NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 63 owner complaints for the 1999 Daewoo Nubira. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (47) and suspension (5). The EPA rates it 22–23 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.
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO RECEIVING A RECALL LETTER PERTAINING TO THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: CAMSHAFT CENSOR - CAMPAIGN ID # 04V357000, THE CONTACT HAD THE TIMING BELT REPAIRED ON TWO OCCASIONS AS WELL AS THE ENGINE INSTALLED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT ASKED THE MECHANIC IF THE TIMING BELT AND ENGINE MALFUNCTION COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A DEFECT. THE MECHANIC DENIED THAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE CASE. WHEN THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ASKED THE SAME QUESTION THE DEALER DETERMINED THE CAMSHAFT CENSOR COULD ABSOLUTELY CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO FREEZE UP AND AFFECT THE ENGINE AS WELL. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL WORK. THE MODEL WAS A NUBIRA.*AK”
“WHEN CHANGING LANES STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE TIRES WERE WEARING UNEVENLY. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A DEALERSHIP, WHO INDICATED THAT THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE DEFECTIVE, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PARTS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED.*AK”
“CONSUMER IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE REIMBURSEMENT RECEIVED FOR RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE 1999 DAEWOO NUBIRA. *MR THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. RECALL CAMPAIGN#'S 04V357000 AND 04V394000. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON MANY TIMES, THERE WAS A BROKEN TIME BELT AND 6 BENT VALVES AND THE GAS PEDAL WAS LOOSE. *SC”
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 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Nubira Station 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 Station 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 63 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (47), suspension (5), vehicle speed control (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1999 Daewoo Nubira at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).