Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 7 | −65% | — | Suspension | Good |
| 1999 | 22 | typical | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 1998 | 18 | −23% | — | Engine | Average |
| 1997 | 25 | typical | — | Brake | Average |
| 1996 | 71 | 3.0× | 1 | Engine | Avoid |
| 1995 | 64 | 2.5× | — | Body | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Tracker year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Geo Tracker problems
Latest Geo Tracker recalls
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have an inoperative brake lamp-actuating switch. If the brake lamp-actuating switch does not function properly when the brake pedal is depressed, the brake lights May be inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch assembly.
Visibility › Windshield
Vehicle description: passenger vehicle. The windshield May have been improperly installed and May not meet the windshield retention during a frontal impact requirements of FMVSS no. 212, "windshield mounting."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the windshields on affected vehicles.
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The coupling that connects the steering column shaft to the intermediate steering shaft is cracked. This could allow the steering shafts to separate.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering shaft coupling.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The fuel tank on these vehicles can become punctured by a fuel tank flange attachment reinforcement during rear-end collisions. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 301, "fuel tank integrity."
Remedy: Dealers will install two new shield gussets between the fuel tank and attachment brackets to prevent the reinforcement from puncturing the fuel tank wall.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Geo Tracker should you avoid?
1996 and 1995 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Tracker years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 1996.
What is the best year for the Geo Tracker?
2000 has the fewest complaints compared with other Tracker years at the same age, followed by 1998. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Geo Tracker problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (44), body & structure (30) and brakes (29). Engine complaints peak in the 1996 model year.
How many recalls has the Geo Tracker had?
4 recalls across 1995–2000. The model year with the most is 1999. See all Geo Tracker recalls by year.
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.