- The problem
- The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." If a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
- The risk
- The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer is developing a remedy designed to prevent failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.
Vehicle safety record
1989 Geo Tracker Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 1989 Geo Tracker with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (6) and the acceleration & cruise control (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 1 injury. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in May 1995 for the buckle assembly. For comparison, the 1990 has 25.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Tracker year, for its age
#95 most complained-about 1989 vehicle
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1989 Geo Tracker problems
Share of all 10 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1989 Geo Tracker recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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10 complaints about the 1989 Geo Tracker
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The engine would be racing very fast. The rpms are high. The vehicle is fine when first starting up. After getting warmed up & would start to move, that's when engine would race. Have taken vehicle to garage to check it out. *Ak
SEAT BELT RECALL REPAIRS UNSATISFACTORY.
Suspension failed, causing vehicle to rollover and roll cage collapsed, resulting in injuries. *Ak
The drivers side and front passenger seatblet retracter doesn't work. Would not occupant in a crash.*Ak
While driving one of the roof latches broke and the convertable roof began to fly off. *Ak
Plastic seat belt buckle release button broke. *Dsh
Driver and passenger side belt buckle red release button broke. Tt
When driving and come to a stop the driver side seat belt buckle comes loose . Tt
Model tk524. Red release botton on female portion broke allowing fragments to fall inside buckle. Tt
Cracked block which leaked anti-freeze on exhaust manifold choking occupants. Transmission casing is identified as improper leaking/spewing fluid. Tt
Geo Tracker: every year compared
All Tracker years1989 Geo Tracker vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 Geo Tracker | 10 | 1 | A | |
| 1989 Geo Metro | 29 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 1989 Geo Spectrum | 8 | 0 | - | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1989 Geo Tracker
Does the 1989 Geo Tracker have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1989 Geo Tracker: buckle assembly (May 1995). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Geo Tracker?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (6), acceleration & cruise control (1), suspension (1).
How many complaints has the 1989 Geo Tracker had?
10 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 5, 1995 and the latest on October 5, 1999. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 1989 Geo Tracker a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 78 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Geo Tracker year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Geo Tracker years have the most complaints?
1996 (71), 1995 (64), 1994 (51). See every Geo Tracker year compared.
What should I do if my 1989 Geo Tracker has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data