Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 237 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median LEGANZA year — the 2000 model ranks #1 of 5 LEGANZA years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 78% of all reports (184 of 237), far ahead of brakes at 20.
237
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
10
Fires reported
7
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 184 | 78% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 20 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 7 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 6 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 3 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Other | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 1% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 0% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
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.
“I HAVE CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, THEY WEAR OUT QUICKLY. RECENTLY HAD ALTERNATOR REPLACED IN AUG. 2003 AND NOW THE SENSOR VALVE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED UP THE WIRE HARNESS, VALVES, VALVE COVER, TIMING BELT, SERPENTINE BELT. $1400 OF WORK TO BE DONE AND NO GUARANTEE THAT EXTENDED WARRANTY…”
“I HAVE CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, THEY WEAR OUT QUICKLY. RECENTLY HAD ALTERNATOR REPLACED IN AUG. 2003 AND NOW THE SENSOR VALVE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED UP THE WIRE HARNESS, VALVES, VALVE COVER, TIMING BELT, SERPENTINE BELT. $1400 OF WORK TO BE DONE AND NO GUARANTEE THAT EXTENDED WARRANTY…”
“WHILE TRAVELING 30-35MPH HAD REARENDED ANOTHER VEHCLE. FRONT END HAD SMASHED INWARD. AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS INJURED. HAD HIT HEAD ON SUNVISOR. HAD EMERGENCY TREATMENT AND WAS RELEASED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED, AND CONSIDERED TOTALED.*AK”
“THE TRANSMISSION OF MY 2000 DAEWOO LEGANZA IGNITED AND CAUSED THE CAR TO BURN TO THE GROUND AND ALMOST KILLED MYSELF AND MY 4 OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS ALMOST 2 MONTHS AGO AND DAEWOO HAS YET TO RESPOND TO MY FAXES, PHONE CALLS ETC... I WANT RESOLUTION TO THIS MATTER. *LA”
“THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PADDING IS COMING UNDONE AND SEPARATING FROM THE STRUCTURE. THIS IS CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAT/AIR VENTS. CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE AIR FLOW. THE HEATING/AIR FLOW IS CAUSING VISIBILITY PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING, AND AIR FLOW IS CONSTANTLY BLOWING INTO THE DRIVER'S FACE…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 237 complaints put the 2000 model at #1 of 5 LEGANZA years. It is one of the LEGANZA years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (184 complaints), brakes (20 complaints), airbags (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 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.