Total Complaints
103 filings
GEO TRACKER · model year
1996 GEO TRACKER
103 NHTSA complaints, 19 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1996GEOTRACKER carries 103 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 19 crashes, 1 fire, 15 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1996 TRACKER is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline with 17 filings, followed by air bags:frontal (9) and equipment:appliance:air conditioner (5). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
No open NHTSA investigation overlaps the 1996 TRACKER in the current dataset. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
103
Complaints
19
Crashes
1
Fires
15
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
19 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 17 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 9 |
| EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER | 5 |
| SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER | 4 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY | 3 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY | 3 |
| WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS | 3 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | 3 |
| SUSPENSION | 2 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE | 2 |
| TIRES | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS | 2 |
Recent Complaints
20040825ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER NOTICED LIQUID UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE. *AK
20031218SEATS
THE HARDWARE THAT HELD THE DRIVER'S SEAT IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION FAILED, RESULTING IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK TO BE UNSTABLE AND CONTINUOUSLY FALL BACKWARDS. *AK
20030924SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
THE FRONT SEAT MECHANISM BROKE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT CAUSING IT TO FALL BACK. THIS IS NOT ONLY VERY DANGEROUS, BUT A SERIOUS DEFECT IN THIS VEHICLE AND I FEEL THAT IT SHOULD BE FIXED AT NO COST TO ME AS IT A MECHANICAL DEFECT THAT SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE VEHICLE TYPE WAS MADE.
20020403ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER DASH AND ALL EQUIPMENT PANELS QUIT WORKING-NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, BLINKERS, HAZARDS, RADIO,SPEEDOMETER. WHEN STOPPED CAR IDLES DOWN LIGHTS GO DIM AND STALLS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND YOU START TO GO THE FAN BELT SQEALS. NLM
20020403ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER DASH AND ALL EQUIPMENT PANELS QUIT WORKING-NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, BLINKERS, HAZARDS, RADIO,SPEEDOMETER. WHEN STOPPED CAR IDLES DOWN LIGHTS GO DIM AND STALLS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND YOU START TO GO THE FAN BELT SQEALS. NLM
20020403ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER DASH AND ALL EQUIPMENT PANELS QUIT WORKING-NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, BLINKERS, HAZARDS, RADIO,SPEEDOMETER. WHEN STOPPED CAR IDLES DOWN LIGHTS GO DIM AND STALLS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND YOU START TO GO THE FAN BELT SQEALS.
20020403ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER DASH AND ALL EQUIPMENT PANELS QUIT WORKING-NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, BLINKERS, HAZARDS, RADIO,SPEEDOMETER. WHEN STOPPED CAR IDLES DOWN LIGHTS GO DIM AND STALLS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND YOU START TO GO THE FAN BELT SQEALS.
20011002POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON AFTER 50,000 MILES, TOOK TO MECHANIC SAID COMPUTER SAID PROBLEMS WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTOR, COULDNT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. RESET LIGHT, LEFT. SAME DAY SPEEDS OF OVER 55 MPH LIGHT CAME BACK ON. NOW HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS. SHIFTS AT HIGH SPEEDS. MAKES HIGH WHINY NOISE (ALMOST LIKE A BELT IS LOOSE). PULLING BAD TO THE RIGHT (EVEN AFTER ALIGNMENT). BRAKES HAVE LOCKED TWICE. SEATBELTS LOCK AT LOW SPEEDS AND WHEN STOPPED. *AK
20010926POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON AFTER 50,000 MILES, TOOK TO MECHANIC SAID COMPUTER SAID PROBLEMS WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTOR, COULDNT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. RESET LIGHT, LEFT. SAME DAY SPEEDS OF OVER 55 MPH LIGHT CAME BACK ON. NOW HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS. SHIFTS AT HIGH SPEEDS. MAKES HIGH WHINY NOISE (ALMOST LIKE A BELT IS LOOSE). PULLING BAD TO THE RIGHT (EVEN AFTER ALIGNMENT). BRAKES HAVE LOCKED TWICE. SEATBELTS LOCK AT LOW SPEEDS AND WHEN STOPPED. *AK
20010910AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS BEEN ON, AND HORN HAS FAILED TO OPERATE. DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PROBLEM HAD TO DO WITH THE CLOCKSPRING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK
20010910ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
AIR BAG LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS BEEN ON, AND HORN HAS FAILED TO OPERATE. DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PROBLEM HAD TO DO WITH THE CLOCKSPRING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK
20010716STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
DOOR ON PASSENGER'S SIDE IS RUSTED TO POINT WHERE HINGES AND BOLTS ARE COMING RIGHT THROUGH DOOR.*AK
20010214ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ON 9/24/99 WE HAD OUR TIMING BELT REPLACED AS A PART OF THE 60,000 MAINTENANCE ON OUR CAR. IN AUGUST OF 2000 WE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER ACCOMPANIED BY A CLANKING IN THE ENGINE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MY 2 YOUNG CHILDREN TO AN EVENT. WE CHECKED THE CAR IN WITH A DEALER WHO INFORMED US THAT THE BOLT HOLDING THE TIMING BELT ASSEMBLY TO THE CRANK CASE HAD COME UNSCREWED AND TORN APART OUR CRANKCASE. 3 MECHANICS STATED THAT THIS WAS IRREPAIRABLE AND REQUIRED A NEW ENGINE FOR THE CAR. THE DEALER TOLD US THAT THIS SCREW COULD ONLY COME LOOSE DURING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TIMING BELT - SPECIFICALLY THAT THE MECHANIC HAD FAILED TO TIGHTEN IT PROPERLY. WHEN I BROUGH THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF MY MECHABIC, HE PROMPTLY PRODUCED CHEVY'S PUBLISHED REPAIR GUIDE WHICH CLEARLY STATES THAT THIS BOLT IS NOT TO BE UNSCREWED DURING TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT. THIS LEAVES ONLY 1 OTHER POSSIBILITY - THE BOLT WAS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED AT THE MANUFACTURING FACILITY. WHEN I BROUG
20001025SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
BRAKE PROPORTION VALVUE LEAKS FLUID, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
20001006WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
CONSUMER TOOK CAR IN FOR OIL CHANGE, AND MECHANIC SAID THAT ONLY ONE NUT: BOLT WAS HOLDING THE FAN SHROUD ON, THERE WERE SUPPOSE TO BE 4 NUT:BOLTS. *AK FRONT DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF. A BOLTS IN PCV VALVE WERE LOOSE. *YH
20001006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
CONSUMER TOOK CAR IN FOR OIL CHANGE, AND MECHANIC SAID THAT ONLY ONE NUT: BOLT WAS HOLDING THE FAN SHROUD ON, THERE WERE SUPPOSE TO BE 4 NUT:BOLTS. *AK FRONT DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF. A BOLTS IN PCV VALVE WERE LOOSE. *YH
20001006POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
CONSUMER TOOK CAR IN FOR OIL CHANGE, AND MECHANIC SAID THAT ONLY ONE NUT: BOLT WAS HOLDING THE FAN SHROUD ON, THERE WERE SUPPOSE TO BE 4 NUT:BOLTS. *AK FRONT DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF. A BOLTS IN PCV VALVE WERE LOOSE. *YH
20000814CrashAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A COW HEAD-ON FIRST. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
20000720ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE STARTED MAKING A RATTLING NOISE. THE CONSUMER FOUND OUT IT WAS 2 SLUNG ROD IN THE ENGINE FROM A MECHANIC. CONSUMER STARTED REBUILDING ENGINE BECAUSE THE CRANKSHAFT ON TRACKERS AREN'T REUSABLE. CHEVROLET REALLY HASN'T GIVEN ANY INFORMATION WHY IT HAPPENED.*AK
20000616CrashAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WAS INVOVLED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WITH A TREE AT 30 MPH. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Compare 1996GEOTRACKER to Similar Vehicles
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 1996 GEO TRACKER have?▼
The 1996 GEO TRACKER has 103 NHTSA complaints, 19 crashes, 1 fires, 15 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 GEO TRACKER?▼
The most-complained component for the 1996 GEO TRACKER is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE with 17 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS:FRONTAL and EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER.
Is the 1996 GEO TRACKER safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.