Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1999 Daewoo NUBIRA sits mid-pack among NUBIRA years: 69 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 69, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 68% of all reports (47 of 69), far ahead of suspension at 5.
69
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 47 | 68% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 5 | 7% | new |
| Brakes | 4 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 4% | new |
| Transmission | 2 | 3% | new |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 3% | new |
| Electrical System | 2 | 3% | new |
| Other | 1 | 1% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | new |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | new |
2 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE CONSUMER RECEIVED, NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN LETTER #04V357000 REGARDING THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON JUNE 2003, THERE WAS NO DEALERSHIP AVAILABLE IN THE AREA. *JB THE VEHICLE DOOR LOCKS WORKED ERRATICALLY. THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT DISENGAGE WHEN THE CONSUMER…”
“WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. DEALERSHIP WAS HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME LOCATING PARTS.*AK CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW, AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE IT WAS…”
“WHILE DRIVING AND UPON DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A GRADUAL STOP, PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK THE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE STILL AFTER REPAIR WAS DONE.…”
“CONSUMER IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE REIMBURSEMENT RECEIVED FOR RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE 1999 DAEWOO NUBIRA. *MR THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. RECALL CAMPAIGN#'S 04V357000 AND 04V394000. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON MANY TIMES, THERE WAS A BROKEN TIME BELT AND 6 BENT VALVES AND THE GAS…”
“I OWN A 1999 DAEWOO NUBIRA. FOR THE LAST YEAR OR SO IT DOES WHAT THE TOYOTAS ARE DOING. MORE SO IN THE SUMMER MONTHS. THIS PAST SATURDAY WHEN I WAS STOPPED IT STARTED REVVING IN DRIVE, I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL, IT REVVED HIGHER, I PUT IT IN PARK AND IT SETTLED DOWN. THIS MORNING AT 2 AM. IN COOL…”
It is close to typical for the NUBIRA: 69 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (47 complaints), suspension (5 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Daewoo NUBIRA. 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 NUBIRA years to avoid are 2000, 2001. The cleanest record among NUBIRA 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.