1997 Geo Metro: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Geo Metro: 1 recall, 63 owner complaints and up to 40 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #98V225001 · 1998 · 32,903 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (14): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), leaks (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (11): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (3).
- Airbags (8): the most common themes are fails to deploy (6).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 Geo Metro has 63 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 12 Metro model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 50). Complaints peaked in 1999 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 30,925 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (88 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (33 complaints, 0 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 1997 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 1997 Geo Metro have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1997 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 1997 Geo Metro problems?
Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (14), transmission & drivetrain (11), airbags (8).
What gas mileage does the 1997 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 1997 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.