NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints for the 1998 Daewoo Nubira. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (4) and service brakes, hydraulic (3). The EPA rates it 22–25 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.
“NHTSA RECALL 04V357000 SUBJECT: CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE MECHANIC REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR WAS NOT DEFECTIVE. *JB *SC”
“THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE(02V257001) FOR THE BRAKE HOSE. THERE WERE NO DEALERS AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL. *JB *SC *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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nubira Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
| Nubira Wagon Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
| Nubira Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
| Nubira Wagon Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
| Nubira Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Nubira Wagon Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Nubira Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Nubira Wagon Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| 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 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (4), service brakes, hydraulic (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1998 Daewoo Nubira at 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).