Most common 1999 Geo Metro problems
Share of the 23 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 →
What 1999 Geo Metro owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
Problems with transmission and air conditioner. The air conditioner failed, the switch that went from low speed to high speed contained free play and only worked on high speed, the consumer was told the compressor failed. The consumer believed the was a defect with the transmission to fail at such low mileage.
The local dealer declined to repair the speedometer. On record reported "no problems found" off the record they told me nothing can be done about it. I feel that by reporting inaccurate speeds because the speedometer needle fluctuates even when going at a constant (same) speed, the driver doesn't know the exact speed he/she is going. The problem with the window for the rear has been repaired 3 times and the sealant (urathane) continues to seep out because of outside temps. The windshield also shows evidence but not as bad as the rear back window. More problems are present with the vehicle but they have not yet cause any safety concerns.
Air bags
While at a stop a vehicle hit the Metro in the rear and the Metro went forward hitting another vehicle at a frontal impact, but the driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy, which did not protect the occupant in this accident. Also, during the accident the driver's seatback broke, causing the occupant to fly backward and May have caused injuries.
While driving at 45 MPH rear ended vehicle in front. Upon impact, driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy, which did not protect occupants in this crash. Please provide further information.
Engine & cooling
Ongoing / intermittent problem with engine stalling while at slow speed, idling while coming to a stop or driving down a hill. Vehicle been in / out of dealer shop on three occasions, and nothing could be found. Can NHTSA help in this matter. Also there was a grending noise when the vehicle turns right.
Engine idles high and the vehicle cruises without applying gas. Problem has been reported to the dealership and customer service. Consumer was told that the vehicle was designed that way. Please provide any further information.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Geo Metro a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Metro rates better than average: 52% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Metro at the same age. It is one of the best Metro years by this measure. 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 1999 Geo Metro?
The transmission & drivetrain — 6 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the air bags (4) and engine & cooling (4).
How many recalls does the 1999 Geo Metro have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Geo Metro. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 1999 Geo Metro problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 69,000 miles; 33% 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.