1998 Chevrolet Metro: common problems and reliability
The 1998 Chevrolet Metro has 6 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and air bags. Owners most often flag underpowered 1.0l 3-cylinder engine — described as "low powered" and a defining characteristic of the vehicle. frequency: very frequent.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
6
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Chevrolet Metro vehicles (US, public record).
Where owners report problems
structure
4
air bags
1
engine and engine cooling
1
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive among long-term owners and enthusiasts, who praise the vehicle for its legendary fuel economy, extreme simplicity, low purchase and operating costs, and surprising durability when maintained. The car is consistently describ
Underpowered 1.0L 3-cylinder engine — described as "low powered" and a defining characteristic of the vehicle. Frequency: very frequent.
Extreme lack of safety features — explicitly noted as being "expensive in an accident (as in it will probably be your last accident)." Frequency: recurrent.
Age-related reliability and project status — high-mileage examples require rebuilds (rings, bearings), and many for sale are non-running projects or have been modified in ways that complicate ownership (e.g., custom fuel cells, engine swaps). Frequency: recurrent.
Difficulty finding clean, unmodified examples — noted as "hard to find... in good condition these days," with many being half-finished projects or in rough shape. Frequency: recurrent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Metro.