NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 32 owner complaints for the 2002 Daewoo Nubira. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (18) and service brakes, hydraulic (10). 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.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." A CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE OUTER RUBBER LAYER OF THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE(S).
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“DAEWOOD DEVELOPED RATTLING SOUNDS. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL COULD NOT BE HONORED DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO GET PARTS FROM DAEWOO REGARDING THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. *SC *JB”
“WHILE TRAVELING AT 10 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE, CAUSING A CRASH. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE RUBBER BRAKE HOSES NEEDED REPAIRS FOR THE SECOND TIME.*AK”
“FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS HAVE TO BE CHANGED DUE TO BUSHINGS GOING BAD, IF THESE BUSHINGS FAIL IT CAN LEAD TO CRASHES FROM HAVING UNSTABLE STEERING.FOUND A RECALL IN AULSTRALIA FOR THE SAME THING. CAR JERKS TO THE SIDES AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 15 MILES PER HOUR AND UP. I WAS DRIVING 55 WHEN MY CAR JERKED REAL HARD TO THE LEFT.HAVE TO HAVE THE WHOLE ARM REPLACED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM LOWEST PRICE I RECIEVED IS 500.00. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SERVICE STATION THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACING A LOT OF THESE”
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 | 19 | 29 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Nubira Station Wagon Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 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 |
3 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 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (18), service brakes, hydraulic (10), suspension (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Daewoo Nubira at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).