1998 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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Common 1998 Chevrolet Metro problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1998 Chevrolet Metro, several common problems have been reported:
- Engine Vacuum Leak from Throttle Body Gasket:
- One of the common issues reported by owners of the Chevrolet Metro 1998 is an engine vacuum leak stemming from the throttle body gasket. This problem can lead to a variety of symptoms, including rough idling, poor engine performance, and potentially stalling. A vacuum leak can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, affecting the engine's combustion process and overall efficiency. Addressing this issue promptly is crucial to maintain the engine's optimal performance and prevent further damage.
- Camshaft Position Sensor (P0340 Code):
- Another prevalent problem with the 1998 Chevrolet Metro involves the camshaft position sensor, indicated by the P0340 diagnostic trouble code. Issues with the camshaft position sensor can result in hot start problems, engine stalling, and power loss while driving. Replacing the faulty sensor is essential to ensure proper engine timing and performance. Ignoring this issue can lead to more severe engine problems and potential safety hazards on the road.
- O2 Sensor Codes:
- Owners have reported issues related to O2 sensor codes in the 1998 Chevrolet Metro. Malfunctioning O2 sensors can cause the engine to run poorly, experience stalling, and exhibit erratic behavior. These sensors are crucial for monitoring and adjusting the air-fuel mixture, affecting fuel efficiency and emissions. Replacing faulty O2 sensors is necessary to maintain optimal engine performance and comply with emission standards.
- Fuel Pump and Fuel System Problems:
- Problems with the fuel pump and fuel system have been highlighted by owners of the Chevrolet Metro 1998. Symptoms such as difficulty starting the car, engine stalling, and poor acceleration can indicate issues with the fuel delivery system. A failing fuel pump can disrupt the proper flow of fuel to the engine, leading to performance issues. Addressing fuel system problems promptly is essential to ensure reliable operation and prevent potential breakdowns.
- General Vacuum Leaks and Intake Gasket Issues:
- Vacuum leaks and intake gasket problems have been reported by owners of the 1998 Chevrolet Metro. Vacuum leaks can cause a variety of issues, including rough idling, poor performance, and stalling. Addressing vacuum leaks promptly by inspecting and replacing deteriorated hoses or gaskets is crucial to maintain engine efficiency and performance. Ignoring vacuum leaks can lead to more severe engine problems over time.
These common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Metro highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt diagnosis, and timely repairs to ensure the vehicle's reliability and longevity. Owners should address these issues promptly to prevent further damage and maintain optimal performance.
What is the gas mileage on a 1998 Chevy Metro?
Based on data from 25 vehicles, 1,039 fuel-ups and 280,159 miles of driving, the 1998 Chevrolet Metro gets a combined Avg MPG of 37.18 with a 0.45 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 31 outliers (2.90%) removed.
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. It had the best fuel economy of any gasoline vehicle in the US, with 41 MPG.
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.
What is the Chevy equivalent to the Geo Metro?
Chevrolet Spark
By the late '90s, GM shuttered Geo and moved its remaining products under the Chevy umbrella. The Geo Metro was replaced first by the Chevrolet Aveo and later by the Chevrolet Spark.
What is the gas mileage on a 1998 Chevy Metro?
Based on data from 25 vehicles, 1,039 fuel-ups and 280,159 miles of driving, the 1998 Chevrolet Metro gets a combined Avg MPG of 37.18 with a 0.45 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 31 outliers (2.90%) removed.
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. It had the best fuel economy of any gasoline vehicle in the US, with 41 MPG.
Who made the Chevy Metro?
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.
What engine is in a 1990 Geo Metro?
Used 1990 Geo Metro XFi - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 1.0 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 3 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 49 hp @ 4,700 rpm |
1998 Chevrolet Metro car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Metro problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Chevrolet Metro vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Chevrolet Metro complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Chevrolet Metro.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-03
- 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-05
- 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-01
- 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.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-05
- 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-29
- 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-21
- 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.
Negative 1998 Chevrolet Metro car reviews
Positive 1998 Chevrolet Metro car reviews
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This car is built to last! Just remember to change the oil every few months or few thousand miles and shift before the engine blows up. The only issue I've had is merging on fast interstates, but around town and on regular roads, it's the greatest!
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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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Hi there! When I bought my car new, it was listed at an MSRP of $9000 with 2% interest payments. I was able to get some great deals, including $600 off for my trade-in, a $750 special markdown on the sticker, and a $500 loyal Chevy buyer discount, bringing the total cost down to $7150. I've had a great experience with this car - it's been ultra-reliable with only routine maintenance and one starter replacement. It's also lightweight and gets an impressive 44.6 MPG when new, and not much different at 101,300 miles. Just make sure to keep an eye on the oil level! This car is best for one-person city trips with its 3 cyl. 1.0 liter engine. If you're driving in the snow, I highly recommend using 185/60QR-14 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 snow tires, as the car is very light. I replaced the original 13
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The Metro is a fantastic little car that is both fun and very economical. It is widely regarded as one of the most reliable cars that GM has ever marketed, and offers excellent quality for the money!
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I got this car when I turned 18 and I'm now 22 years old. It had 90 thousand miles on it then and it now has 150 thousands miles on it. I had to replace an alternator and a starter, but nothing serious. It's a very well-built car with no major problems, and I don't regret buying it at all. This car has been through hell and back, but somehow it still runs as if it were brand new. What can I say? Well, it's a damn good car, that's what I can say!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Chevrolet Metro problems:
98 Metro 5speed Cuts out wile driving - Geo Metro Forum
May 16, 2012 ... Hi I'm new on this forum I have a 98 Chevy Metro 1.0L 5 speed. And I have been having a problem where it has been cutting out and dieing ...
Q&A: Chevrolet Metro 1998 - Common Issues, Troubleshooting ...
Jan 10, 2014 ... I will do my best to provide you with the most accurate answer possible. Try disconnecting the alternator and see if it still does it with the ...
Known issues on 1995+ Metros - Geo Metro Forum
Oct 27, 2010 ... The major fault on the interior is the driver's side window regulator might need to be replaced or adjusted. Simple fix for <$40. The exhaust ...
1998 Chevrolet Metro Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Problem with your 1998 Chevrolet Metro? Our list of 6 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 Chevrolet Metro.
98 Chevy metro troubles - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk Community
Jun 23, 2018 ... Yes, some of the nipples may be plastic so make sure they aren't cracked either. Something else to consider is the EGR valve. These are known ...
Other years of Chevrolet Metro
Are you having problems with your 1998 Chevrolet Metro?
Pete O'Conner 2024-08-06
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.
Jeffry Fadel 2024-02-25
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.