- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have an inoperative brake lamp-actuating switch. If the brake lamp-actuating switch does not function properly when the brake pedal is depressed, the brake lights may be inoperative. On vehicles equipped with automatic transaxle, a failure in the brake lamp-actuating switch may also prevent shifting out of park. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion and another vehicle was following closely, a vehicle crash could occur.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch assembly.
Vehicle safety record
1999 Geo Tracker Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 1999 Geo Tracker with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (6) and the suspension (5). Those complaints describe 4 crashes. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in October 1999 for the switch. For comparison, the 1998 has 18 and the 2000 has 7.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Tracker year, for its age
#150 most complained-about 1999 vehicle
- Complaints
- 22
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 4
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1999 Geo Tracker problems
Share of all 22 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1999 Geo Tracker recalls 3
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
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicle. The windshield may have been improperly installed and may not meet the windshield retention during a frontal impact requirements of fmvss no. 212, "Windshield mounting."
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, the windshield may not be properly retained and injury to vehicle occupants could occur.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the windshields on affected vehicles.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The coupling that connects the steering column shaft to the intermediate steering shaft is cracked. This could allow the steering shafts to separate.
- The risk
- If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of steering control could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the steering shaft coupling.
What owners say
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22 complaints about the 1999 Geo Tracker
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 geo tracker. The contact stated that the front suspension cross member is rotted out and corroded from the inside. This type of vehicle was manufactured with front cross members designed and made by suzuki, which rust from the inside out due to insufficient corrosion protection. Nhtsa action # ea06018 was referenced. The current and failure mileages were 69,300.
ENGINE IDLES ROUGH AND STALLS. *JB
My chevrolet/geo tracker had a arecal issued on it. However the dealer failed to repair it prior to saling it though the title explicitly stated they must. What should I do?. *Ak
I have only owned my 1999 tracker for almost two years and have had major engine problems with it. I had the timing chains and head gasket replaced in feb due to an unexplained oil leak. I have now been informed by the place that did the other engine repairs that it now needs a new oil pump and connecting rods to the tune of 1000 dollars. I have not been given any satisfaction from chevy or my dealership where I purchased the auto. The car has died and it was shaking and stalling out at stop lights as well as when...
Read the full complaint
I would be putting my foot on the brake for anything. This car is not safe or reliable and I am pissed off at chevy and rockenbach the dealership that sold me this piece of crap. *Ak
When brakes are applied, and when vehicle is driven on wet pavement abs system activates, causing brake pedal to go to the floor, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a collision. Please give any further details. Please add vin. *Ak
Bumper bolts failed(3), in addition, 1 grille bolt, and 1 manifold bolt has completly fallen off. The dealer told me "my license plate was loose". This tracker is losing bolts at an alarming rate. The left front suspension developed a severe "rattle"at any and all speeds. The strut assembly was replaced, but a rattle is still noticable over uneven surfaces. I am afraid to drive this vehicle on a long-duration trip.*Ak
Fan sqealing when the vehicle is cold or temperture is cold. It can get very loud if cold outside. Don't know if fan may fail fail and come apart. *Ak
Transmission-could not get car into first gear and third gear grind on the up & down shift.Replaced both gears. Two months later happened again so transmission was replaced.Three months later same problem with first, fourth and reverse.Dealership replaced the complete clutch assembly. Ac-the ac is not a big enough unit for the vehicle. Have to leave it on high at all times to cool the back seat. Suspension- the vehicle is all over the road. Very hard to handle in the wind, rain or even any speed over 55 mph. Bumper- all the fasteners holding the back molding on fell out. *Ak
Consumer was involved in a 35 to 45 mph frontal collision in which air bags did not deploy. Please give any further details.*Ak
Coming out of a curve to the left, the left-rear wheel caused the vehicle to fish-tail to the left. Countersteering to the left caused the vehicle to slide to the right. Countersteering to the right straightened the vehicle, but not before running into a forest. Breaks were not touched during the slides..
While driving 65 mph had a frontal impact with a deer in which driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy which did no protect the occupants in the crash. *Ak *ml
Vehicle would fail to shift properly into 4- wheel drive on its own. Also, make noises. Vehicle was test driven by husband & it popped out of 4wd into 2wd. Took to gary powers dealership & mechanic had hard time getting vehicle to shift into 4 wheel drive. Also found no recalls on 4 wheel drive. *Ak
Vehicle will not downshift from 4th gear to 3rd gear smoothly. Sometimes clutch sticks when downshifting from 5th to 4th gear. Dealer is aware of the problem. The problem has not been corrected. Please provide any further information. *Ak
Clutch would not go into reverse, and also there was resistance when putting it into second gear. In addition, vehicle failed to start. It began with a hesitation and then failed to start. Also defroster malfunctioned. *Ak
Current unrepaired condition. Vibration,engine and or related components between speeds of 35mph and 40mph also at speeds between 55mph and 60 mph severe enough at times to make entire body of vehicle vibrate, have driven other like vehicles some exhibit this condition, problem seems to depend on local speed limits and driveing conditions. I have found a similar report in your database concerning the suzuki grand vatari which is manufactured along with the geo tracker at the cami automotive plant in canada. Chevrolet acnowledges this condition as normal. I suspect the problem to be improper engine to body isolation. *Ak
Intermittently while driving vehicle stalls unexpectedly which almost caused a crash. Manufacturer stated that they needed to reprogram the computer and modify a chip. But manufacturer has no solution for this problem. Vehicle is still stalling. Please provide further information. *Ak
Engine stalls at stop lights, lack of power in cold temp. Engine check light blinks on repeatedly. Both dealership and chevrolet say they need to reprogram the computer but at this date they don't have one written to fix it, I've owned this car for less then 20 days and its been in for repair twice, is this considerd safe when a car stalls at traffic lights, also it has a very rough idle. *Ak
Brake lights went out.Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs,and the dealer didn't repair the vehicle. Consumer drove the vehicle without any brake lights. *Ak
Would have no brake lights whenever the brakes were applied. Been to the dealership. Mechanic checked out the brakes, and found they operated erratically. *Ak
Consumer was driving at 5 mph on wet pavement when making a right turn, the vehicle started sliding and went to the left. *Ak
The driver's seat is loose. 1 Screw fell out and the other 3 were loose. No stability when driving. *Ak *ml
While driving and upon applying brakes and switching lanes, left front tires locked up and vehicle hit divider. Dealer has not seen vehicle. *Ak
Geo Tracker: every year compared
All Tracker years1999 Geo Tracker vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Geo Tracker | 22 | 3 | C | |
| 1999 Geo Prizm | 24 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1999 Geo Metro | 23 | 0 | B | 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 1999 Geo Tracker
Does the 1999 Geo Tracker have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1999 Geo Tracker: switch (October 1999); windshield (December 1998); steering wheel / handle bar (December 1998). 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 1999 Geo Tracker?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (6), suspension (5), transmission & drivetrain (4).
How many complaints has the 1999 Geo Tracker had?
22 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 6, 1999 and the latest on June 25, 2007. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1999 Geo Tracker a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as 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 1999 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