Lanos (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
FAM I
1.6L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Daewoo Lanos Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
FAM II
2.2LView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.2-I4-Gas
2.2L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Daewoo Lanos, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos
On a used 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (241), the cooling system (239) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (75). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-08. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 241 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos about the engine.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 239 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos about the cooling system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 75 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos about the brakes.
Recalls (6)
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR MAY MELT RESULTING IN A BURNING SMELL AND VISIBLE SMOKE, WHICH MAY SUBSEQUENTLY LEAD TO THE MELTING OF THE CAMSHAFT COVER AND THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WIRE HARNESS.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR MAY MELT RESULTING IN A BURNING SMELL AND VISIBLE SMOKE, WHICH MAY SUBSEQUENTLY LEAD TO THE MELTING OF THE CAMSHAFT COVER AND THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WIRE HARNESS.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A WIRING HARNESS, LOCATED BENEATH THE CARPET IN THE FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR AREA, CAN BECOME DAMAGED BY PASSENGER TRAFFIC AS THE WIRE HARNESS IS RUBBED AGAINST A BODY SEAM IN THE FLOOR PANEL.
Show 1 older recall
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALLOY WHEELS. THESE WHEELS WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT THE STEEL BUSHING INSERTS AROUND THE WHEEL BOLT OPENINGS, ALLOWING FRICTION BETWEEN THE WHEEL BOLT SEATS AND THE WHEEL BOLTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE BOLTS LOOSENING DURING HARD BRAKING.
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos complaints?
Owners have filed 365 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos. The systems they name most often are the engine, the cooling system and the safety systems.
Is the 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 365 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos have?
NHTSA has 365 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls covering some 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Daewoo Lanos?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the cooling system and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Lanos have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2002 Daewoo Lanos. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 365 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.