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1996 Geo Tracker problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Geo Tracker is engine and cooling. It has 35.5 times the complaints of a typical Tracker model year.

Typical year35.5x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
71
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
18
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
21-22mpg

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.

  • Engine
    22
  • Airbags
    11
  • Brakes
    10
  • Transmission
    7
  • Suspension
    6
  • Body
    5
  • Electrical
    5
  • Seat belts
    5
  • Seats
    5
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Wheels
    4
  • Steering
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Geo Tracker

Stalling 9No deployment 5

Recalls 1

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported July 1, 1996 · 18,121 vehicles affected
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

See all 1 recalls for the 1996 Geo Tracker

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.

See all 18 bulletins for the 1996 Geo Tracker

1996 Geo Tracker fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.6L 4‑cylRWD19-2122-2421-22
1.6L 4‑cyl4WD19-2122-2421-22

What 1996 Geo Tracker owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 25, 2004 · Engine · CT

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.

Filed Dec 18, 2003 · Seats · NE

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.

Filed Sep 24, 2003 · Seats · NE

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.

Filed Mar 26, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · OH

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

Filed Sep 25, 2001 · Transmission · MI

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.

Filed Sep 10, 2001 · Airbags, Electrical · CA

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.

Filed Jul 16, 2001 · Body · OH

Door on passenger's side is rusted to point where hinges and bolts are coming right through door.

Filed Feb 10, 2001 · Engine · TX

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.

Filed Oct 25, 2000 · Brakes · MA

Brake proportion valvue leaks fluid, resulting in extended stopping distance. Please provide further details.

Filed Oct 6, 2000 · Engine, Transmission · NE

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1996 Geo Tracker before you buy

Compare the 1996 Geo Tracker

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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.

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