Chevrolet Tracker problems
The Chevrolet Tracker, formerly the Geo Tracker, is a mini SUV produced for Chevrolet and Geo by CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario. Although appearing as a compact SUV, the Tracker was actually certified as a light truck due to its off-road capabilities and body on frame construction. The Tracker was produced under many brands in several different editions and in many countries.
First generation
The Geo Tracker was a mini SUV introduced in late 1988 as a 1989 model. It was developed by CAMI which was a joint venture between General Motors of Canada and Suzuki. North American models were to be built in CAMI's Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada plant alongside its almost identical twin, the domestic-built Suzuki Sidekick (Escudo). Nearly all 1989 and some 1990 Trackers were built in Japan and imported to the US because of delays at the CAMI factory in Canada. In late 1989, production began in Ingersoll with about 6,100 Geo Trackers finished, with annual production projected to be around 200,000 units. In the beginning, all Canadian-made Trackers were sent to the United States to circumvent the 25 percent Chicken Tax; the Canadian market was supplied entirely from Japan. Suzuki Sidekicks were added to the production line during 1990.
The Tracker was originally powered by Suzuki's 1.6L SOHC four-cylinder engine producing 80 hp (60 kW). The trim levels in 1989 were base convertible, base two-door hardtop, two-door XL bed, and LSi hardtop. LSi equipment included air conditioner, chrome rally wheels, intermittent wipers, rear window wiper/washer, spare tire cover, three-speed GM Turbo-Hydramatic 180 automatic transmission, tinted glass, and special red/black front and rear bucket seats. In 1990 the LSi trim was made available on the convertible models also. All Trackers were four-wheel drive until a base two-wheel drive convertible was introduced in 1992. The two-door hardtop models were available until 1995 when they were discontinued to make way for the four-door hardtop wagon that was to be introduced the following year. The two-door XL bed was a North America only edition which came with four more inches in the rear and a sealed two door cab. Although Suzuki started importing four-door Sidekicks in 1991, CAMI did not start producing them until the 1996 model year, when America got a four-door Geo Tracker, now powered by Suzuki's G16B 16-valve 1.6L boasting 96 hp (72 kW). In 1997, the Geo nameplate was merged back into Chevrolet and all Geo models, including the Tracker, Tracker XL, and all subsequent editions were rebadged as Chevrolet in 1998.
The Tracker was different from most other light SUVs on the market in that it is based on a rugged light-truck chassis and certified as a light truck. Although it appeared to be a comfortable passenger SUV, it was bolstered by a sturdy off-road four-wheel-drive system with a conventional light truck engine and transmission coupled to a hi-lo, 2-4 transfer case. The Tracker had a strong front suspension with a rugged recirculating ball steering box. The conventional front differential was rigidly mounted ahead of the engine, with CV axles connecting the coil-spring front hubs to the differential case. The rear axle was a conventional light truck unit on coil springs. As a result of the truck-like underpinnings, the Tracker had a fairly truck-like ride, but the benefit was its notable durability in harsh conditions.
The production of the first-generation model of the Tracker (and Sidekick) came to an end in Ontario after 1998 in order to make way for the second generation of Tracker/Vitara. However, the first generation Sidekick continued in production in other countries until 2004.
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Chevrolet Tracker model years
Common Chevrolet Tracker problems
The Chevrolet Tracker is a popular SUV that has been in production for over two decades, with two distinct generations. Despite its popularity, the Tracker has had its fair share of issues over the years, with common problems affecting the engine, transmission, electrical system, suspension, and steering.
One of the most common issues with the Chevrolet Tracker is engine problems. Some owners have reported issues with the timing chain or belt, which can cause the engine to run poorly or even fail. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the head gasket, which can cause oil leaks or engine overheating. The 2003 model year is particularly problematic, with engine problems being the worst category of complaints.
Transmission issues are also a common problem with the Tracker. Some owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission, such as slipping or shifting problems. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the manual transmission, such as difficulty shifting or grinding gears.
Electrical problems are another common issue with the Chevrolet Tracker. Some owners have reported issues with the battery or alternator, which can cause starting problems or electrical system malfunctions. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the power windows or locks, which can stop working or become slow to respond.
Suspension and steering problems are also common with the Tracker. Some owners have reported issues with the struts or shocks, which can cause a bumpy ride or poor handling. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the steering, such as difficulty turning or a loose steering wheel.
Fuel system problems are another issue that some Chevrolet Tracker owners have reported. Some owners have reported issues with the fuel pump or fuel filter, which can cause fuel delivery problems and affect the performance of the engine.
