1990 GEO Metro Problems
- Complaints
- 39filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- 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
- 37 mpgcombined, 1.0L 3-cyl FWD · 34 city / 41 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 GEO Metro (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1990 GEO Metro. The part named most often is latches, locks and linkages, with 16 complaints (41% of the total), followed by seat belts (11) and engine cooling (4). Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Latches, locks and linkages complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the latch filed under the same part. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the buckle assembly and 2 NHTSA investigations 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.
- Seat belts11 28%
- Engine cooling4 10%
- Body and structure3 7.7%
- Exterior lighting2 5.1%
- Interior lighting2 5.1%
- Seats2 5.1%
- Air bags1 2.6%
- Steering1 2.6%
Example complaints
Latches, locks and linkages: “It's been 1 month since contacting the dealer concerning hood latch assembly recall. Hood latch is broken so badly that the entire hood needs to be replaced. The dealer is giving me the run around. I've called them 3 times already this week. The dealer is saying that they need approval to repair it and that the main office is checking to see if recall is still in effect. I've been having to drive my car for a month fearing that the hood will fly up and cause an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #707687, filed 1999-06Seat belts: “Dealer has not honored NHTSA recall 95v-103.007/manufacturer's recall 91c-52, concening seat belt buckle failure since august 10, 1997 up to the present. Consumer has been told on serveral occasions that the kit has not been received, or they would contact consumer when it arrived, need NHTSA's help in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #841380, filed 1999-06Body and structure: “While vehicle was being driven at 75 MPH, latch on the hood on driver's side broke, causing the hood to fly up and break windshield. Driver was able to pull to shoulder safely. Manufacturer was notified about the problem. Hood and windshield have not been replaced. Consumer believes that there was a recall on the hood latch years ago, but is unsure as to whether or not it was done.”
NHTSA complaint #857690, filed 2000-03Complaints 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 1990 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 | 38 | 45 | 41 | $1,650 |
| Metro FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 31 | 36 | 33 | $2,050 |
| Metro LSI FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl | 5-speed manual | 38 | 44 | 40 | $1,700 |
| Metro LSI FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 31 | 35 | 33 | $2,050 |
| Metro LSI Convertible FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl | 5-speed manual | 34 | 41 | 37 | $1,800 |
| Metro LSI Convertible FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 28 | 33 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Metro XFI FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl | 5-speed manual | 43 | 52 | 47 | $1,450 |
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 1990 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
- PE90084Rear suspension failsClosed · May 30, 1990
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1990 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 1990 GEO Metro have?
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1990 GEO Metro as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 GEO Metro is reported most often?
Latches, locks and linkages is named most often, in 16 complaints (41% of the total), followed by seat belts with 11.
Has the 1990 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 1990 GEO Metro get?
The EPA rates the 1990 GEO Metro (Metro LSI Convertible, 1.0L 3-cyl) at 37 mpg combined, 34 city and 41 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.