Model year guide

1991 Geo Storm

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1991 Geo Storm is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1991 Geo Storm — representative photo
Representative photo

1991 Geo Storm at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints98
Combined24–28 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1991 Geo Storm recalls 2

Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly NHTSA Campaign #95V103007 · 24/05/1995

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Fix: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SU…

Air Bags NHTSA Campaign #92V091001 · 06/07/1992

THE STEERING WHEEL CENTER HUB CAN FRACTURE DURING CERTAIN FRONTAL AND NEAR FRONTAL VEHICLE COLLISIONS.

Fix: A STEERING WHEEL REINFORCEMENT PLATE AND NUT WILL BE ADDED TO THE STEERING WHEEL HUB.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1991 Geo Storm common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

1991 Geo Storm safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1991 Geo Storm 2-DR. HB.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1991 Geo Storm MPG & running costs

Combined24–28 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,675
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Passenger volume83 cu ft
Cargo volume12 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,375 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1991 Geo Storm costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,375
Fuel only$13,375
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

STEERING COLUMN LOOSENING Closed

NHTSA #PE95035 · Steering · opened Jun 1995 · closed Oct 1995

SEAT BELT BUCKLES FAILURE Closed

NHTSA #EA95014 · Seat Belts · opened Apr 1995 · closed Jul 1995

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 2

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

Bulletin 130089009 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2013

UNKNOWN

Bulletin MSG01145 · Seat Belts · May 1995

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the STORM. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Geo Storm

The Geo Storm is a sport compact car manufactured by Isuzu that was sold in the United States by Geo from 1990 until 1993. The same vehicles, with minor variations, were sold by Geo in Canada in the 1992 and 1993 model years only. The Storm was intended to be a budget car with the look and feel of a sports car. It was sold in two-door liftback and hatchback forms.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1991 Geo Storm vehicles on record

1991 Geo Storm 1991 Geo StormJ81RF2365M7516462

1991 Geo Storm — frequently asked questions

Does the 1991 Geo Storm have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1991 Geo Storm. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1991 Geo Storm?

Across all 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, electrical system, air bags.

What is the 1991 Geo Storm safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1991 Geo Storm crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1991 Geo Storm get?

The 1991 Geo Storm has U.S. EPA estimates of 24–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.