Research · Subcompact Cars
1998 Chevrolet MetroRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 1998 Chevrolet Metro. Most complaints involve structure (4) and air bags (1). The EPA rates it 28–40 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
28–40mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
6
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$1,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 1998 Chevrolet Metro as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
6 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2008 – Mar 2018
- Structure4
- Air bags1
- Engine and engine cooling1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Structure
4 reports
“1998 CHEVY METRO FRAME RUSTS OUT AND CAUSES CONTROL ARM TO BREAK AWAY MY CHEVY METRO BOTH SIDES ROTTED AND THE CONTROL ARMS BROKE AWAY IF THIS HAPPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING I COULD HAVE BEEN HURT CONTACTED CHEVY AND THEY PRETTY MUCH SAID SORRY SO UNLESS I WANT TO SPEND THOUSANDS TO FIX MY CAR I HAVE TO BUY A NEW ONE IF GM CAN TAKE MY MONEY THEY NEED TO STAND BY THERE PRODUCT LIKE FORD DOES. *TR”
Air bags
1 report
“ON MARCH 3RD 2018 I STARTED MY VEHICLE IN STATIONARY POSITION PARKED AND MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHEN I RECEIVE NO WARNING OR LIGHTS ON ABOUT IT I WAS NOT HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE NOR WAS I DRIVING. I WAS PARKED IN A PARKING STRUCTURE IN LOS ANGELES. I RECEIVED INJURY TO MY FACE AND WRIST. MY GLASSES WERE BROKEN DUE TO THE IMPACT”
Engine and engine cooling
1 report
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET METRO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THEN IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED AUTOMATICALLY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED OR WHEN SWITCHING GEARS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, DUPLICATED THE FAILURE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. SHE FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 31,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.0L 3-cyl · 1.3L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 3-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Man 5-spd, 3 cyl, 1.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 44 | 40 | $1,550 | 222 |
| Metro Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 33 | 39 | 35 | $1,800 | 254 |
| Metro Auto 3-spd, 4 cyl, 1.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 31 | 28 | $2,200 | 317 |
- 40mpg comb.
- 35mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Chevrolet Metro as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1998 Metro questions
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Metro have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 1998 Chevrolet Metro problems?
Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (4), air bags (1), engine and engine cooling (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1998 Chevrolet Metro get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Chevrolet Metro at 28–40 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026