1990 Geo Metro: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Geo Metro: 2 recalls, 39 owner complaints and up to 41 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #93V189001 · 1993 · 356,097 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An improperly engaged hood latch May result in a hoodfly-up while the vehicle is in motion. This would obstruct the driver's viewand could cause a vehicle crash.
The fix: Gm dealers will (a) install two bolts and nuts to secure the striker assembly to the hood inner panel, and (b) ensure that the hood latch assembly fasteners are properly tightened.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #95V103007 · 1995 · 466,902 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Latches & locks (16): the most common themes are door / lock issues (11).
- Seat belts (11): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (3): the most common themes are door / lock issues (2).
The 1990 Geo Metro has 39 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 12 Metro model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 50). Complaints peaked in 1996 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old. Neighboring years: 1991 (50 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 L 3-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 45 | 41 | Regular |
| 1.0 L 3-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 36 | 33 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Geo Metro.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Geo Metro have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Geo Metro. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Geo Metro problems?
Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are latches & locks (16), seat belts (11), engine & cooling (4).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Geo Metro get?
EPA ratings run up to 41 mpg combined (1.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Geo Metro repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.