GM Daewoo S-TEC and S-TEC II 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 atmosféricos (Matiz, Spark, Aveo 1.2, Beat and Sail)High-voltage battery (hybrids and EVs)
Ignition system faults (high-tension leads and modules) on the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency occasional: The AutoCentrum guide cites the ignition modules and distributor caps as problem points on the Matiz; in the AutoCentrum record, 5 owners of the 0.8 confirm the high-tension lead fault and 1 does not; and on fiches-auto 2 of the 40 testimonies for the 0.8 are classed as ignition problems (one speaks of an ignition harness that would need changing every 30,000 km). These are small owner samples.[1][2][3]
Symptoms
- Uneven running, with the engine misfiring on two cylinders and not accelerating properly, especially when overtaking.[2][3]Jerking: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- In extreme cases, a lead can come loose or the engine can stall while driving; one owner reports it happened at a junction.[2]Engine stalls: other faults that cause it · As soon as possible
Why it happens
Poor-quality or cracked high-tension leads that lose their spark; one owner advises checking them for cracks.[2]
Problematic ignition modules and distributor caps, according to the AutoCentrum buying guide.[1]
If it is not repaired: Rough running, loss of power when accelerating and, in the worst case, the engine stalling while driving.[2][3]
Affected cars and years
The AutoCentrum guide covers Matiz models from 1998 to 2008 without separating versions; the AutoCentrum record places the lead fault on the 0.8 of 1997-2004 and fiches-auto collects testimonies for the 0.8 of 2005-2009. We cannot confirm that the distributor the guide cites is fitted to every M200 Matiz.[1][2][3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.8 and 1.0 S-TEC SOHC (Matiz/Spark M200, 2005-2009) | 2005–2009 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Chevrolet
- Chevrolet Matiz2005–2009
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the high-tension leads, the distributor cap or the ignition module that has failed.[2]
We have not found any published quote in Spain or in the sources consulted.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
High-tension lead set[2]
Carry the current from the coils or distributor to the spark plugs; if they lose their spark, the cylinder misfires.
Ignition module[1]
Controls the firing of the spark plugs; the AutoCentrum guide lists it among the problem points of the Matiz.
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How to prevent it
- Check the high-tension leads regularly for cracks, as an owner advises on AutoCentrum.[2]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 2 November 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Chevrolet Matiz 0.8 jerk or misfire on two cylinders?
One owner put it down to high-tension leads that lose their spark, and the AutoCentrum guide cites the ignition modules and distributor caps among the weak points; the sources do not give an ordered list of causes.[1][2]
Can a Matiz stall because of the ignition?
According to the owner who documents it, in extreme cases a lead can come loose or the engine can stall, even at a junction.[2]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC faults
More faults with the high-voltage battery on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonFord Mustang Mach-EHigh-voltage battery contactors overheating: loss of powerYes: the main contactors of the Mach-E's high-voltage battery can overheat with repeated rapid charging and hard acceleration, and the car may lose traction or fail to start. The 2022 software update was not enough, and in December 2023 Ford moved to replace the contactor box.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW eDrive de 5.ª generación (iX3, i4, iX)Cells with a damaged cathode in the high-voltage battery (fire risk)Yes: in September 2022 Safety Gate listed a BMW recall for a manufacturing defect in the high-voltage battery of the iX, i4 and i7 built from 5 July 2021 to 8 July 2022. A supplier may have damaged a cathode plate and a fragment may have entered a cell; the defective modules are replaced, and BMW asked owners not to charge or drive the car until then.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW i3 / Mini Cooper SEDefective cells in the high-voltage battery of the i3 from 2018 to 2021Yes: in October 2022 BMW launched a recall of the i3 built from 26/10/2018 to 31/08/2021 because a production defect in the winding of the cells' internal foils can overheat the modules and cause a fire. The defective module is replaced.
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonCitroën C5 AircrossOverheating and water ingress in the high-voltage battery (Hybrid versions)The plug-in Hybrid versions of the C5 Aircross built between January 2020 and the end of 2022 have been the subject of several successive manufacturer campaigns over a risk of the high-voltage battery overheating and, in another related campaign, over possible water ingress into its casing.
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonFord Kuga IIIFire risk in the plug-in hybrid high-voltage battery (recall 25SC4)The cells of the Kuga PHEV's high-voltage battery (made by Samsung SDI) can suffer an internal short circuit because of a damaged separator, with a risk of power loss and fire; Ford has recalled units built between August 2019 and November 2023.
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonOpel Grandland IHigh-voltage battery overheating and fire risk in plug-in hybrid versions (2019–2022)The plug-in hybrid versions of the Grandland X built between 2019 and 2022 have been the subject of several successive recalls, first a software update and then physical replacement, for the risk of overheating and fire in the high-voltage battery.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Czy warto kupić: używany Daewoo / FSO Matiz (od 1998 do 2008)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 22 August 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
- Przewody wysokiego napięcia gubiące iskrę (Daewoo Matiz 0.8)AutoCentrum.pl (usterki) · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
- Fiabilité Chevrolet Matiz (2005-2009): pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French