Head-to-head reliability
Daewoo Lanos vs Toyota Camry
How the Daewoo Lanos and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Daewoo Lanos vs Toyota Camry: The Lanos had 369 complaints over 3 years (123/year) and 15 recalls, while the Camry had 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214/year) and 31 recalls. Lanos owners often could not get recall repairs done; Camry owners reported transmission and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Daewoo Lanos or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Daewoo Lanos
The Daewoo Lanos is a compact car from a brand that left the U.S. market, so finding parts and recall repairs can be very hard. Owners filed 369 complaints over 3 years, with engine and cooling problems dominating at 242 complaints. Air bag and brake issues also appear, and some owners reported crashes, injuries, and deaths. Living with a Lanos means dealing with an orphaned vehicle where even safety recalls may go unfixed.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan with a long production history and broad dealer support. It drew 2,143 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 214 per year, with power train, engine, and brake issues most common. Some owners reported sudden acceleration, transmission grinding, and brake failure. While the Camry has more total complaints, it also has far more vehicles on the road and better access to repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Daewoo Lanos | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 369 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 16 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 123.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Daewoo Lanos
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING242
- 02AIR BAGS75
- 03SERVICE BRAKES30
- 04HYDRAULIC29
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
Owners report coolant leaks from the intake manifold that can be hard to see because the antifreeze evaporates, leading to overheating if ignored. This is the most common complaint area and a major risk on an older car with limited parts support.
Complaints describe recalls for passenger air bag assembly and camshaft position sensor, but owners often could not find a Daewoo-authorized shop to perform the free fix. That means a used Lanos may still have an unrepaired safety defect.
Some owners reported the brake pedal going to the floor without the brakes engaging, though pumping the pedal sometimes helped. At least one crash was linked to this. A brake system that can fail intermittently is a serious concern for any buyer.
Electrical complaints are fewer but still present, and on a discontinued car, diagnosing and fixing electrical faults can be difficult and costly. This adds to the ownership burden.
“DECEMBER 2007 TOOK, CAR TO SEARS TO HAVE RADIATOR FLUSHED. TECHNICIAN CHECKED CAR INFORMED ME INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKING (EVAPORATING ANTI-FREEZE) THAT IS WHY I DIDN'T SEE IT LEAKING. TOLD ME TO HAVE FIX. 12/21/2007, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS REACHING ITS HIGH P…”
“TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THE 2002 DAEWOO LANOS ON 05/2006. BUT BECAME DRASTICALLY ILL FROM A HEART ATTACK AND COULDN'T HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRS DONE IMMEDIATELY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO STEVE'S REPAIR IN IDAHO FALLS FOR THE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front during acceleration, which dealers traced to transmission failure requiring replacement. Some also described unintended acceleration or braking issues in parking situations. Transmission repairs are expensive and parts may be backordered.
Complaints include sudden, uncontrollable acceleration that led to a crash, and coolant bypass valve failures with a specific code (P268115) that some owners say should be covered by recall but was not for their VIN. These are serious drivability and safety concerns.
Some drivers reported no brake response when pressing the pedal, such as while going down a steep hill. This is a rare but critical failure that could lead to a crash if it happens.
Many complaints involve air conditioning problems, like a condenser damaged by a rock or a persistent mildew/vinegar smell from the vents. These are not safety issues but affect comfort and can be costly to fix.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Daewoo Lanos — 15 recalls
The 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.
The risk: THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: 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.DAEWOOU…
The 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.
The risk: THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: 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.
The 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.
The risk: THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: 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.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DO NOT DEPLOY, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF INCREASED HEAD INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SHOULD CONTACT WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COVER OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ENERGY ABSORBING AIR BAG MOUNTING BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 23, 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…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Daewoo Lanos or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Daewoo Lanos has far fewer complaints per year (123) than the Toyota Camry (214), but that is partly because few Lanos remain on the road and the brand is gone. The Camry's higher count reflects a much larger fleet and longer production. In practice, a Camry is easier to repair and get recall work done, while a Lanos carries a higher risk of unavailable parts and unfixed safety recalls.
Key differences
- The Lanos has 242 engine/cooling complaints out of 369 total, while the Camry's top area is power train with 395 out of 2,143, showing different failure patterns.
- Lanos owners often could not get recall repairs done because Daewoo dealers closed, while Camry owners have widespread Toyota service options.
- Camry complaints include sudden acceleration and transmission grinding, while Lanos complaints include brake pedal going to the floor and coolant leaks.
- The Lanos averaged 123 complaints per year over 3 years; the Camry averaged 214 per year over 10 years, but the Camry sold in far greater numbers.
- Check for coolant leaks or overheating signs around the intake manifold, as owners report evaporating antifreeze that hides the leak.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for a pedal that sinks to the floor or requires pumping, and ask for proof that air bag and camshaft sensor recalls were completed.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration, which can indicate transmission failure needing replacement.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope for any lack of response, and check for sudden acceleration by gently pressing the gas in a safe area.
Before you buy
- Ask for a written recall history from a dealer and verify all safety recalls were performed, especially air bag and brake-related ones.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine for coolant leaks, the transmission for grinding, and the brakes for pedal feel.
- Search for available parts and authorized repair shops for the specific model before buying, especially for the Daewoo Lanos.
- Test drive on hills and in parking lots to check for brake response and any unintended acceleration.
- Check for air conditioning odors or damage to the condenser, which is a common complaint on the Camry.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Daewoo Lanos or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Daewoo Lanos vs Toyota Camry
- Daewoo Lanos total complaints
- 369
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Daewoo Lanos total recalls
- 15
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Daewoo Lanos avg complaints/year
- 123.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Daewoo Lanos
- Daewoo Lanos top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN