Most common 1998 Daewoo Lanos problems
Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Daewoo Lanos complaints by model year
Best Lanos years: 1998, 2002, 1999. Years to avoid: 2000, 2001. Compare all years →
1998 Daewoo Lanos recalls (9)
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the camshaft position sensors and install an additional fuse. Owners should contact Daewoo puerto rico at 1-877-362-1234 option 6.
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the camshaft position sensors and install an additional fuse. The recall began on September 7, 2004. Owners should contact Daewoo at 1-877-362-1234, option 6, or find a local dealer through their…
Air bags
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact."
Remedy: Dealers will install new energy absorbing air bag mounting brackets. Owner notification began July 23, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
Air bags
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact."
Remedy: Dealers will install new energy absorbing air bag mounting brackets. Owner notification began July 23, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with alloy wheels. These wheels were manufactured without the steel bushing inserts around the wheel bolt openings, allowing friction between the wheel bolt seats and the wheel bolts. This can result in the bolts loosening during hard braking.
Remedy: Dealers will retorque the wheel bolts and will update the owner's manual wheel bolt torque specification.
Air bags › Side/window
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 214, "side door strength." incorrect position of the side impact pad to the rear, instead of the middle, of the door assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will correct the position of the side impact protection pad.
Show 3 more recalls
Structure › Body › Door
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 214, "side door strength." incorrect position of the side impact pad to the rear, instead of the middle, of the door assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will correct the position of the side impact protection pad.
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Vehicle description: 3 and 4-door passenger sedans located in puerto rico. The steering wheel can become damaged from over-rotation.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing steering wheel with a revised version.
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Vehicle description: 3 and 4-door passenger sedans. The steering wheel center bushing connecting the steering wheel hub to the steering column can slip.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing steering wheel with a revised version.
1998 Daewoo Lanos engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 32 / 26 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 33 / 26 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 34 / 25 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 31 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Daewoo Lanos a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Lanos rates better than average: 93% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Lanos at the same age. It is one of the best Lanos years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Daewoo Lanos?
The brakes — 2 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc. Next are the engine & cooling (2) and a/c & heater (1).
How many recalls does the 1998 Daewoo Lanos have?
There are 9 recalls for the 1998 Daewoo Lanos, the most recent from August 6, 2004 (engine and engine cooling). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Daewoo Lanos?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1998, 2002 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000 and 2001. See the full Daewoo Lanos years comparison.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.