2000 Daewoo Leganza Engine Problems

184 owners have reported engine & cooling problems with the 2000 Daewoo Leganza to NHTSA — 84% of all 220 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 50,000 miles. That ranks #1 of 5 Leganza model years for engine complaints (a typical year has 100). 2 related recalls have been issued.

184complaints
50ktypical miles
2related recalls
1crashes
5fires
0injuries

Which parts fail

  • Cooling system
    28
  • Engine
    9
  • Engine › Gasoline
    4
  • Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
    2
  • Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
    1
  • Exhaust system › Emission control
    1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    811%
  • 25k–50k
    2637%
  • 50k–75k
    2637%
  • 75k–100k
    913%
  • 100k–150k
    11%
  • 150k+
    00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Daewoo Leganza owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

We where sold a car and later found out that it had been recalled and now we don't know who to get a hold of to have it fixed because there is no longer a Daewoo manufacturer or dealership and the car lot we bought it from will not fix it or take it back

92,000 miles · Apr 2019

Consumer backed out of the driveway and smelled something burning. Vehicle would not restart, and was towed to the dealer, who discovered that the cam shaft sensor burned out, burning the gaskets/timing chain, and wiring harness.

66,000 miles · Jun 2004 · fire

Tl contact owns a 2000 Daewoo Leganza. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer stated that the fuel cap was not securely fastened and caused the failure. However, the check engine indicator continued to illuminate. She then had the vehicle repaired according to NHTSA campaign id numbers 04V357000 and 04V394000 (engine and engine cooling), but the check engine warning indicator continued to illuminate. A diagnostic was performed, which produced error code po342 that pertained to the camshaft sensor. The manufacturer stated that her warranty would not cover the repairs; therefore, she would be responsible for the repairs because the vehicle was previously repaired under recall. The dealer stated that the parts needed for the repair would approximately cost more than $200. No additional repairs have been made. …

Engine · 5,000 miles · Mar 2003

2000 Daewoo Leganza check engine light illuminated. Engine made noise and died. When the check engine light illuminated the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. Each time the vehicle was taken to the dealer different parts were replaced but the light would return. The vehicle was returned to the dealer several time for about a year and a half but the problem always returned. The consumer has had a difficult time getting the recalled camshaft position sensor replaced. The dealer had no parts available to replace the part. The gear shifter became stuck in park. The dealer replaced the brake switch. The vehicle caught on fire under the manifold.

Jul 2004 · fire

Tl*- the contact took the 2000 Daewoo Leganza to the dealership to have NHTSA recall 04v35700 campaign id number: 04V357000 repairs on engine and engine cooling:cam shaft position sensor done. The dealer stated that they would charge him $135 for inspecting the vehicle if the vehicle did not fall within the set of lot numbers, between 1000 lot number or 2321 lot number, which would cover the total cost of the repair. The contact was concerned because he thought that under the recall they were obligated to inspect the vehicle for free. The current mileage was 50000. There has been no failure to date.

50,000 miles · Feb 2007

Certified ltr FWD safety recall notice fm Daewoo motor north America, inc. To owners of lanos, nubira, & Leganza motor vehicles re defective camshaft position (cmp) sensor. The consumer replaced the camshaft sensor on his vehicle prior to receiving the recall notification. The part was replaced on 11/15/02 and the recall letter was received on 09/01/2004. The consumer has attempted to contact Daewoo customer service but has not been successful. The consumer request reimbursement for the sensor he already replaced.

Engine · 43,000 miles · Nov 2002

The vehicle's engine light came on and was taken in for repair. The camshaft senor was replaced. The consumer incurred expenses for replacement of component prior to receiving notification of Daewoo's safety recall (NHTSA campaign no. 04v-357). The consumer mailed the appropriate documentation to the manufacturer for reimbursement and scheduled an appointment with an authorized dealer to have corrective action for recall performed. Camshaft 04V357000.

49,000 miles · Sep 2004

Intermittently while driving vehicle suddenly surged forward and experienced electrical system failure. This caused the dashboard components to malfunction, and gave incorrect reading. This was followed by the vehicle running rough , loss of power, and stalling. Consumer was unable to restart the vehicle when this occurred. Dealership replaced map and oxygen sensor, fuel injection, ground wires and the battery. The failure recurred.

Exhaust system › Emission control · 28,000 miles · Jan 2003

I have constant problems with the brakes, they wear out quickly. Recently had alternator replaced in aug. 2003 and now the sensor valve caught fire and burned up the wire harness, valves, valve cover, timing belt, serpentine belt. $1400 of work to be done and no guarantee that extended warranty will cover. Whenever I did take it to the dealer for a complaint, they would always say they couldn't find a problem.

Engine · Sep 2003 · fire

A recall(04V357000) has been issued for the cam shaft position sensor. The consumer was unable to find an authorized dealer or get in contact with the manufacturer to repair the vehicle. Consumer states she attempted to call Daewoo everyday since September 13,2003. Please provide additional information. Still unable to contact for information reguarding authorized service center.

35,000 miles · Sep 2004

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA recall 04V-394 · Aug 6, 2004 · 4,305 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 04V-357 · Jul 14, 2004 · 11,576 vehicles

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…

Engine complaints in other Leganza years

19981999200020012002310018410911
Engine complaints per model year, Daewoo Leganza.

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2000 Daewoo Leganza?

NHTSA has 184 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2000 Daewoo Leganza, 84% of the model year's 220 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (28 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2000 Daewoo Leganza engine problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-394 (engine and engine cooling, Aug 6, 2004); NHTSA recall 04V-357 (engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 2000 Daewoo Leganza engine problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 0 injuries and 1 death to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.

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.