Thinking about buying a used GWM Haval H6 (2013–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 9 known faults for this model spanning transmission, engine, cooling, and electrical. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated major. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
9
Documented faults
Major
Most serious
$350–$3,000
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known GWM Haval H6 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
017-speed dual-clutch hesitation, low-speed shunt and limp mode
MajorCommonTransmission $250–$6,000 to fix
Petrol H6s use a 7-speed wet dual-clutch that is widely documented as hesitant and clumsy at low speed: slow to engage from a standstill (worse after idle-stop restarts), jolting on the 1-2 shift, rolling for a second or two on Drive-to-Reverse shuffles, and unpredictable on kickdown. CarsGuide owner reports include 2023 H6s dropping into limp mode with a flashing engine light, with at least one case ending in major driveline work under warranty. There has been no recall or formal service campaign — GWM treats rough low-speed behaviour as a characteristic of the transmission, so cars still under the 7-year warranty should go to a dealer, while out-of-warranty repairs fall on the owner.
Symptoms to notice
Hesitation or flare when pulling away from a stop
Jolt or shunt on the 1st-to-2nd shift in traffic
Delay and roll-back when swapping between Drive and Reverse
Flashing engine light and limp mode in worst cases
What to check
On the test drive, do a three-point turn (feel for a long pause between Drive and Reverse), then crawl in stop-start traffic conditions and accelerate gently from several standstills, including one after the stop-start system has killed the engine. Any bang, shudder or warning light is a walk-away sign; mild hesitation is normal for this gearbox but should be smooth, not jerky.
Where to look: Transmission, under the centre of the vehicle
Ask the seller
“Has the car ever gone into limp mode or shown a flashing engine light?”
“Has the DCT ever had a software update, clutch pack or mechatronic repair at a GWM dealer?”
“Is the balance of the 7-year factory warranty transferable and intact (NZ-new vs import)?”
02Electrical gremlins: screen errors, 12V battery-drain warnings and AC compressor failures
MinorCommonElectrical $150–$2,500 to fix
Owner reports on CarsGuide and ProductReview.com.au show a pattern of electrical niggles on the H6: LCD/infotainment screen errors that persist after software updates, 'excess battery drain' warnings on 2024 cars, one 2022 case of constant beeping with a burning smell traced toward a short circuit, and repeat air-conditioning compressor failures where replacements failed again with no recall or goodwill program from GWM. Individually minor, but out of warranty these become the buyer's problem, and GWM parts in NZ can mean multi-week waits through the small dealer network.
Symptoms to notice
Infotainment or instrument screen errors, freezes or blackouts
Battery-drain warning messages or a flat 12V battery after a few days parked
Air conditioning blowing warm; compressor not engaging
Unexplained warning chimes
What to check
With the engine running, run the air conditioning on maximum cold for the full test drive and confirm it stays icy. Prod every screen menu, reversing camera and 360 camera for lag or freezes. Ask to see the car started from cold — a sluggish crank on a 1-4 year old car suggests parasitic drain. Look for aftermarket accessories (dashcams, trackers) wired in.
Where to look: Cabin electronics, 12V battery, AC compressor at the front of the engine bay
Ask the seller
“Has the 12V battery ever gone flat or been replaced?”
“Has the AC compressor or any control screen been replaced, and was it under warranty?”
“Are any warranty claims still open with GWM NZ?”
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
CoolingMajor
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
7 more documented faults on the GWM Haval H6
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 9 documented faults for the GWM Haval H6, the recurring problem areas are transmission, engine, and cooling. A GWM Haval H6 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used GWM Haval H6?
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We've catalogued 9 known faults for the GWM Haval H6, covering transmission, engine, and cooling. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a GWM Haval H6?
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Most single repairs on the GWM Haval H6 fall between $350–$3,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 9 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a GWM Haval H6?
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Yes. A GWM Haval H6 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.