 34 | $1,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 95V103007May 24, 1995Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: GEO Metro 1989–1991, Tracker 1989–1991, Storm 1990–1991
The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
- 93V189001Nov 23, 1993Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: GEO Metro 1989–1993
Mislocated attaching spot welds of the hood striker assembly cause cracks to start on the hood inner panel. If cracks occur, the hood striker assembly may not properly engage the hood latch when the hood is closed.
Recall details for the 1989 GEO Metro → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA95014Seat belt buckles failureClosed · Apr 25, 1995
- PE94092Takata seat blt bckls failClosed · Dec 21, 1994
- EA93006HOOD FLY-UPSClosed · Feb 26, 1993
- PE92085HOOD FLY-UPClosed · Oct 26, 1992
- PE90084Rear suspension failsClosed · May 30, 1990
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1989 GEO Metro.
Other model years of the GEO Metro
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 19 | 35,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1999 | 23 | 69,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 33 | 54,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 63 | 30,925 | 1 | — | 35 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 88 | 116,000 | 0 | — | 35 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 109 | 108,000 | 1 | — | 35 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 68 | 62,506 | 0 | — | 40 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 50 | 146,521 | 1 | — | 37 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 54 | 99,500 | 1 | — | 37 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 50 | 71,800 | 2 | — | 37 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 39 | — | 2 | — | 37 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 27 | 68,000 | 2 | — | 41 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All GEO Metro model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1989 GEO Metro have?
NHTSA recorded 27 consumer complaints for the 1989 GEO Metro as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 GEO Metro is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 8 complaints (30% of the total), followed by latches, locks and linkages with 6.
Has the 1989 GEO Metro been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1989 GEO Metro get?
The EPA rates the 1989 GEO Metro (Metro LSI, 1.0L 3-cyl) at 41 mpg combined, 38 city and 45 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,650 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1989 GEO Metro reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 68,000 miles and the middle half falls between 68,000 and 68,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.