To avoid these common issues with the Chevrolet Tracker, it is important to perform regular maintenance and address any issues promptly. Common maintenance tasks for the Tracker include oil changes, brake inspections, tire rotations, and fluid checks. Additionally, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and use only high-quality replacement parts.
In conclusion, while the Chevrolet Tracker has some common issues, it is still a reliable and versatile SUV. With proper care and maintenance, the Tracker can provide many years of dependable service.
Is the Chevrolet Tracker good?
The Chevy Tracker's heart is a standout one-liter, three-cylinder engine that sets it apart in the world of crossovers. This turbocharged engine generates an impressive 116 horsepower (hp) and 175 (newton-meters) Nm of torque, offering a blend of power and efficiency that's ideal for a wide range of driving scenarios.
When did they stop making Chevy trackers?
2004
Production of the Chevrolet Tracker ended after the 2004. 11 years after the last Tracker was sold, Chevrolet re-entered the compact utility vehicle market with the Trax crossover.
Are geo trackers expensive to fix?
Geo Tracker Repair & Maintenance Costs
The annual maintenance cost of a Geo Tracker is $302. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
Who made the Chevy Tracker engine?
Suzuki's
The Tracker was originally powered by Suzuki's 1.6L SOHC four-cylinder engine producing 80 hp (60 kW). The trim levels in 1989 were base convertible, base two-door hardtop, two-door XL bed, and LSi hardtop.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Tracker years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Tracker cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Tracker model years:
- Chevrolet Tracker 2000
- Chevrolet Tracker 2003
- Chevrolet Tracker 2001
- Chevrolet Tracker 2002
- Chevrolet Tracker 1999
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Tracker model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Tracker years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet Tracker car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Tracker , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Suspension problems
- Structure problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Tracker vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Tracker model years
A total of 74 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 Tracker model years
There were a total of 6 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 Tracker model years
There were a total of 67 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 486 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Tracker . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Tracker vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Chevrolet Tracker 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-26
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2CNBJ13C926
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: The safety airbags exploded and burning my face and the passenger side passenger it was very hard and his arm and the of explosion of the airbags she was spraying and burning the face and was
Chevrolet Tracker 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-21
- Components: CHILD SEAT
- Summary: The contact owns a Graco Safety Seat, Model Number: 2203450, Model Type: N/A manufactured 04/11/2024. The contact stated that the safety seat was being used in a 2001 Chevrolet Tracker. The contact stated that while attempting to remove her [XXX]granddaughter from the safety seat, the chest clip was stuck and failed to release from the chest buckle, causing the contact to maneuver and to slide her granddaughter out of the safety seat. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The safety seat was not replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Chevrolet Tracker 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-20
- VIN: 2CNBJ134946
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I purchased a vehicle from a friend that is 20 years old but runs great and he takes great care of his vehicles. This one was his away car, in that he was here only 6 months of the year and drove this one mainly when he was here and only put on about 2-3 thousand miles per year. He told me he was scraping the car so I offered him scrap value but little to my knowledge that the total frame is rotted from inside to out and on driving it home it thumped, shook rattled and scared the crap out of me. I had no idea being a car person all my life that this vehicle would be allowed on the road with only 84k on it it is undriveable and even a pro welder would not work on it.
Chevrolet Tracker 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2021-09-23
- VIN: 2CNBJ634336
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CORROSION AND RUST PROOFING CAUSING THE SUBFRAME AND CONTROL ARMS TO CORRODE AND DETACH
Chevrolet Tracker 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-28
- Date Complaint: 2021-03-08
- VIN: 2CNBJ13C1Y6
