Most common 1997 Geo Metro problems
Share of the 63 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Geo Metro complaints by model year
Best Metro years: 2001, 2000, 1999. Years to avoid: 1995, 1996, 1997. Compare all years →
1997 Geo Metro recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
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.
Remedy: 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.
What 1997 Geo Metro owners say
Engine & cooling
Car caught fire suddenly and unexpectedly after making a backfire noise. Had my children been in the car in their car seats, they would have burned to death. The car burned so fast my wife only had time to slam it in park and jump out. She did not even have time to pull it off to the side of the road. It melted into the middle of the highway.
One of the wheel hub caps came off and the tread of two tires began peeling off. 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 distributor cap cracked, the oil switch was bad, and the pcv valve was bad. The engine was replaced. The engine stalled when the vehicle reacheed the 25 MPH mark. No check engine light comes on. The vehicle will not restart.
Transmission & drivetrain
The vehicle was parked, the emergency brake was engaged, vehicle rolled, jumped a parking block, uprooted a fence, the top of the fence hit the windhsield causing it to crack, the fence went up over the vehicle causing damage from the front, to the back. I have the estimate from the body shop that it was taken to. I also have witnesses that saw that the parking brake was engaged.
While parked and left in gear car rolls even on slight incline. It doesn't seem to matter what gear car is left in. In the reverse gear car makes small jumps, have to make sure parking brake is set even in freezing temps. I complained to dealer the car was difficult to shift into reverse at the 1000 mile checkup but was told they had checked it out and found no problem. I told them about the gears not holding and was told to use the emergency brake. I realize you have to be safe on a hill and set the brake but seems the gears should hold the car on approx. A 1-2% grade. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem with the Geo Metro.
Brakes
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.
While pulling out from a traffic light at 5mph brakes suddenly locked up without being applied. Smoke was noticed coming from the brake rotors. Brake system caught on fire. Fire was put out by itself. The dealer has been contacted.
1997 Geo Metro engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0L 3-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 37 / 44 / 40 |
| 1.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 33 / 39 / 35 |
| 1.3L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | FWD | 26 / 31 / 28 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Geo Metro a good car?
Based on 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Metro rates avoid: 2.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Metro at the same age. It is one of the Metro years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Geo Metro?
The engine & cooling — 14 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (11) and brakes (9).
How many recalls does the 1997 Geo Metro have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 Geo Metro, the most recent from September 21, 1998 (park/neutral start interlock switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Geo Metro?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001, 2000 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 1996 and 1997. See the full Geo Metro years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Geo Metro problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 42,000 miles; 75% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.