NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 62 owner complaints for the 1999 Daewoo Lanos. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (45) and air bags (8). 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 FOUR RECALL LETTERS 02V131001 CONCERNING AIR BAGS, 04V357000 AND 04V394000 CONCERNING ENGINE FAILURE, AND 99V336001 REGARDING DEFECTIVE WHEELS. WHEN TAKEN TO GET THESE DEFECTS SERVICED ON 2/24/05 DEALER HAD NO PARTS. A RENTAL FEE WAS PROVIDED, BUT DEALER STILL HAD NO PARTS. *AK”
“CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V357000 FOR CAM SHAFT POSITION SZENSOR, AND RECALL 02V131000 CONCERNING AIR BAG FAILURE. NO DAEWOO DEALERSHIP WITHIN A 100 MILE RADIUS OF STERLING, CO.*AK”
“THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICED(02V257001) REGARDING THE BRAKE HOSE. THERE WAS NO DEALER IN THE AREA TO PERFORM THE RECALL. *JB”
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 | 33 | 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 9, 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 62 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (45), air bags (8), service brakes, hydraulic (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1999 Daewoo Lanos at 24–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).