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY HAD TO BRAKE STEERING WHEEL VIOLENT WENT LEFT IF ANYONE HAD OF BEEN IN OTHER LANE I WOULD HAVE HIT THEM HEAD ON. I THOUGHT THE BRAKE CALIPER WAS LOCKING UP. SO I WENT TO PART STORE BOUGHT A NW ONE($92) TOOK IT TO A GARAGE OF A MAN I KNEW. HE PUT IT ON LIFT TO CHANGE CALIPER HE NOTICED CONTROL ARM COMPLETE LY RUSTED OUT ON CROSS FRAME..THERE WAS ALSO A HOLE ABOUT 7"LONG RUSTED OUT OF FRAME.BTHIS WASN'T A SAFETY PROB. HE SAID NOT TO DRIVE IT WADS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. IT WAS A SUNDAY NO ONE WORKING ON SUNDAY. WENT BACK MONDAY. HE HAD TO DO ALOT OF WELDING METAL PLATES JUST TO GET IT HOME. HOME CHECKED ON LINE FOR A CROSS MEMBER CHEAPEST$300 PLUS SHIPPING THATS NOT TO INSTALL IT. I HAVE A LIMITED INCOME SO CANT AFFORD IT RIGHT NOW. CHEVY HAS NEW THIS PROB FOR A LONG TIME ACCORDING TO INTERNET AS TOYOTO DID WITH RUSTING. OUT FRAMES. THE FRAME ON THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE REPLACE BY CHEVY THEY USED POOR METAL THAT WOULD BE UNSAFE. IVE SEEM CAR FRAMES FROM WAY BACK BETTER THAN THIS. I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CARFOR A WEEK.THE BODY AND TRANSMISSION ARE EXCELLENT BUT THE REST WAS MADE CHEAP. ITS A 2000 TRACKER (148000 MI) 4CYL 2.0 4WHEEL DRIVE.. I ALSO NOTICED ONLINE THE PROB WAS RIGHT SIDE OF CROSS MEMBER. THIS PROB SAME IN 1999. CHEVY WANTS TO DELAY LONG ENOUGH SO THEY ARE A CUP FULL OF RUST. ITS SAD HOW CROOKED PEOPLE CAN BE JUST TO MAKE A BUCK. THANK YOU [XXX]. (DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO PICTURES INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Chevrolet Tracker 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2020-10-26
- VIN: 2CNBE13C226
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRACKER EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE TIRES, TIRE LINE: AFFINITY TOURING, TIRE SIZE: 205/65/R15, DOT NUMBER: 2R9LDBF. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED THE TIRE BUT SAW NO DAMAGE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR TIRES WERE DAMAGED ON THE INSIDE SIDEWALL AND WAS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 145,000.
Chevrolet Tracker 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2019-12-27
- VIN: 2CNBE13C416
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: INSIDE TIE ROD END DO NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH OUTSIDE TIE ROD ENDS ARE FINE AND IN A SHARP TURN IT CAUSE THE FRONT TO SHAKE VERY BAD I CAN LIFT 300 LB AND IT TOOK EVERYTHING I HAD TO CONTROL IT FROM ROLLING OVER. MECHANIC SAID I MUSCLED THE METAL IN TO PLACE AND DAMAGE BOTH INSIDE TIE RODS ENDS ONLY. I HAVE NO REPLACED THEM YET NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. I IF I HAD NOT BEEN STRONG ENOUGH TO BEND THE MEDAL THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A WRECK. I BEEN KNOW BREAK AND BEND PARTS LIKE THIS BEFORE.
Chevrolet Tracker 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-22
- Date Complaint: 2019-10-23
- VIN: 2CNBJ734736
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: FUSES AND BRAKERS KEEP POPPING/BLOWING ABOUT ONCE A MONTH. WHEN POPPED THE VEHICLE LOSES THE ABILITY FOR THE BRAKES TO ILLUMINATE BRIGHTER WHEN YOU PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AS WELL AS THE ABILITY TO USE THE HORN. RECENTLY I HAD A DIFFERENT FUSE POP THAT CUT ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS AFFECTING SOME ON THE OUTSIDE. THE FOLLOWING FAILED. THE BREAK LIGHTS WERE NOT VISIBLE WHEN TURNED ON OR WHEN YOU PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE BREAK, EMERGENCY FLASHERS DID NOT WORK, ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTING FAILED, DOOR LOCKS DID NOT WORK, WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOOR THE LIGHT WOULD NOT TURN ON INSIDE OF THE CAR, WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED I HAD TO MANUALLY ENGAGE THE SHIFTER BY GOING UNDERNEATH OF THE SHIFTER AND RELEASING THE LOCK WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BREAK AND THEN MOVE THE SHIFTER TO NEUTRAL AT THE SAME TIME TO GET THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE. THESE HAVE BEEN RECURRING ISSUES WITH REGULAR SHOP MATNEINCE THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 135000 MILES ON IT CURRENTLY. IT HAS PLENTY OF LIFE IN IT AND THERE IS NO REASON FOR THESE CONTINUED ISSUES. HELP!!!
Chevrolet Tracker 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2019-10-22
- VIN: 2CNBE13C636
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. THERE ARE NO CODES, AND THE MECHANICS CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX THIS.
Chevrolet Tracker 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-11
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-18
- VIN: 2CNBJ734526
- Components: STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRACKER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FRONT END SWERVED AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME AND THAT THE CROSS MEMBER WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
Chevrolet Tracker 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2018-12-31
- VIN: 2CNBE18C5Y6
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SUBFRAME RUSTED OUT UPON RESEARCH IT APPEARS THIS WAS AN ONGOING COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS MODEL CAR PULLED TO RIGHT WHEN BRAKING LOTS OF SHAKING TOO . WHY HAVE THERE BEEN NO RECALLS ?
