NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 129 owner complaints for the 2001 Daewoo Lanos. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (79) and air bags (37). The EPA rates it 23–26 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.
“THERE ARE TWO RECALL ON THE DAEWOO LANOS'S CAM POSITION SENSOR. I'M GETTING ENGINE CHECK LIGHTS WITH A FAULT CODE CALLING OUT THE CAM POSITION SENSOR. MY MECHANIC SAYS I SHOULD TAKE IT INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL DONE. MY DEALER SAYS THE SENSOR DOES NOT FALL IN THE RIGHT DATE CODE OR MANUFACTURER OF SAID SENSOR. IT COST ME 100 DOLLARS TO "CHECK" FOR THE RECALL WHICH I FIND OUT I DON'T NEED. BUT MY ENGINE CHECK LIGHT IS STILL COMING ON. THE DEALER SAYS MY SENSOR DOESN'T WORK AND WILL HAVE TO REPLACE IT ANY WAY. WHICH I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE PART AND NOW LABOR WHEN IT COMES IN. SO, BECAUSE OF A RECALL WHICH I DON'T NEED, I'VE PAID 100 FOR INVESTIGATION, 114 FOR PART AND NEXT IS LABOR FOR THE PART TO BE INSTALLED. I FEEL LIKE A SHEERED SHEEP. THEN I FIND OUT THAT THE DEALER GETS 55 DOLLARS FROM DAEWOO FOR CHECKING THE RECALL ALSO. *TR”
“CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 02V131001 FOR AIR BAGS, AND TO DATE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND A DEALER IN THE AREA TO DO THE REPAIRS. *AK FRONT SAFETY BELT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE BELT WOULD NOT EXTEND AND RETRACT PROPERLY WHICH SOMETIMES RESULTED IN A VERY TIGHT AND UNCOMFORTABLE FIT. *BF *NM”
“CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO RECALL NOTICES 02V131002 CONCERNING AIR BAGS, AND 02V257001 REGARDING BRAKES HOSE. DEALER WAS NOT IN OPERATION.*AK”
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 Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 33 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Lanos Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Lanos Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| 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 |
5 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 129 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (79), air bags (37), service brakes, hydraulic (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2001 Daewoo Lanos at 23–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).