Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 147 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median LANOS year — the 2001 model ranks #2 of 5 LANOS years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 54% of all reports (80 of 147), far ahead of airbags at 37.
147
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
0
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 80 | 54% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 37 | 25% | — flat |
| Brakes | 9 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Consequence
THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUSE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAEWOO PUERTO RICO AT 1-877-362-1234 OPTION 6.
Defect
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.
Consequence
THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAEWOO AT 1-877-362-1234, OPTION 6, OR FIND A LOCAL DEALER THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.DAEWOOUS.COM.
Defect
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DO NOT DEPLOY, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF INCREASED HEAD INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SHOULD CONTACT WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COVER OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ENERGY ABSORBING AIR BAG MOUNTING BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAEWOO AT 1-877-362-1234, SELECTION 1.
Defect
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DO NOT DEPLOY, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF INCREASED HEAD INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SHOULD CONTACT WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COVER OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ENERGY ABSORBING AIR BAG MOUNTING BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAEWOO AT 1-877-362-1234, SELECTION 1.
Defect
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.
Consequence
WHEN DAMAGED, ENGINE DRIVEABILITY COULD BE AFFECTED AND COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN ENGINE STALLING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE WIRE HARNESS AND ATTACH IT PERMANENTLY IN A LOCATION WHERE THE WIRE HARNESS CANNOT BE DAMAGED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 6, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAEWOO AT 1-877-463-2396.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DAEWOO LANOS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, SMOKE EMITTED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR AND WIRES WERE BURNED AND MELTED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURNED HAND THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS…”
“SAFETY RECALL ON DAEWOO LANOS PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. *BF THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER AFTER HER DAUGHTER HAD ALREADY BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BROKE AS WELL.…”
“DEALER REFUSE TO HONOR RECALL AND CONSUMER HAS PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES AND THE POWER STEERING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION SRA. SALERMO GRACIAS. PH”
“SAFETY RECALL ON DAEWOO LANOS PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. *BF THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER AFTER HER DAUGHTER HAD ALREADY BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BROKE AS WELL.…”
“2001 DAEWOO, LANOS; ENGINE STALLING, HEAD LIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHT NONFUNCTIONAL, SIGNAL LIGHTS/HAZARD (EMERGENCY) LIGHTS NONFUNCTIONAL. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE DAEWOO COMPANY APOLOGIZING FOR THERE BANKRUPTCY IN MAY 2002. THEY PROVIDE A TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR CUSTOMERS WITH SERVICING ISSUES…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 147 complaints put the 2001 model at #2 of 5 LANOS years. It is one of the LANOS years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (80 complaints), airbags (37 complaints), brakes (9 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Daewoo LANOS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LANOS years to avoid are 2000, 2001. The cleanest record among LANOS years belongs to 1998.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.