NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 18 owner complaints for the 2002 Daewoo Leganza. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (11) and service brakes, hydraulic (4). The EPA rates it 20–21 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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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.”
“CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 02V257001 CONCERNING BRAKE HOSE. DEALER WAS NOT IN OPERATION. *AK”
“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”
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leganza Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Leganza Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| 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 |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 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 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (11), service brakes, hydraulic (4), air bags (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Daewoo Leganza at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).