Model year record

1997 Geo Metro

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 90 owner complaints on file.

Geo Metro, 1995–1997 generation
Pictured: the 1995–1997 generation. Cutlass, CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V225001

Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
32,903
Reported to NHTSA
1998-09-21
Owners notified
1998-11-03

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE. THE SHIFT LEVER APPEARS TO BE IN "PARK," BUT CAN EASILY BE MOVED FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITHOUT THE USE OF THE KEY, TRANSAXLE LEVER DETENT BUTTON, OR DEPRESSING THE BRAKE.

Safety risk

IF THE SHIFT LEVER WERE TO COME OUT OF "PARK" WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A NON-LEVEL SURFACE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, OWNERS ARE ADVISED WHEN SHIFTING TO "PARK," ALWAYS APPLY THE PARK BRAKE BEFORE RELEASING THE SERVICE BRAKE.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline9—
Air bags: frontal810 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine5—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip319,850 mi
Unknown or other3—
Fuel system, gasoline2—
Parking brake: conventional2—
Power train: automatic transmission2—
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)2—
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch2—
Power train: manual transmission2—
Seats2—
Seats: front assembly: recliner2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components2—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar2—
Tires2—
Vehicle speed control2—
Visibility: windshield2—
Electrical system1—
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers1—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system1—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1—
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1—
Exterior lighting: headlights1—
Exterior lighting: tail lights1—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1—
Power train1—
Power train: axle assembly1—
Power train: clutch assembly1—
Seat belts1—
Seat belts: front: anchorage1—
Seat belts: front: retractor1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1—
Structure1—
Structure: body1—
Structure: body: bumpers1—
Structure: body: trunk lid142,000 mi
Suspension1—
Suspension: front: macpherson strut1—
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar1—
Tires: tread/belt1—
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal119,850 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages1—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system1—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor1—
Wheels1—
Wheels: hub142,000 mi

The 1996 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 1998 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Geo Metro model years

All Geo Metro recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.