Airbag complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 MPH on a rain slicked road, the vehicle hydroplaned into the rear of another vehicle and the airbags did not deploy. There was pre braking prior to the impact. The contact was wearing a seatbelt, but no injuries were sustained. There was moderate damage to the front of the vehicle. The police were not alerted. The vehicle was driven to a body repair shop. The manufacturer was not alerted.
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.
Consumer was traveling about 50mph on highway and heard a snapping noise. Front wheel broke, and vehicle rolled three times and landed on roof upside down, and airbags didn't deploy. There were no injuries.
I owned a 1994 and a 1996 Geo Metro I was involved in a head on with the 1994 and my air bag did not go off. When I reported it the dealer said I did not hit the sensors right. So I bought another one a 1996 lsi. I hit a Chevrolet s10 going 15 MPH with no time to brake and nither one of my air bags went off in the car. The front bumper on this car had been removwed for repair and was not in place at the time of accident. The whole front end was damaged clear through the fan and radiator so the air bags should have gone off that time. Just thought you should know that I owned two of the Geo's and had two accidents and in nither car did the air bags deploy.
I have already sent in a form but have never been contacted since by neither yourselves nor the manufactures of the vehicle. I still want to know why the air bags did not deploy with a perfect, headlight to headlight, front end collision. My first throught is that the things just don't work or that the airbag imprints are just for looks. The outo body shop at the Chevy dealership could not even show me the sensor on the front end of the car. The owners manual shows where it is supposed to be but its not there, why?? All help on this matter will be greatly appreciated.
I had 95 Geo Metro, the day I wrecked it was raining. I was coming upon a curve, and I hit my brakes. It had anti lock brakes. They locked up, and the car started spinning around. I couldn't get control of the vehicle, and the car had turned on its top in a covert. My 15 year old daughter was in with me, and neither air bag had came out like it was suppose to. The whole front grill came to rest across the road from where the car was. I lost the use of the vehicle, because it could not be fixed. The top was pushed in, the windshield was cracked, and the front grill was off. The rear passenger tire is pushed toward the rear passenger door. The law had came out, and I don't know if he filed a report. He had asked if I was going to report it to the insurance company, and I replied no. There were no other vehicles involved, and as for us we seemed alright just bruised and sore all over. …
Owner states while driving 45 MPH she heard a noise and vehicle started to fishtail. She notes that vehicle was thrown across the interstate and she was hurt. Owner also notes that the rear right tire had been replaced with brand new tires and she still had tire problems. In addition, airbags did not deploy.
Frequently asked questions
Which Geo Metro years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (29), 1996 (28), 1997 (8) and 2000 (5) model years. Airbag complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Geo Metro airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for any Geo Metro model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Geo Metro airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 145,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (62 mentions), followed by the side/window (1).
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.