1996 GEO Metro Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 10%of 88 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 GEO Metro, 10% of the 88 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10083648, filed 2004-07“Consumer began smelling exhaust fumes whenever RPM's are up or at speed of (55mph and over ). Dealership had vehicle several times, whenever dealer had vehicle on the road they would find smell of exhaust, but when they take vehicle back to garage they could not find the problem. Dealer will not work on vehicle at this point.”
NHTSA complaint #819183, filed 1997-11“Vehicle engine caught on fire. 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10047825, filed 2003-11“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10141300, filed 2005-10“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.”
NHTSA complaint #881951, filed 2001-03Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 4 | 17% |
| 1998 | 6 | 18% |
| 1997 | 14 | 22% |
| 1996 | 9 | 10% |
| 1995 | 4 | 4% |
| 1994 | 13 | 19% |
| 1993 | 3 | 6% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 4 | 8% |
| 1990 | 4 | 10% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 GEO Metro
28 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 GEO Metro
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology