Chevrolet Metro problems
The Geo Metro was a marketing and manufacturing variation of the Suzuki Cultus available in North America from 1989 through 2001 as a joint effort of General Motors (GM) and Suzuki. In the US, the Metro carried a Geo nameplate from 1989 through 1997, and a Chevrolet nameplate from 1998 to 2001. It evolved with the Cultus and its siblings over 13 years, three generations and four body styles: three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and two-door convertible—and was ultimately replaced in the General Motors lineup by a family of vehicles based on the Daewoo Kalos, the Chevrolet Aveo.
From 1985 through 1989, Cultus-derived models sold in North America—under the nameplates Suzuki Forsa, Suzuki Swift, Chevrolet Sprint, Geo Metro and Pontiac Firefly—were sourced from Suzuki's facilities in Japan. Beginning in 1990, all North American M-cars were produced at CAMI Automotive, a 50–50 joint venture between General Motors and Suzuki in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, although Japanese production continued to source Canada bound sedan models. CAMI never reached its intended Metro/Firefly/Swift capacity. While at its peak, Canadian Swift/Metro/Firefly production reached more than 100,000 vehicles a year, the number fell to just 32,000 in 2000. In response to the waning popularity of smaller automobiles in the North American markets, Chevrolet/Geo sold only 55,600 Metros in 1997, off from 88,700 the year before. In a 2004 Autoweek article, Osamu Suzuki, chairman of Suzuki, called CAMI "a fishbone in my throat" because of its low production.
Beginning in late 2003 as a model year 2004 car, the Daewoo Kalos, marketed variously as the Chevrolet Aveo, Pontiac Wave and Suzuki Swift+, effectively replaced the Metro/Firefly, although the Aveo is more of a Daewoo Lanos replacement as opposed to the Metro, the same time when Daewoo closed majority of its dealerships outside South Korea in 2002.
The Suzuki Swift was replaced by the Suzuki Aerio hatchback in 2002, although the Aerio also replaced the Suzuki Esteem.
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Chevrolet Metro model years
Common Chevrolet Metro problems
Common Problems with Chevrolet Metro Cars:
- Rust: Another prevalent problem with Chevrolet Metro cars, especially in older models, is rust. Rust can affect various parts of the vehicle, including the frame horns under the front axles and rocker panels under the doors. Severe rust in critical areas like the frame horns can pose safety hazards. Regular inspection for rust and addressing it promptly is crucial to prevent structural damage and ensure the vehicle's safety.
- Mechanical Parts Wear: Over time, wear and tear on mechanical components can lead to issues like low compression in cylinders, affecting engine performance. Owners have reported that even with low compression in some cylinders, the Metro's engine can still run relatively well. Regular maintenance, including compression tests and timely replacement of worn parts like the timing belt and water pump, can help maintain the vehicle's performance and reliability.
- Electrical System: Some owners have experienced electrical system issues in Chevrolet Metro cars. Problems like malfunctioning O2 sensors can impact engine performance and fuel efficiency. Troubleshooting and replacing faulty sensors or addressing wiring issues can help resolve electrical system-related problems in the Metro.
- Transmission: Certain models of the Chevrolet Metro have been reported to have transmission issues, such as jumping out of gear, particularly in 5th gear. This can be a common problem in older vehicles and may require adjustments or repairs to the transmission system to ensure smooth gear engagement and driving experience.
By addressing these common problems proactively through regular maintenance, inspections, and timely repairs, Chevrolet Metro owners can enhance the longevity and performance of their vehicles.
What replaced the Chevy Metro?
Chevrolet Aveo
The Metro was discontinued after 2001. Only to be replaced by the Chevrolet Aveo (derived from the Daewoo Kalos, a Korean model) in 2004.
When did Chevrolet quit making the Geo Metro?
2001
2001 – The Metro's final year. The only model available this year is the four-door LSi sedan. The Metro continued on sale in Canada. General Motors announces that the Metro would not be included in the 2002 Chevrolet model lineup.
When was the last Metro car made?
The Metro is a supermini car, later a city car that was produced from 1980 to 1998, first by British Leyland (BL) and later by the Rover Group.
Is a 92 geo metro a good car?
I own a 1992 Geo Metro that we have had bought new in '92. It has been the most reliabale car that I have owned, gets great gas mileage, and is very economical! I have always told friends that they need to get a Metro. Once i got the wheels balanced, rotated, and aligned it ran as smooth as the day that i bought it.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Metro years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Metro cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Chevrolet Metro model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Metro model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Metro years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet Metro car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Metro , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Structure problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Metro vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Metro model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Metro model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Metro model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Metro . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Metro vehicles.
List of Chevrolet Metro complaints
Chevrolet Metro 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-03
- Date Complaint: 2018-03-04
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 2C1MR5220W7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ON MARCH 3RD 2018 I STARTED MY VEHICLE IN STATIONARY POSITION PARKED AND MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHEN I RECEIVE NO WARNING OR LIGHTS ON ABOUT IT I WAS NOT HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE NOR WAS I DRIVING. I WAS PARKED IN A PARKING STRUCTURE IN LOS ANGELES. I RECEIVED INJURY TO MY FACE AND WRIST. MY GLASSES WERE BROKEN DUE TO THE IMPACT
Chevrolet Metro 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-10
- Date Complaint: 2017-11-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2C1MR5220Y6
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET METRO. WHILE PULLING IN THE DRIVEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SPONTANEOUSLY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR AND WALL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.
Chevrolet Metro 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-09
- Date Complaint: 2015-02-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2C1MR5222X6
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: AS I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY I-15 SOUTHBOUND, IN SAN DIEGO, CA, ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015 AT 4.40 PM, I HEARD A PUTTERING / CLINKING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE. I SENSED SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I COULD NOT INCREASE THE SPEED. I DECREASED THE SPEED, CAME ON THE LAST (4TH LANE), TOWARD THE SHOULDER, PUT MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON. I COULD SEE SOME SMOKE COMING POUT FROM BENEATH THE HOOD OF THE CAR. SO, I IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT OF THE CAR, OPENED THE HOOD. SAW THE SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE ENGINE AREA. OF COURSE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (SERVICE ENGINE SOON) CAME ON THE DISPLAY TOO. I FINALLY GOT IT TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. HE INFORMED ME THAT THE ENGINE IS DEAD. NOW I AM FINDING OUT THAT THE ENGINE IN 1999 CHEVY METRO'S DID HAVE A PROBLEM. *TR
Chevrolet Metro 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2013-04-22
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: 1999 CHEVY METRO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE PRODUCES DANGEROUSLY HIGH LEVELS OF RADIATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE IS DISABLED WITH EHS(ELECTROMAGNETIC HYPERSENSITIVITY) AND THE DANGEROUS HIGH LEVELS OF RADIATION CAUSES DAMAGE TO HER BODY. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WOULD LOOSE HER BALANCE, DUE TO THE RADIATION FROM THE VEHICLE MAKING HER SICK. ALSO, THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE ENGINE BLOCK.
Chevrolet Metro 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2012-12-08
- Date Complaint: 2013-01-08
- VIN: 2C1MR5225Y6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET METRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION UNDER THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR SWAY BAR ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,801. UPDATED 02/20/13*LJ
Chevrolet Metro 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-02
- Date Complaint: 2011-08-02
- VIN: 2C1MR2225X6
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CORROSION OF FUEL INLET PIPE ON 1999 CHEVY METRO ISL 2 DOOR,MUST BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, AS IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND THEM IN JUNK YARDS. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS FUEL LEAKS OUT OF FUEL TANK AND ALSO CAUSES THE COMPUTER TO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. *KB
Chevrolet Metro 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-05
- Date Complaint: 2011-01-13
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 1998 CHEVY METRO FRAME RUSTS OUT AND CAUSES CONTROL ARM TO BREAK AWAY MY CHEVY METRO BOTH SIDES ROTTED AND THE CONTROL ARMS BROKE AWAY IF THIS HAPPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING I COULD HAVE BEEN HURT CONTACTED CHEVY AND THEY PRETTY MUCH SAID SORRY SO UNLESS I WANT TO SPEND THOUSANDS TO FIX MY CAR I HAVE TO BUY A NEW ONE IF GM CAN TAKE MY MONEY THEY NEED TO STAND BY THERE PRODUCT LIKE FORD DOES. *TR
Chevrolet Metro 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-30
- Date Complaint: 2010-05-03
- VIN: 2C1MR2264Y6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET METRO. THE CONTACT OBSERVED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE ROCKER PANELS UNDERNEATH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS EXHIBITED RUST. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 72,000.
Chevrolet Metro 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2010-02-24
- VIN: 2C1MR2228W6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET METRO LSI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE FRAME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TIRES HAVE FALLEN APART INCLUDING THE TIRE WHEEL FRAME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT CARE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT ALSO SAYS THAT CHEVROLET WOULD BE AT FAULT IF A FATALITY OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Chevrolet Metro 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-05
- Date Complaint: 2010-02-05
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CHEVY METRO 1998 .CAR WAS GOING 50MPH ON EXPRESSWAY WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED,VEHICLE DID NOT STOP BUT HOPPED OFF THE FREEWAY TO THE RIGHT. THOUGHT CAR AXLE HAD BROKE BUT,LATER, AFTER BEING TOWED TO A MECHANIC WAS TOLD CAR CANNOT BE FIXED BECAUSE BODY SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME! SIMILAR TO THE PERSON IN OHIO. *TR
Chevrolet Metro 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-29
- Date Complaint: 2009-03-30
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET METRO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN PULLING EXCESSIVELY TO THE RIGHT. HE NOTICED THAT SOMETHING FRACTURED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, WHICH HE THOUGHT WAS ONE OF THE CONTROL ARMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE UNIBODY THAT SUPPORTS THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE AND DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT ACCEPTED BY THE SYSTEM. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 103,000.
Chevrolet Metro 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2008-11-30
- VIN: 1G1ND52M6VY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I PURCHASED A USED 1997 MALIBU ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO. SINCE I HAVE BROUGHT IT I HAVE HAD TO PUT ALOT OF MONEY INTO IT. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE THEFT SYSTEM. IT HAS LEFT ME SITTING QUITE A FEW TIMES. I HAVE HAD THE IGNITION REPLACED ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND IT LOOKS LIKE I WILL HAVE TO HAVE IT DONE AGAIN. I HAVE ALSO REPLACE CALIBERS AND ABOUT 7 BRAKE PADS SET. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE HEAD GASKETS REPLACED AND THE PULLEY FOR THE BELTS. I HOPE YOU LOOK INTO THE THEFT SYSTEM PROBLEM. IT IS GETTING EXPENSIVE TO KEEP THIS CAR GOING. MY SON ALSO HAS A MALIBU AND HE HAS TROUBLE WITH HIS THEFT SYSTEM. I WOULD HOPE CHEVY COMPANY WOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SINCE WE ARE THE ONES WHO ARE KEEPING THEM IN BUSINESS. THANK YOU NORMA BELANGER *TR
Chevrolet Metro 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-21
- Date Complaint: 2008-01-11
- VIN: 2C1MR5228W6
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET METRO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THEN IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED AUTOMATICALLY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED OR WHEN SWITCHING GEARS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, DUPLICATED THE FAILURE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. SHE FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 31,000.
Latest negative Chevrolet Metro car reviews
Latest positive Chevrolet Metro car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1999
You have an outstanding commuter! It has great gas mileage, which is perfect for your daily 40-mile commute to work. It's incredibly reliable, with only one issue after the first year - the ignition coil and wire shorted out, but it was covered under warranty. Other than regular oil changes and new tires, it has saved you a lot of money in repair costs. It's been so great that you're passing it on to your daughter for school. How wonderful!
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Vehicle year: 2000
Wow, I'm so glad to hear about your positive experience with your car! It's amazing that you've been able to drive it for 1 1/2 years trouble-free and get such great gas mileage, even in the tough Los Angeles traffic. The interior sounds really comfortable and it's great to hear that the clutch and gear shifting are top-notch. Overall, it sounds like you got an incredible value for your money!
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Vehicle year: 1999
This is my second Metro. I bought this 1998 model with 28,000 miles on it in June 2002. I have had zero problems and get close to 50 miles to the gallon. If you want a nice little car that gets you there and back cheap, this is the car!
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Vehicle year: 2000
This is a great car if you want to get from point A to point B. I love it because it has great mileage. It might be a little smaller than your average car, but if you want something that is good enough to get you from one place to another without a lot of trouble, this car will do just fine.
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Vehicle year: 1999
This car is like the eveready rabbit. It has excellent mileage (best on the planet) so you can laugh at the high gasoline prices. It never lets me down and requires only regular maintenance. You'll feel like you're beating the system when you drive this car, enjoying all the convenience without the bills. You should definitely consider getting one!
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Metro?
Pete O'Conner 2024-08-06
Vehicle year: 1998
The car has a great low driving and repair cost, but it's important to note that it gets 40 mpg city without air on. However, with air conditioning on, the mileage drops to 30 mpg. It may take some effort to get up to speed on the freeway, but at 50 mph the car runs fantastic. It's worth noting that at 70 mph on the freeway, the car may be a bit strained in 5th gear. Repairs have been minor, except for a constant air conditioning compressor leak that has been difficult to repair. Unfortunately, I'm on my 3rd compressor and still no air with only 59,000 miles on the car. Overall, it's a cheap car with great value, but it's important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
Vaughn Weimann 2024-07-06
Vehicle year: 2000
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share a little bit about my car. When we found out we were expecting a baby, we knew we needed to find a car that would work for our growing family. We ended up finding a great deal on a car that I absolutely love! It's not too big or too small, and it's just the right size for me. I'm a bit on the shorter side, so I often have trouble fitting into larger cars, but this one is perfect. Plus, I usually don't have any trouble finding a parking spot! Thanks for listening to me ramble on about my car, I just really love it!
Orville Lowe 2024-06-13
Vehicle year: 1999
This is my second Metro. Although I have been a bit disappointed at the lower mpg as compared to my 4 dr 93 GEO, I still managed to get over 36 mpg with winter cold starts and a commute of only 7 miles city driving to work. I am hoping to get 40 mpg with the warmer weather. It's a wonderful car around town, fun to drive, and easy to maintain. Additionally, the resale value has been about 100% so far.
Lisandro Hane 2024-05-05
Vehicle year: 2000
I bought this car as my first vehicle when I turned 16 and it was worth every penny of the $5,000 we paid for it. It was reliable and great on gas, making it the perfect learning vehicle due to its low price point. Despite the fact that I really beat it up, it kept going like a trooper. Unfortunately, I recently rear-ended someone like an idiot and wrecked it. I only had liability, so I really regret losing the vehicle. I decided to write a review about ol' Blue, as I called it. You will be missed, RIP. You always got me from point A to point B.
Grayce Bogan 2024-03-28
Vehicle year: 1999
Hey there! If you and a friend are planning a long road trip with a tight budget, this car might be a good option. While it may not be the best car overall, it will at least get you from point A to point B. Let me know if you have any questions!