Chevrolet Tracker 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-12
- Date Complaint: 2018-12-13
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: REAR BRAKES KEEP FAILING, THEY FAILED YESTERDAY FOR THE THIRD TIME IN ABOUT 8,000 MILES. THEY ALSO DISCONTINUED A PART FOR THE REAR BRAKES. CANNOT FIND THE PART ANYWHERE. WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR, PULLED OVER AND IT WAS THE BRAKES. HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO STOP.
Chevrolet Tracker 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-22
- Date Complaint: 2018-05-28
- VIN: 2CNBJ634636
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER RUSTED THROUGH
Chevrolet Tracker 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-13
- Date Complaint: 2018-04-15
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA INFLATORS RECALL DID NOT INFLATE ON IMPACT
Chevrolet Tracker 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2018-04-10
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FEONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER BROKE ON RIGHT SIDE.
Latest negative Chevrolet Tracker car reviews
Latest positive Chevrolet Tracker car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2002
It's a very nice car - not too big, but not too small either, so I don't have to fold myself up to get in. It drives very smoothly and we've taken three trips in it so far, all of which have been great. The only issue I've noticed is that it doesn't handle crosswinds very well, but I put bigger wheels on it and that solved the problem. I also made a few small modifications to the engine to give it a bit more power, and now it's really nice. Overall, I think it's a great car for a small family and I would definitely recommend it.
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Vehicle year: 2001
My 2001 Chevy Tracker is my very first car. It's such a reliable and comfortable car that I love driving to school and practice in it. It gets great gas mileage and is very efficient, which is perfect for young, inexperienced drivers like me. I plan on keeping my Tracker until I graduate from high school, which is in about two years. It's a great car that I'm really happy with!
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Vehicle year: 2004
I love the Tracker and think it's a fantastic vehicle. It has great ground clearance, a low-range transfer case, skid plates, and a tight turning radius, making it fully off-road capable. It's also nimble and zippy around town and on the highway. Despite its high ground clearance and high profile, body lean is minimal, and the ride is taut and firm. Noise levels are perfectly acceptable. The V-6 engine provides plenty of power, and gas mileage is decent (around 22 mpg). The Tracker is built to last and is highly reliable.
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Vehicle year: 1999
I bought my Tracker for my first car and learned how to drive manual on it. It's such a blast to drive and I get pretty good gas mileage. The only things that have had to be replaced are the clutch, and soon to be the tires and top.
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Vehicle year: 2000
The body style is nice and the front seats are spacious with excellent headroom for tall individuals. However, the back seats may feel cramped for anyone over 5'7
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Tracker?
Enid Zemlak 2025-04-21
Vehicle year: 1999
Despite some rust issues with my vehicle, I am overall satisfied with its performance. However, it is important to keep an eye on the undercarriage for any signs of rust due to the light metal used. While I did experience some costly repairs, such as a complete exhaust system replacement and a rusted Crossmember Stabilizer, I was able to address these issues promptly and confidently. Despite GM's lack of assistance due to mileage, I was able to find the necessary parts and labor to fix the problem. It is important to stay proactive and confident when dealing with any issues that may arise with your vehicle.
Jarred Gerhold 2025-03-14
Vehicle year: 2000
I've read many posts on this topic, but it's important to be cautious when buying a car from up north. Unfortunately, rust issues are quite common with these vehicles. They lack underbody coating, which can lead to rusty and leaky oil pans, brake lines, and inner rocker panels. Additionally, it's important to test the auto-locking 4WD hubs, as they may not engage even if the light indicates they are on. The 4-cylinder engine is reliable, but it's worth noting that fuel economy isn't great, with a maximum of 21 MPG on the highway.
Larry Grant 2025-03-11
Vehicle year: 2004
The vehicle requires a larger transmission and motor to provide sufficient power when ascending small hills, as the current setup results in gear shifting issues.
Axel Muller 2025-03-11
Vehicle year: 2001
I purchased this vehicle with high expectations, but unfortunately, within a year of ownership, I encountered several issues. The check engine light repeatedly illuminated, and I had to replace all the A/C and heating elements. Additionally, the driver's side window stopped functioning after only 18 months of ownership.
Anibal Zboncak 2025-03-01
Vehicle year: 2003
When I bought this Tracker, I was hoping for a reliable vehicle. Unfortunately, I have had some issues with it, including having to replace the catalytic converter three times, as well as the springs on the rear rotors and various gaskets. It's been frustrating, especially since I had a 1994 Tracker in the past that was awesome. I'm looking forward to finding a solution to these problems.