Thinking about buying a used Honda City (2009–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 13 known faults for this model spanning transmission, suspension, electrical, and engine. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
13
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$300–$900
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Honda City faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The Honda Grace/City hybrid does not use a CVT - it uses Honda's 7-speed dual-clutch i-DCD gearbox (same unit as the JDM Fit/Vezel hybrid), which had a troubled launch. Honda issued a series of Japan recalls for the DCT control software that could cause a delay driving off, inability to move, or juddering/harsh shifts. The dry-clutch design overheats in stop-go traffic and wears; owners report overheating warnings and loss of drive uphill. Grey-import Graces often never received the corrective firmware, and fault code P2857 (clutch pressure) is common. Ignored, it progresses from judder to non-engagement and full DCT replacement.
Symptoms to notice
Shudder/judder pulling away from a stop
Jerky, harsh or delayed shifts
Transmission-overheat warning in traffic
Hesitation or loss of drive on uphill starts
What to check
Cold-start then drive in stop-go and up a hill, feeling for judder and shift hesitation; scan for stored codes (especially P2857 and DCT codes); check for warning lamps; ask for evidence the Japanese DCT recall software was applied.
Where to look: Transaxle between engine and front axle (driver's side of engine bay / underneath)
Ask the seller
“Has the 7-speed DCT recall/software update ever been carried out?”
“Any transmission warnings, judder or shift hesitation in traffic?”
“When was the dual-clutch fluid last changed?”
02Throttle Body Carbon Fouling (L13Z / L15A i-VTEC)
MinorCommonEngine $80–$320 to fix
The L13Z 1.3 and L15A 1.5 i-VTEC engines use a drive-by-wire electronic throttle body that accumulates carbon deposits on the throttle plate and bore wall over time, particularly in stop-start urban driving where intake temperatures cycle repeatedly through condensation ranges. As deposits build on the throttle plate edge, the ECU's learned idle adaptation reaches its authority limit, causing rough cold idle and throttle response hesitation that cannot be corrected by re-learning alone until the throttle body is physically cleaned or replaced.
Symptoms to notice
Rough or hunting idle that is worse on cold start and settles after warm-up
Hesitation or stumble on light throttle tip-in from rest
Occasional idle drop or near-stall when coming to a stop
What to check
Check for sticky throttle plate movement by hand (ignition off). If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect an OBD-II scanner and check throttle adaptation values for boundary limits. Remove the intake hose and inspect the throttle plate and bore with a torch for black carbon ring deposits.
Where to look: Intake manifold inlet, top of engine, accessible from front of engine bay
Ask the seller
“Has the throttle body ever been cleaned or replaced?”
“Does the engine idle smoothly when cold, or does it hunt?”
SuspensionCritical
TransmissionMajor
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11 more documented faults on the Honda City
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 13 documented faults for the Honda City, the recurring problem areas are transmission, suspension, and electrical. A Honda City 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 Honda City?
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We've catalogued 13 known faults for the Honda City, covering transmission, suspension, and electrical. 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 Honda City?
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Most single repairs on the Honda City fall between $300–$900 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 13 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 Honda City?
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Yes. A Honda City 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.