IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2000 Daewoo Tacuma

UK launch of the Pininfarina-styled Tacuma compact MPV, featuring 1.8-litre SOHC and 2.0-litre DOHC petrol engines in SE and high-spec CDX trims with modular five-seat layout.

What changed for 2000

  • •UK launch of the clean-sheet compact MPV platform with Pininfarina exterior design and Italdesign cabin architecture
  • •GM-derived Family II powertrains comprising 97bhp 1.8-litre 8v and 121bhp 2.0-litre 16v petrol engines
  • •High standard specification including air conditioning, twin airbags, ABS, and modular folding/removable rear seats

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Severe corrosion and pitting on underbody rigid steel brake pipes running to the rear axle
  • !Front anti-roll bar drop links and D-bushes exhibiting excessive free play and knocking
5
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
2
Minor

All Known Issues

Hydraulic Brake Line Corrosion and Fluid Leakage

SeriousBrakes

The rigid steel hydraulic brake pipes routed along the underbody floorpan to the rear brakes are subject to road salt spray and dirt entrapment along chassis retaining clips. Severe surface corrosion develops into deep pitting and hairline fractures that can weep or burst under emergency pedal pressure. Loss of hydraulic fluid causes severe brake sponge, extended stopping distances, and complete hydraulic circuit failure, leading directly to MOT test failure.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£450
Warning Signs:

Brake pedal feels soft, spongy, and sinks slowly towards the floor when held under steady foot pressure, Brake fluid level warning lamp illuminates on the instrument binnacle accompanied by dropping reservoir level, Visible damp patches or hydraulic fluid drips on the driveway beneath the rear floorpan section

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the entire length of underbody rigid steel brake pipes with an inspection torch for brown rust scale, flaking coating, or wet fluid seepage
  • Press firmly on the brake pedal with the engine running and hold for thirty seconds to ensure the pedal remains rock-solid without sinking
  • Review past MOT test history for recurring advisories concerning corroded, pitted, or grease-coated brake pipes
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Timing Belt Cam Roller and Idler Pulley Failure

SeriousEngine

The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre DOHC petrol engines utilise an interference valvetrain driven by a rubber timing belt running over composite plastic-caged idler rollers and a mechanical tensioner. When replacement exceeds 40,000 to 50,000 miles, the plastic idler pulley casing cracks or its internal ball bearings seize under thermal stress. This causes the belt to jump teeth or snap, resulting in catastrophic piston-to-valve collisions that bend valves, damage guides, and require an expensive cylinder head rebuild.

Est. Repair Cost: £320–£750
Warning Signs:

High-pitched metallic ticking, whirring, or knocking noise from the front timing cover area, Engine abruptly shuts down while driving and fails to restart, with the starter spinning unusually fast without compression, Check engine warning light illuminates accompanied by camshaft/crankshaft timing correlation error codes

What to Inspect:
  • Check maintenance records and invoices for proof of complete timing belt kit replacement including idler pulleys, tensioner, and water pump within 40,000 miles
  • Remove the upper timing belt cover fasteners and inspect the belt for edge fraying, slackness, or cracked composite roller pulleys
  • Listen carefully near the timing cover at idle and 2,500 rpm for whining idler bearing sounds
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Idle Air Control Valve and Intake Manifold Air Leaks

ModerateFuel System

The stepper-motor Idle Air Control (IAC) valve and rubber inlet manifold gaskets deteriorate from oil mist accumulation, carbon sludge, and heat cycling. Unmetered air entering the intake plenum causes the engine management system to miscalculate air-fuel ratios, resulting in sudden erratic engine revving up to 2,000 rpm while stationary in traffic, persistent hesitation under light acceleration, strong fuel odours, and occasional engine stalling when dipping the clutch.

Est. Repair Cost: £90–£240
Warning Signs:

Engine revs up erratically on its own while idling at traffic lights or when stationary in neutral, Noticeable smell of raw or unburnt petrol from the engine bay or exhaust pipe, especially after high-speed driving, Engine idle fluctuates wildly between 500 and 1,800 rpm or stalls unexpectedly when coming to a halt

What to Inspect:
  • Start the engine from cold and observe the idle speed; it should settle smoothly to approximately 850 rpm as operating temperature is reached
  • Lightly spray carburettor cleaner around the intake manifold gasket seams while idling; any momentary change in engine speed confirms an air vacuum leak
  • Inspect the idle air control valve housing for heavy carbon deposits and check electrical connector security
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Anti-Roll Bar Bushes and Drop Links Knocking

MinorSuspension & Chassis

The substantial front curb weight and tall body profile of the Tacuma MPV place continuous dynamic stress on the front suspension anti-roll bar mounting D-bushes and vertical drop links. The rubber bushes perish, harden, and develop internal clearance, while drop link ball joints dry out and develop mechanical slack. This produces an irritating metallic clunking and knocking noise over speed cushions, uneven asphalt, and manhole covers.

Est. Repair Cost: £85–£210
Warning Signs:

Persistent rattling, clunking, or knocking sound from the front floorpan when driving over rough road surfaces, Noticeable body roll and loose initial steering response when turning into sharp bends or roundabouts, MOT test advisory noting play in anti-roll bar linkage ball joints or deteriorated mounting bushes

What to Inspect:
  • Drive the car across speed cushions and rough tarmac while listening for suspension clunking from either front corner
  • Grasp the vertical anti-roll bar drop links firmly with the front wheels raised and shake vigorously to detect joint slack
  • Inspect the rubber anti-roll bar saddle bushes attached to the subframe for cracking, distortion, or gaps around the bar
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Central Locking Actuator and Door Loom Wiring Failure

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The door electrical wiring harnesses running through flexible rubber bellows between the A/B pillars and passenger doors fatigue from constant door openings, causing the copper cores to fracture and short out. Concurrently, internal electric motors and gear mechanisms within the door lock solenoids stick due to dried factory lubricant. As a result, the remote central locking system intermittently fails to unlock specific doors, or automatically locks and unlocks repeatedly when triggered.

Est. Repair Cost: £110–£260
Warning Signs:

One or more passenger doors fail to lock or unlock when using the remote key fob or driver door key, Central locking mechanism cycles rapidly on and off (clicking repeatedly) when attempting to lock the vehicle, Interior cabin courtesy lights or door-ajar warning indicators fail to activate or remain illuminated continuously

What to Inspect:
  • Test remote central locking operation on all five doors (including tailgate) multiple times to verify uniform actuation
  • Pull back the flexible rubber accordion boots in the door jambs to inspect the wiring loom for chafed insulation or severed wires
  • Ensure manual key operation in the driver's door lock cylinder mechanically turns and engages all door solenoids
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2000 Daewoo Tacuma

  • Verify all three individual rear seats unlatch, fold, and remove smoothly from their floor anchors
  • Check for fluid leaks around the power steering pump and steering rack boots
2001–2003
Check a 2000 Daewoo Tacuma by Registration