1996 Geo Metro: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Geo Metro: 0 recalls, 88 owner complaints and up to 40 mpg combined.
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 22 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (28): the most common themes are fails to deploy (14).
- Electrical (12): the most common themes are electrical failure (4), stalls / loses power (3).
- Engine & cooling (9): the most common themes are leaks (3), stalls / loses power (2), fire / smoke (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Geo Metro has 88 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 12 Metro model years for complaints (1.8× the average Metro year). Complaints peaked in 1996 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 116,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (109 complaints, 1 recalls), 1997 (63 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 L 3-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 44 | 40 | Regular |
| 1.3 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 33 | 39 | 35 | Regular |
| 1.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 31 | 28 | 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 1996 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 1996 Geo Metro have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1996 Geo Metro. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1996 Geo Metro problems?
Owners have filed 88 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (28), electrical (12), engine & cooling (9).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Geo Metro get?
EPA ratings run up to 40 mpg combined (1.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 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.