Most common 1998 Geo Tracker problems
Share of the 18 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Geo Tracker complaints by model year
Best Tracker years: 2000, 1998. Years to avoid: 1996, 1995. Compare all years →
What 1998 Geo Tracker owners say
Engine & cooling
Check engine light has been on since 9/30/02 when the pc module was replaced in my 1998 Geo Chevy Tracker. I have taken it back to roger whitley Chevrolet just about every other week from October to January 3, 2003. They have checked everything possible but cannot fix the problem. I was told not to worry it will not affect anything. If this is true then why do we need this system. I believe the problem might possibly be the pc module they installed is defective. The maintenance supervisor said that is not possible but yet he has checked the wiring and numerous other possibilities, but the light remains on.
I have taken this vehicle to a local dealership (david stanley) most recent, as well as the original dealership( bob howard) to express my extreme terror of this car! I travel from my home in okc,OK to tulsa,OK frequently by way of the turner turnpike where the speed limit is 75mph .this car is not safe to drive to drive at normal highway speed, the problem starts at about 55mph and worsens with increased speed. On my last trip,
Electrical system
We have had to take the vehicle in almost every week to fix something in the last month. We are not happy with the product if this continues. We are requesting some kind of action on this "lemon" of a vehicle. No safety defect (s) indicated.
Engine check light has repeatedly come on. Twice because of gas tank cap failure, and three times because of a PCM/vcm module failure. The module has now been replaced three times.
Brakes
Oct17,1998, day after vehicle purchased, brake spring broke in right rear brake, dealership worked on vehicle 5 times in 11 days ,but could not get clattering noise out of brakes,.stated they couldn't fix it. Agreed through bbb to have another dealership work on vehicle. In dec ,1998 new brake drums and shoes were put on vehicle, 3 months later there is brake noise again,brakes won't stay fixed. Noon.
I have had my Tracker in the shop 13 times total for repairs, including, brakes, oil usage,seat cables, conv. Top leaking, gas usage, etc. This vehcile has been a problem seince day one. 8ak
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Geo Tracker a good car?
Based on 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Tracker rates average: 23% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Tracker at the same age. It is one of the best Tracker 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 1998 Geo Tracker?
The engine & cooling — 3 complaints, 17% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the electrical system (3) and brakes (3).
How many recalls does the 1998 Geo Tracker have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Geo Tracker. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Geo Tracker?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000 and 1998. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1996 and 1995. See the full Geo Tracker years comparison.
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.