Thinking about buying a used GWM Ute (2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 5 known faults for this model spanning engine, electrical, and fluid leaks. 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.
5
Documented faults
Major
Most serious
$400–$2,200
Typical repair
3
Systems covered
Known GWM Ute faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01GW4C20 Timing Chain Tensioner Cold-Start Rattle
MajorOccasionalEngine $1,800–$4,500 to fix
The GW4C20 2.0T engine uses a hydraulic timing chain tensioner fed from the main oil gallery. On cold starts — particularly after overnight soak — oil drains back from the tensioner piston, allowing chain slack for the 2–6 seconds required to re-establish oil pressure. The variable valve timing phasers on both intake and exhaust camshafts also demand immediate oil pressure and contribute additional chain noise during the pressure-build phase. Repeated cold start drain-back accelerates chain stretch over time. The condition worsens with extended oil change intervals or incorrect viscosity (e.g., 10W-40 instead of specified 0W-20), which delays the pressure spike. Advanced chain stretch produces cam-crank correlation fault codes and can affect ignition timing, elevating the issue from noise to functional failure.
Symptoms to notice
Metallic rattling from front of engine on cold start, lasting 2–8 seconds
Rattle worsens significantly in cold weather below 5°C
Noise disappears once oil pressure is established
Check engine light for cam-crank timing correlation in advanced cases
What to check
Cold-start the vehicle and immediately listen for timing chain rattle from front of engine; scan for P0016, P0017, P0018, or P0019 cam-crank correlation fault codes; check oil level and condition; verify service history for oil change intervals and grade used.
Where to look: Front of engine timing chain cover, accessible from front of engine bay
Ask the seller
“Does the engine make a rattling noise for a few seconds when first started cold?”
“What oil grade and service interval has been followed — matches GWM specification?”
“Has the timing chain, tensioner, or VVT system been inspected or replaced?”
02Rear Differential Output Shaft Oil Seal Leak
MajorOccasionalFluid Leaks $350–$1,200 to fix
The rear differential pinion and output shaft oil seals on the GWM Cannon have been identified as a recurring leak point, particularly on vehicles operated in off-road conditions or subject to water crossings. The seals degrade prematurely under heat cycling and contamination ingress, allowing gear oil to weep from the differential casing. If undetected, continued operation with low differential oil risks bearing and gear surface damage requiring differential rebuild or replacement.
Symptoms to notice
Oil staining or wet patch beneath the rear differential
Gear oil smell from the rear axle area
Differential oil level below minimum on check
Whining or grinding from the rear diff under load if oil has been lost
What to check
Inspect the rear differential casing and output shaft flanges for oil weeping or staining. Check the differential oil level via the filler plug. Look for fresh oil on the driveshaft CVJ boots near the diff flanges. Any off-road-used example should have all diffs and transfer case inspected.
Where to look: Rear differential, output shaft seals and pinion seal
Ask the seller
“Has the vehicle been used off-road or in water crossings?”
“Have the differential oils been changed since purchase?”
“Has any leaking been noticed under the rear axle?”
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
3 more documented faults on the GWM Ute
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 5 documented faults for the GWM Ute, the recurring problem areas are engine, electrical, and fluid leaks. A GWM Ute 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 Ute?
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We've catalogued 5 known faults for the GWM Ute, covering engine, electrical, and fluid leaks. 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 Ute?
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Most single repairs on the GWM Ute fall between $400–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 5 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 Ute?
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Yes. A GWM Ute 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.