Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2002 Daewoo NUBIRA is among the quieter years of the NUBIRA on NHTSA's books: 34 complaints (51% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 53% of all reports (18 of 34), far ahead of brakes at 11.
34
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 18 | 53% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 11 | 32% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | ▼ 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
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.
“UNTIL 1:30 P.M. TODAY (JUNE 3, 2004), I THOUGHT MY 2002 DAEWOO NUBIRA WAS A GOD-SENT BECAUSE OF ITS EXCELLENT GAS ECONOMY (~30 MPG). THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE THIS AFTERNOON AND NOW IT'S A PIECE OF JUNK. I HAVE BEEN DOING MY OIL CHANGE EVERY 3000 MILES AND SO FAR I'VE PUT ABOUT 39000 MILES ON IT.…”
“WHILE TRAVELING AT 10 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE, CAUSING A CRASH. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE RUBBER BRAKE HOSES NEEDED REPAIRS FOR THE SECOND TIME.*AK”
“CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER, THE ACCELERATOR HAD TO BE PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR TO REACH 45 MPH, CONSUMER BELIEVED THIS WAS DUE TO USING THE WRONG TYPE OF GAS IN WHICH CONSUMER WAS TOLD TO USE REGULAR GAS, HOWEVER CONSUMER BELIVES THAT VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED TO USE PREMIUM GAS.*JG ”
“FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS HAVE TO BE CHANGED DUE TO BUSHINGS GOING BAD, IF THESE BUSHINGS FAIL IT CAN LEAD TO CRASHES FROM HAVING UNSTABLE STEERING.FOUND A RECALL IN AULSTRALIA FOR THE SAME THING. CAR JERKS TO THE SIDES AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 15 MILES PER HOUR AND UP. I WAS DRIVING 55 WHEN MY CAR…”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 34 NHTSA complaints, below the typical NUBIRA year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (18 complaints), brakes (11 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 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.