Most common 1999 Geo Tracker problems
Share of the 22 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 →
1999 Geo Tracker recalls (3)
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.
What 1999 Geo Tracker owners say
Engine & cooling
I have only owned my 1999 Tracker for almost two years and have had major engine problems with it. I had the timing chains and head gasket replaced in feb due to an unexplained oil leak. I have now been informed by the place that did the other engine repairs that it now needs a new oil pump and connecting rods to the tune of 1000 dollars. I have not been given any satisfaction from Chevy or my dealership where I purchased the auto. The car has died and it was shaking and stalling out at stop lights as well as when I would be putting my foot on the brake for anything. This car is not safe or reliable and I am pissed off at Chevy and rockenbach the dealership that sold me this piece of crap.
Current unrepaired condition. Vibration,engine and or related components between speeds of 35mph and 40mph also at speeds between 55mph and 60 MPH severe enough at times to make entire body of vehicle vibrate, have driven other like vehicles some exhibit this condition, problem seems to depend on local speed limits and driveing conditions. I have found a similar report in your database concerning the Suzuki grand vatari which is manufactured along with the Geo Tracker at the cami automotive plant in Canada. Chevrolet acnowledges this condition as normal. I suspect the problem to be improper engine to body isolation.
Suspension
Tl contact owns a 1999 Geo Tracker. The contact stated that the front suspension cross member is rotted out and corroded from the inside. This type of vehicle was manufactured with front cross members designed and made by Suzuki, which rust from the inside out due to insufficient corrosion protection. NHTSA action # ea06018 was referenced. The current and failure mileages were 69,300.
Coming out of a curve to the left, the left-rear wheel caused the vehicle to fish-tail to the left. Countersteering to the left caused the vehicle to slide to the right. Countersteering to the right straightened the vehicle, but not before running into a forest. Breaks were not touched during the slides..
Electrical system
Intermittently while driving vehicle stalls unexpectedly which almost caused a crash. Manufacturer stated that they needed to reprogram the computer and modify a chip. But manufacturer has no solution for this problem. Vehicle is still stalling. Please provide further information.
Clutch would not go into reverse, and also there was resistance when putting it into second gear. In addition, vehicle failed to start. It began with a hesitation and then failed to start. Also defroster malfunctioned.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Geo Tracker a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Tracker rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Tracker at the same age. 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 Tracker?
The engine & cooling — 6 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the suspension (5) and electrical system (4).
How many recalls does the 1999 Geo Tracker have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1999 Geo Tracker, the most recent from October 20, 1999 (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 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.
At what mileage do 1999 Geo Tracker problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 63,000 miles; 0% 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.