NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 1998 Daewoo Lanos. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (2) and service brakes, hydraulic (2). The EPA rates it 24–26 mpg combined.
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.
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.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 0V4357000 CONCERNING CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. DEALER REFUSED TO DO THE WORK PROPERLY. SERVICE MANAGER WAS FELIZ NABARRETTE JR. *AK”
“CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE(02V257001) FOR THE BRAKE HOSE, HOWEVER THERE WAS NO DEALER AVAILABLE. *JB”
“I NEED AIR CONDITIONER HERE IN P.R., PLEASE HELPME FIND SOMETHING TO FIX THIS EARLY.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lanos Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| Lanos Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| Lanos Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 34 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Lanos Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 31 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
9 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (2), service brakes, hydraulic (2), equipment (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1998 Daewoo Lanos at 24–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).