Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1999 Daewoo LEGANZA sits mid-pack among LEGANZA years: 141 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 138, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 71% of all reports (100 of 141), far ahead of electrical system at 10.
141
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 100 | 71% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 10 | 7% | new |
| Brakes | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 4 | 3% | new |
| Transmission | 4 | 3% | new |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 2% | new |
| Fuel System | 3 | 2% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 1% | new |
| Other | 2 | 1% | new |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | new |
| Speed Control | 2 | 1% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | new |
3 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
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THESE VEHICLES EXCEED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE HEAD INJURY CRITERION VALUE SPECIFIED IN THE STANDARD FOR PASSENGER-SIDE A-PILLAR TARGET LOCATION.
Consequence
CONSEQUENTLY, IN A CRASH, THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER COULD SUFFER INCREASED HEAD INJURY FROM CONTACT WITH THE PASSENGER A PILLAR (FORWARD MOST ROOF SUPPORT).
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL PADDING TO THE A PILLAR TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY IN A CRASH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 8, 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 1999 DAEWOO LEGANZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, GRAY COLORED SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE CAM SHAFT…”
“HEADLIGHTS GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THIS OCCURS IT CAUSES POWER ACCESSORIES AND HORN TO BE INOPERATIVE; VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN DEALERS SHOP ON TWO OCCASIONS, PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK DEALER REPAIRED THE GROUND UNDER HOOD WIRING, DEALER STATED THAT IF THIS DID NOT CEASE THE…”
“UPON APPLYING LIGHT PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT LOOSE ALL PRESSURE, LOCKING THE TIRES AND SPINNING THE VEHICLE OUT OF CONTROL. AS RESULT IMPACTED THE MIDDLE WALL THAT SEPARATES OPOSITES LANES. ADDITIONAL TO THIS INCIDENT, THE POLICE OFFICER WHO FILLED THE ACCIDENT REPORT STATED TO ME THAT HE…”
“A CHILD WAS ABLE TO PUT VEHICLE INTO PARK WHILE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF, RESULTING IN A MINOR COLLISION. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT A METAL PIN IN THE GEAR SHIFT WAS BENT.*AK”
“WHILE DRIVING ON BLACK ICE AT 20-30 MPH VEHICLE SKIDDED INTO A BLOCK OF SNOW AND HIT A GUARDRAIL IN WHICH NEITHER DRIVER'S SIDE NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS AN TOTAL LOSS. *AK”
It is close to typical for the LEGANZA: 141 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (100 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Daewoo LEGANZA. 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 LEGANZA years to avoid are 2000. The cleanest record among LEGANZA 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.