1997 Geo Metro Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Metro years
- Far more complaints than other years 3rd of 7 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 1 recall: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997 Geo Metro. That ranks 3rd out of 7 Metro model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (14 complaints, 22%). Complaints mention 13 crashes, 2 fires, 12 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.
- 63owner complaints
- 1safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 13complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 1997 Geo Metro problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 14 | 22% | — | — | — |
| Power Train | 11 | 17% | — | — | — |
| Air Bags | 8 | 13% | 73,505 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 | 11% | 19,850 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | 8% | — | — | — |
| Visibility | 5 | 8% | — | — | — |
| Seats | 4 | 6% | — | — | — |
| Structure | 4 | 6% | 42,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 6% | 19,850 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 5% | — | — | — |
| Suspension | 3 | 5% | — | — | — |
| Tires | 3 | 5% | — | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | 5% | — | — | — |
| Electrical System | 2 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Wheels | 2 | 3% | 42,000 | — | — |
| Equipment | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
1997 Geo Metro recalls (1)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle. The shift lever appears to be in "park," but can easily be moved from the "park" position without the use of the key, transaxle lever detent button, or depressing the brake.
Risk: If the shift lever were to come out of "park" while the vehicle is parked on a non-level surface, the vehicle could roll increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the shifter assembly. Until the vehicle is serviced, owners are advised when shifting to "park," always apply the park brake before releasing the service brake.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The consumer slowed vehicle down from 65 mph and heard a knocking noise coming from under the hood. This caused the vehicle to stall. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the mechanic, and was informed that noise was coming from the engine. The mechanic then loosened o rings to stop the noise and…
One of the wheel hub caps came off and the tread of two tires began peeling off.*nm a ticking sound was heard while the vehicle was being driven and getting louder every day. The transmission fluid appeared brown instead of pink. The vehicle was leaking oil. The spark plugs were worn out. The…
Consumer was in a commercial parking lot owner and while parking the vehicle applied brakes and vehicle took off. Consumer stepped on the brakes with both feet, and vehicle continued to surge forward. Consumer eventually got the vehicle to stop. *ak
I helped my mother in law purchase a new 1997 geo metro from a dealer in 1997. I am dissatified with the quality of the paint job. The paint is wearing off the trunk of the vehicle and appears to also be happening on the hood. In addition the chrome paint has worn off the wheel covers last year. We…
Stalling problems. While driving engine will stop running. Manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no recalls.*ak
Other Geo Metro years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 Metro | 6 | 0 |
| 2000 Metro | 19 | 0 |
| 1999 Metro | 23 | 0 |
| 1998 Metro | 33 | 0 |
| 1997 | 63 | 1 |
| 1996 Metro | 88 | 0 |
| 1995 Metro | 109 | 1 |
See all Geo Metro problems by year, every Geo model, or the VIN decoder.
Similar Geo models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Geo Metro?
Owners most often report engine and engine cooling, power train, air bags problems. The top one, engine and engine cooling, accounts for 14 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Geo Metro?
Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 1997 Geo Metro a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Metro model years, the 1997 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.