Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2002 Daewoo LANOS is among the quieter years of the LANOS on NHTSA's books: 35 complaints (49% below the model's median year), 4 recalls, and no open investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 57% of all reports (20 of 35), far ahead of airbags at 5.
35
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 20 | 57% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 5 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 3% | new |
| Other | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
4 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THE 2002 DAEWOO LANOS ON 05/2006. BUT BECAME DRASTICALLY ILL FROM A HEART ATTACK AND COULDN'T HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRS DONE IMMEDIATELY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO STEVE'S REPAIR IN IDAHO FALLS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS IN FEBRUARY 2007. SHE…”
“CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALLS 02V131001/FMVSS 201 CONCERNING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, AND 04V357000 REGARDING CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE ANY AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER IN HIS AREA THAT WERE WILLING TO HONOR THESE RECALLS.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO 2…”
“THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT BRAKE FAILURE WHEREBY THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR BUT THE BRAKES DO NOT ENGAGE -- RAISING THE FOOT AND REAPPLYING PRESSURE USUALLY SOLVES THE PROBLEM BUT ONE WRECK HAS RESULTED. THE DEALER CONTINUES TO INSIST THERE IS NO PROBLEM, BUT HAD TO TURN THE ROTOR AT 15,000 TO…”
“WIND SHEILD WIPERS HOUSING COUNCEL FELL OUT. CANNOT TURN WIPERS ON OR OFF. TRANSMISSION GRINDS IN THIRD GEAR AND WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THESE ARE COSMETIC THINGS AND NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY SINCE THE COMPANY WENT BANKRUPT. *LA”
“WIND SHEILD WIPERS HOUSING COUNCEL FELL OUT. CANNOT TURN WIPERS ON OR OFF. TRANSMISSION GRINDS IN THIRD GEAR AND WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THESE ARE COSMETIC THINGS AND NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY SINCE THE COMPANY WENT BANKRUPT. *LA”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 35 NHTSA complaints, below the typical LANOS year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (20 complaints), airbags (5 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 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.