Daewoo's lineup has 60 recorded NHTSA recalls across 4 models (1997–2008) and averages 4.0/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Daewoo's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Daewoo — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Daewoo was a South Korean automotive manufacturer, known for offering surprisingly innovative and value-driven vehicles, particularly in the compact and light truck segments. They primarily appealed to budget-conscious buyers and those seeking practical transportation solutions, and the brand enjoyed a period of strong growth in Europe. ForCar.org allows you to decode any DAEWOO VIN to access comprehensive vehicle specifications, recall history, and detailed information about your specific model.
Buying or selling? See current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Daewoo models 4
Every Daewoo model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Daewoo More models 4
Daewoo recalls
Across the Daewoo lineup, ForCar tracks 60 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Daewoo recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Daewoo model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Daewoo LANOS | 3.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Daewoo LEGANZA | 4.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Daewoo NUBIRA | 4.0 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Daewoo: Engine And Engine Cooling. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Daewoo reliable?
Across rated models, Daewoo averages a 4.0/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 3 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Daewoo competed in mainstream and budget passenger segments globally during the 1990s and early 2000s. Post-2002, GM eliminated the Daewoo brand in stages — replacing it with Chevrolet badging in Korea (2011), Australia (Holden until 2020), the United States (2002) and most other markets. The Daewoo name is now retained only for the GM Korea bus operations and some commercial vehicle products in domestic Korean markets.
Daewoo models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Daewoo model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Daewoo NUBIRA | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Daewoo LEGANZA | 4.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Daewoo LANOS | 3.5 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Daewoo models
The most fuel-efficient Daewoo models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| # | Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Daewoo LANOS | Car | |
| 02 | Daewoo NUBIRA | Car | |
| 03 | Daewoo LEGANZA | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Comparing across the whole market? See the most fuel-efficient cars by class & budget, or calculate any model's real yearly fuel cost.
Safest Daewoo models
NHTSA safety rankings for Daewoo are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Get a Daewoo window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Daewoo's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Daewoo window stickers →How to read a Daewoo VIN
Every Daewoo built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Daewoo and the country it was built in (real Daewoo codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- South KoreaKLA
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Daewoo
National Motor (Saenara Motor) was founded in 1937 as Korea's first automobile manufacturer. After multiple ownership changes, the company became Shinjin Motor in 1965, Saehan Motor in 1976 (with GM as joint partner), and Daewoo Motor in 1982 when the Daewoo Group acquired Saehan. Daewoo expanded aggressively into Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America in the 1990s using GM-derived platforms. The 1997 Asian financial crisis triggered Daewoo Group's collapse in 1999 and forced sale to GM in 2002.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1937 |
| Headquarters | Bupyeong, South Korea |
| Parent company | GM Korea |
| Slogan | "Rare earth, common sense" |
| Models tracked | 4 (1997–2008) |
Daewoo — frequently asked
How do I decode a Daewoo VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Daewoo models are there?
ForCar tracks 4 Daewoo models spanning 1997–2008. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Daewoo made?
Daewoo is headquartered in Bupyeong, South Korea, founded in 1937. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Daewoo recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Daewoo model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Daewoo is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Daewoo warranty?
New Daewoo vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Daewoo dealer.