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.
The worst 1996 Geo Tracker problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine22
- Airbags11
- Brakes10
- Transmission7
- Suspension6
- Body5
- Electrical5
- Seat belts5
- Seats5
- Fuel system4
- Wheels4
- Steering2
- Tires2
- Acceleration1
- Lights1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Geo Tracker
Recalls 1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- The fuel tank on these vehicles can become punctured by a fuel tank flange attachment reinforcement during rear-end collisions. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel tank integrity."
- Risk
- Consequence of non-compliance: if an ignition source was present, fuel leakage resulting from this puncture could result in a post-crash fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install two new shield gussets between the fuel tank and attachment brackets to prevent the reinforcement from puncturing the fuel tank wall.
Recall number 96V121001 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Geo Tracker 18
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground....
- Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground....
- Some customers may comment on poor performance or lack of power after a period of sustained driving in...
1996 Geo Tracker fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | RWD | 19-21 | 22-24 | 21-22 |
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 19-21 | 22-24 | 21-22 |
What 1996 Geo Tracker owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Door on passenger's side is rusted to point where hinges and bolts are coming right through door.
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 brought this to the dealer's attention they were quite rude and informed that I was on my own since I had not used a dealer for the repair. Calls to chevy's customer service were handled in the same condescending manner. Emails to the copany have gone unanswered. The copany does not seem to care that a default in their manufacturing put my family at risk. I am getting your agency involved for 2 reasons (1) notify you of the negligence and lack of concern on chevy's part, and (2) solicit your assistance in recovering the $3,000 I had to spend to replace a defective engine.
Brake proportion valvue leaks fluid, resulting in extended stopping distance. Please provide further details.
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.
Compare the 1996 Geo Tracker
Other model years
Questions about the 1996 Geo Tracker
Is the 1996 Geo Tracker reliable?
Owners have filed 71 complaints about the 1996 Geo Tracker, 35.5 times a typical Tracker model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Geo Tracker?
Engine and cooling, with 22 complaints. Next is airbags (11).
How many recalls does the 1996 Geo Tracker have?
1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Geo Tracker get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Geo Tracker range from 21 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 19-21 city and 22-24 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1996 Geo Tracker?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history