Geo Tracker Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated May 16, 2016 · 210 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 210 owner complaints and 5 safety recalls on file for the Geo Tracker, across 8 model years (1995–2002). The 1996 model year has the most complaints (71). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.

Peak: 1996, with 71 complaints
1995: 641995641996: 711996711997: 251997251998: 181998181999: 221999222000: 7200072001: 2200122002: 120021

n = 210 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Geo Tracker years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Tracker year: 1995, 1996. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 1996 Tracker: 71 complaints, 1 recall
  2. 1995 Tracker: 64 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 1997 Tracker: 25 complaints, 0 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2002 Tracker: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
  2. 2001 Tracker: 2 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 2000 Tracker: 7 complaints, 0 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Geo Tracker problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine and Engine Cooling4560
Structure3060
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2565
Electrical System2460
Power Train2462
Air Bags19416
Suspension1963
Seat Belts1247
Equipment1150
Steering1153
Fuel System, Gasoline840
Visibility750
Seats621
Vehicle Speed Control650
Wheels520
Parking Brake433
Tires320
Exterior Lighting110
Interior Lighting110

All Geo Tracker model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2002 Tracker10—Unknown or Other
2001 Tracker21—Engine and Engine Cooling
2000 Tracker70—Air Bags
1999 Tracker223—Engine and Engine CoolingAbout as many complaints as other years
1998 Tracker180—Electrical SystemAbout as many complaints as other years
1997 Tracker250—Air BagsMore complaints than other years
1996 Tracker711—Engine and Engine CoolingFar more complaints than other years
1995 Tracker640—StructureFar more complaints than other years

More from Geo: all Geo models · VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Geo Tracker years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 1995 (64), 1996 (71) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Tracker year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Geo Tracker?

Engine and Engine Cooling, with 45 complaints across 6 model years.

How many recalls does the Geo Tracker have?

5 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.