Timing belt / tensioner (short life)
usually 50,000–80,000 km · High risk
Signs: Belt failure bends valves — change at 60,000 km
Fix: Replace belt kit and water pump
€200–450
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
0.8–1.8 petrol (GM Daewoo: Matiz, Kalos, Lacetti, Lanos, Nubira)
Petrol · 796 / 995 / 1,150 / 1,206 / 1,399 / 1,498 / 1,598 / 1,796 cm³ · 38–90 kW
6
model generations
4
known faults
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: belt · 60,000 km / every 48 mo.
In our database this engine is fitted to 6 model generations, among them: Chevrolet Aveo (T250), Chevrolet Kalos, Chevrolet Lacetti, Daewoo Matiz, Daewoo Lanos, Daewoo Nubira.
The most expensive known risk is head gasket / hydraulic lifters (1.4 / 1.6 16v): it usually appears at 100,000–200,000 km and costs €300–900 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 796 / 995 / 1,150 / 1,206 / 1,399 / 1,498 / 1,598 / 1,796 cm³ |
| Power | 38–90 kW |
| Years | 1997–2015 |
| Timing drive | Belt · 60,000 km / every 48 mo |
| Oil | 10W-40 / 5W-30 · API SL / GM · ~3.75 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | F8CV, B10S1, B12S1, F14D3, F14D4, F14S3, F16D3, F15S3, A15SMS, A16DMS, F18D3, T18SED, X20SED |
Known engine faults
Faults that belong to the engine itself. They apply to every model with this engine, and each model has its own extra faults on its model page.
Head gasket / hydraulic lifters (1.4 / 1.6 16v)
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Ticking, coolant loss, overheating
Fix: Replace gasket / lifters
€300–900
Ignition leads / coil
usually 120,000–280,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Misfire in wet weather
Fix: Replace leads and coil
€60–180
Thermostat / radiator
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Overheating
Fix: Replace thermostat / radiator
€100–300
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Chevrolet Aveo (T250) as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €450–900 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
Models with this engine
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
Chevrolet Aveo (T250) 2006–2011Chevrolet Kalos 2005–2008Chevrolet Lacetti 2004–2009Daewoo Lanos 1997–2004Daewoo Matiz 1998–2008Daewoo Nubira 1997–2003
Common questions
Does the 0.8–1.8 petrol (GM Daewoo: Matiz, Kalos, Lacetti, Lanos, Nubira) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Belt · 60,000 km / every 48 mo.
What oil does the 0.8–1.8 petrol (GM Daewoo: Matiz, Kalos, Lacetti, Lanos, Nubira) engine take?
10W-40 / 5W-30 · API SL / GM · ~3.75 L · every 15,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 0.8–1.8 petrol (GM Daewoo: Matiz, Kalos, Lacetti, Lanos, Nubira) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: timing belt / tensioner (short life) (50,000–80,000 km, €200–450); head gasket / hydraulic lifters (1.4 / 1.6 16v) (100,000–200,000 km, €300–900).
Which cars have the 0.8–1.8 petrol (GM Daewoo: Matiz, Kalos, Lacetti, Lanos, Nubira) engine?
Chevrolet Aveo (T250), Chevrolet Kalos, Chevrolet Lacetti, Daewoo Matiz, Daewoo Lanos, Daewoo Nubira.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026