Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 332 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.8 times the median NUBIRA year — the 2000 model ranks #1 of 5 NUBIRA years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 8 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 56% of all reports (185 of 332), far ahead of brakes at 66.
332
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
8
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 185 | 56% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 66 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 25 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 9 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 7 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 6 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 6 | 2% | new |
| Lighting | 5 | 2% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Other | 4 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 1% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 0% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 0% | 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
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." A CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE OUTER RUBBER LAYER OF THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE(S).
Consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, AND LOSS OF VEHICLE BRAKING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW REDESIGNED FRONT BRAKE HOSES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 27, 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.
“04V357000/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED AN UNDERHOOD FIRE IN MARCH 2004 AND SINCE HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER HAS TRIED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER TO RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT NOW THAT THE RECALL IS IN EFFECT. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT NO ONE ANSWERED THE PHONE.…”
“BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH. PEDAL WAS APPLIED,AND VEHICLE JUST KEPT GOING UNTIL IT STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE IN REAR. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK”
“LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS A DEFECT. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, HOWEVER THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. *AK CONSUMER STATES HE NEEDS A RIGHT ARM CONTROL BUSHING FOR 2000 NUBIRA. PART ORDERED ON 4/23/2002 FROM DEALER. TO DATE, PART HAS NOT BEEN DELIVERED AND HAS BEEN INFORMED THAT MANUFACTURER HAS FILED FOR…”
“WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. TOOK FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL. DEPRESSED BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING ACCELERATED FORWARD. VEHICLE HIT A TREE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. *AK”
“WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. TOOK FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL. DEPRESSED BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING ACCELERATED FORWARD. VEHICLE HIT A TREE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 332 complaints put the 2000 model at #1 of 5 NUBIRA years. It is one of the NUBIRA years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (185 complaints), brakes (66 complaints), suspension (25 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 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.