Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 131 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median NUBIRA year — the 2001 model ranks #2 of 5 NUBIRA years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 61% of all reports (80 of 131), far ahead of brakes at 30.
131
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
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.
“RECALL 04V357000 WAS ISSUED CONCERNING CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE PRIOR TO THE RECALL ON JANUARY 29,2004 DUE TO THE CAM SHAFT. MANUFACTURER DENIED RESPONSIBILITY. *AK”
“NHTSA RECALL 02V131000, AFTER BRAKING VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES. *AK ”
“LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON 2001 DAEWOO NUBIRA WITH 32,365 MILES ON IT ARE DEFECTIVE. DAEWOO REFUSED TO GET BACK TO ME ON REPLACEMENT BECAUSE IT WAS UNDER 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. GOSS DODGE IN BURLINGTON, VT. WAS SUPPOSE TO BE IN CONTACT WITH THEM BUT I HAVE HEARD NOTHING FROM THEM. THE CAR IS DANGEROUS TO…”
“WHILE DRIVING 50MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE SWERVED TO MISS ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND HIT A PARKED TRUCK. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DIDNOT DEPLOY. FRONT/ BACK AND SIDE WERE DAMAGED. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED HAD TO HIT SIDE OF VEHICLE BEFORE AIRBAG WOULD DEPLOY. *AK”
“ON OCCASIONS THE VEHICLES ENGINE WOULD RACE, ALSO IN A PARKING LOT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STTIONARY ALTHOUGH THE DRIVERS FOOT WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKE(SOUTHCOAST RENT A CAR, 4200 CAMPUS DRIVE #101, NEWPORT NEACH, CA 92660, [PHONE]). NLM”
NHTSA data argues against it: 131 complaints put the 2001 model at #2 of 5 NUBIRA years. It is one of the NUBIRA years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (80 complaints), brakes (30 complaints), suspension (8 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 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.