1992 GEO Metro Problems
- Complaints
- 54filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 99,500miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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 · 35 city / 41 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1992 GEO Metro (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe hood latch failures that let the hood lift while driving, seat belts that do not stay latched or fully retract, and front suspension parts that rust or break. Most complaints do not state mileage, and the hood reports describe failures at highway speeds. Where mileage is given, suspension complaints range from about 79,000 to about 187,000 miles.
- Latches, locks and linkages
Hood latch breaks and the hood can pop open
- 6 complaints (11%)
- typically at 8.7 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2001
Owners describe the hood latch breaking or separating while driving, with the hood lifting and blocking the view ahead. In some reports the hood flew open and damaged the windshield, and afterward owners tied the hood down or limited their speed. Some complaints describe a recall repair that did not hold, with bolts detaching afterward, and difficulty getting the recalled part repaired at the dealer. Mileage is not stated in these complaints, which describe failures at highway speeds, around 65 to 70 mph.
What to check: Ask whether the hood latch and striker recall repair has been completed and documented, and check that the hood latch and its bolts are secure and free of corrosion. Verify the recall status with the VIN through the official recall lookup before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was traveling at 65 MPH on an expressway, in the fast lane, when the hood latch broke, causing the hood to pop up and completely block my vision of the road. There was no prior indication of a potential problem with the hood latch. I was very lucky to avoid a collision and to gradually work the car over to the right shoulder. The hood is now temporarily tied down with rope and a rubber strap. I am the second owner of this vehicle, having purchased it from a friend who bought it new. …”
NHTSA complaint #742626, filed 2001-03“Hood latch separated from body (still latched); suddenly flew open, smashed the windshield and mangled the hood. I notice, now, that the car was recalled 6 years ago for this very problem. Why wasn't I notified by mail or the many times the car was serviced by dealers since the recall???? This event occured at 2:30 pm on a busy so. California fwy - it is a miracle that I and several other carloads of people weren't killed as I blindly deaccelerated from 70mph onto the median. Please note that it is not possible to see under the upraised hood. …”
NHTSA complaint #712879, filed 1999-10 - Seat belts
Seat belts that will not stay latched or retract
Mentioned in 4 of 23 sampled complaints
Owners describe seat belts that will not stay buckled or attached, including a belt that will not hold a car seat in place. A belt that looks latched can pop out after a turn or braking, even when the warning light has gone off. Some owners say a dealer treated the belt with a spray that lasted only a few days, and front lap and shoulder belts reportedly jam when the door is closed. The complaints do not state mileage, and a complaint notes the belt slipping out more often in cold weather.
What to check: Buckle each seat belt fully and tug on it to confirm it stays latched and retracts smoothly. Ask whether any seat belt repair has been documented and whether the belt latch was checked after the repair.
An excerpt from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The drivers seatbelt in cold weather will not snap completely into place and therefore keeps disengaging. Chevy repair shop has been unable to remedy. The problem is, is that you do not know when the seatbelt has not been completely engaged until you go around a corner, use the brakes or move excessively and the belt pops out. The problem is, the seatbelt does not function properly. Could cause serious injury or death if malfunctions in an accident. Seatbelt light goes off so you believe the belt is in correctly. …”
NHTSA complaint #733738, filed 2000-10 - Suspension
Front suspension parts rust or break
- 5 complaints (9%)
- median 79,000 mi at 12.8 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 1996–2005
Owners describe rusted control arm hooks or supports, including a support that a body shop reportedly said would need replacing. Other reports describe a ball joint bolt breaking during a slow turn, a front end breaking apart while stopping at a light, and a wheel corner dropping as the axle pulled free. Some describe the front end becoming hard to control or the steering inoperable when a part failed. Where mileage is given, these reports range from about 79,000 to about 187,000 miles, and some do not state mileage.
What to check: Have the control arms, ball joints, and front suspension mounts inspected for rust and for loose or damaged bolts before buying. Ask whether any rusted control arm part was replaced, since a complaint reports the vehicle was left unrepaired after a body shop estimate.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dt: the contact stated the passenger side control arm support rusted and could possibly break and release the control arm. A local body shop said they would have to replace control arm support. The vehicle has not been repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10143349, filed 2005-11, 186,945 miles“While driving at any speed, the front end of the vehicle became uncontrollable. It was discovered the control arm hooks rusted. As a result, steering was inoperable.”
NHTSA complaint #10091953, filed 2004-10, 79,000 miles
Buying note. Owners considering this model year may want to check the hood latch recall status, seat belt operation, and the condition of the front suspension parts, especially on a car with high mileage or visible rust. A pre-purchase inspection that covers these systems can help set expectations about the vehicle's condition.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 23 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 54 consumer complaints for the 1992 GEO Metro. 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 99,500 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
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 belts9 17%
- Suspension9 17%
- Body and structure7 13%
- Brakes5 9.3%
- Air bags4 7.4%
- Electrical system4 7.4%
- Wheels3 5.6%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Fuel system (2), Interior lighting (2), Seats (2), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Other or unknown (1).
Example complaints
Seat belts: “Inappropriate seat belt bolt installed on drivers side, allowing drivers seat belt bolt to separate from the body frame upon impact, resulting in a fatality. (attorney for the deceased)”
NHTSA complaint #522202, filed 1999-03Suspension: “Front end broke apart while stopping at a traffic light. Consumer was unable to move vehicle. Dealer has yet to be contacted. Please provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #895452, filed 2001-08Latches, locks and linkages: “Hood assembly repaired as per recall, but bolts have detached from hood and latch is not secure, have bungi-corroded hood to car frame, but continue to not drive care over 30mph.”
NHTSA complaint #754844, filed 2001-11Body and structure: “Contiinuous problem/ asked dealer about it and he acted dumb about it . Can't even find unbroken ones at junk yard..... And nobody has questioned this ,hmmmmm. No safety defect included.”
NHTSA complaint #761279, filed 2002-04Mileage when problems were reported
25% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 79,000 and 120,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1992 GEO Metro. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro · coupe | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1992 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 | 44 | 40 | $1,700 |
| Metro FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 31 | 35 | 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 | 35 | 41 | 37 | $1,800 |
| Metro LSI Convertible FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 28 | 34 | 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
- 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 1992 GEO Metro → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA93006HOOD FLY-UPSClosed · Feb 26, 1993
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Engine cooling. Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
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
What are the most common problems with the 1992 GEO Metro?
Owners of this model year most often describe hood latch failures that let the hood lift while driving, seat belts that do not stay latched or fully retract, and front suspension parts that rust or break. The issues reported most often: Hood latch breaks and the hood can pop open; Seat belts that will not stay latched or retract; Front suspension parts rust or break.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1992 GEO Metro have?
NHTSA recorded 54 consumer complaints for the 1992 GEO Metro as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1992 GEO Metro is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 9 complaints (17% of the total), followed by suspension with 9.
Has the 1992 GEO Metro been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1992 GEO Metro get?
The EPA rates the 1992 GEO Metro (Metro LSI Convertible, 1.0L 3-cyl) at 37 mpg combined, 35 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.
At what mileage are problems with the 1992 GEO Metro reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 99,500 miles and the middle half falls between 79,000 and 120,000 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.