Daewoo Leganza Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Daewoo Leganza options? We analyzed 3 model years (2000–2002) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Daewoo Leganza has 146 owner complaints and 8 safety recalls across model years 2000–2002. The most reported issue area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 2001 drew the most complaints; 2000 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Daewoo
- Model
- Leganza
- Model years analyzed
- 2000–2002 (3 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 146
- Safety recall campaigns
- 8
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2001 (128 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2000 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
By model year
Daewoo Leganza: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
Below AverageThe DAEWOO LEGANZA has 146 NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. 5 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 146 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 8 federal recall campaigns
- 5 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
8 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2000–2002. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 146 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
146 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
TIRE SIDEWALL BUBBLE. TIRE FIRST STARTED MAKING NOISE AND VIBRATING FOR APPROX. 400 MILES BEFORE FAILURE. HAD MECHANIC CHECK AND HE SAID IT WAS SIMPLY WEAR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FREEWAY AT 65 MILES AN HOUR CAUSING MAJOR SHAKING AND CONTROL ISSUES. TIRES ARE ROTATED REGULARLY BUT COMMUNITY TIRE INSPECTED AND SAID THAT THERE WAS AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM AND TIRES ARE WEARING UNEVENLY. THIS TIRE WAS DETERMINED BY MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVE TO HAVE IMPACT DAMAGE. THE TIRE HAS NOT HAD ANY TYPE OF IMPACT DAMAGE. THERE IS ONE DRIVER OF VEHICLE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DAEWOO LEGANZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT A LOCAL AUTO SHOP, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT NEW CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS WERE NEEDED. THE CONTACT CALLED AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT ALTHOUGH HIS VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN THE SAME YEAR, HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V394000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 101,082.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON A CONSISTENT BASES. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT DETERMINED THE PROBLEM. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. COMPLAINTS WERE FOUND ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE PERTAINING TO AIR BAGS: FRONTAL: SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE. YEAR: 2002 MANUFACTURER: DAEWOO MAKE: LEGANZA.*AK
DT: CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V394000 CONCERNING CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. NO DEALERS IN HIS AREA WOULD DO THE RECALL REPAIR WORK WITHOUT PAYMENT. CONSUMER HAD TO ORDER PARTS FROM CALIFORNIA AND PAY FOR THE RECALL WORK. THE LETTER STATED THAT CONSUMER WOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR RECALL REPAIR WORK. CONSUMER SENT IN HIS RECEIPTS FOR RECALL REIMBURSSMENT ON FEBRUARY 9, 2005. HE HAS NOT HEARD FROM DAEWOO, AND WAS CONCERNED HE WILL NOT GET REIMBURSED. *AK
THE PASSENGER'S FACE WAS SEVERELY BURNED BY THE CHEMICALS/POWDER IN THE AIR BAG WHEN IT DEPLOYED. *NM *JB
NHTSA RECALL 04V357000 CONCERNING CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A DEALER TO HONOR THE RECALL. *AK RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WINDOW MOTOR DID NOT WORK WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED DEALER PROMISED TO FIX IT BUT NEVER DID. *TC
Read 14 more owner reports
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 02V257001 CONCERNING BRAKE HOSE. DEALER WAS NOT IN OPERATION. *AK
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE(02V257001) REGARDING THE BRAKE HOSE. THERE WAS NO DEALER TO PERFORM THE RECALL. *JB
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #04V357000 FOR CAM SHAFT SENSOR. THE MECHANIC REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL. THEY STATED THE PART WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*JB
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 0V4357000 CONCERNING CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. DEALER WAS NOT IN OPERATION.*AK
CONSUMER RECEIVED, NHTSA RECALL 04V357000 REGARDING CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. NO DEALERSHIP WAS AVAILABLE, THE FOLLOWING DEALERSHIP IN THAT AREA WAS CLOSED. COOPER DAEWOO, ADDRESS: 5022 COMMERCIAL DRIVE NEW YORK MILLS , NY 13413 . PHONE: 315-768-1818. *AK
CONSUMER RECIVED RECALL 04V357000 CONCERNING CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. DEALER WAS NOT IN OPERATION.*AK
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 04V357000 CONCERNING CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. DEALER WAS NOT IN OPERATION.*AK
WHILE DRIVING, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATEED ON THE DASH BOARD. THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES. ALSO, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER OF RECALL 04V357000. PROBLEMS HAVE NOT YET BEEN RESOLVED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER IFORMATION. *JB
CONSUMER STATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE ACCELERATED SLOWLY. A RECALL WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO MODEL YEAR. *AK
THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ABOUT A MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 6/19/2003, WHO STATED THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *TS *JB
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN THROUGH 4 SET OF BRAKES IN ONE YEAR AND NOW THE MANUFACTURER IS OUT OF BUSINESS. *NLM
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE STALLED OUT. NLM
CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING THE 2001 LEGANZA REIMBURSEMENT FOR CAMSHAFT SENSOR. *TS THE CONSUMER HAD THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR REPAIR PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION. WHEN THE NOTICE WAS RECEIVED THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *NM
DT: WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THIS WAS THE 3RD TIME THE LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE CONSUMER IS UNAWARE HOW LONG THE BRAKE LIGHT WERE OUT. THE CONSUMER DID REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *AK *NM
Showing 20 of 146 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Daewoo Leganza
These pages show model-year patterns across 3 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Daewoo Leganza, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Daewoo Leganza has 146 complaints on record across 3 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Daewoo Leganza has 8 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 5 of the Daewoo Leganza's 146 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Daewoo Leganza vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Daewoo Leganza vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Daewoo Leganza has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Daewoo Leganza by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Daewoo Leganza.
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Daewoo Leganza reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Daewoo Leganza reliable?
Below Average. The Daewoo Leganza has 146 NHTSA owner complaints and 8 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Daewoo Leganza years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2001 (128 complaints), 2002 (18 complaints), 2000 (0 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Daewoo Leganza problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (120 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (9 complaints); AIR BAGS (8 complaints).
Does the Daewoo Leganza have recalls?
Yes — 8 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Daewoo Leganza. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.