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Honda2014–2020 Major issues documented

Honda GM6: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Honda GM6 (2014–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 8 known faults for this model spanning electrical, transmission, suspension, and brakes. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated major. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

A Honda GM6 — example photograph; the generation is not established
Honda GM6. An example of the model — the generation is not established, and it is not the car you are looking at. Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima via Wikimedia Commons, CC0.

Check this exact Honda GM6

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

8

Documented faults

Major

Most serious

$500–$2,200

Typical repair

5

Systems covered

Which Honda GM6 are you looking at?

Pick the year and the engine. The faults below narrow to that exact combination, because a 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

1.5L petrol (L15B)· 1.5 litre petrol

Start your free check on this Honda GM6

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Honda GM6

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Honda GM6

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Honda GM6 before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Costly issue

    Check engine oil dipstick and note the oil level and smell — an oily smell with traces of fuel odour indicates dilution.

    See why

    L15B Oil Dilution with Fuel on Cold Starts

    The L15B 1.5 DOHC direct injection engine allows unburned fuel to wash past the piston rings during cold-start warm-up cycles when the engine runs very rich. The fuel dilutes the engine oil, reducing its lubricity and bearing protection. Honda issued a recall in Japan and some markets for an updated engine management calibration.

    What you would notice

    • Engine oil smells of fuel when checked on the dipstick, sometimes accompanied by an above-maximum oil level
    • Reduced oil viscosity causing a slightly lighter engine sound and potential increased wear rate

    Typically $350 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Test drive at walking pace in a quiet car park — engage drive from a complete stop and note any vibration through the drivetrain.

    See why

    L15B CVT judder at low-speed engagement

    The Honda Grace uses an L15B 1.5L engine coupled to a belt-type CVT with an integrated wet start clutch pack. The start clutch friction material is sensitive to ATF contamination from metallic wear particles and fluid thermal degradation caused by repeated engagement cycles at near-zero speeds in city driving. As the ATF degrades, inconsistent clamping force in the start clutch produces a characteristic shudder or judder when the vehicle first moves from rest or during slow-speed manoeuvring in car parks. Early-stage judder often responds to a Honda HMMF fluid drain and refill; advanced cases require start clutch pack reconditioning or CVT replacement.

    What you would notice

    • Shudder or vibration when first moving off from rest
    • Judder during low-speed parking manoeuvres
    • Vibration felt through seat and floorpan at 5–20 km/h
    • CVT warning light in more advanced cases
    • Uneven or notchy feel transitioning from brake release to drive

    Typically $350–$2,800 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Inspect boots for splitting.

    See why

    Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

    Front lower arm ball joints wear causing clunking and handling imprecision. This is a common wear item on the Grace given the joint design and NZ road conditions.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking from front suspension over bumps and speed humps during city driving
    • Imprecise steering feel and slight wandering during lane changes

    Typically $350–$750 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check for vehicle pulling under braking.

    See why

    Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

    Brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear and brake pull.

    What you would notice

    • Vehicle pulling to one side under braking with accelerated pad wear on one side
    • One brake disc noticeably hotter than others after moderate use

    Typically $200–$600 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Connect Honda-compatible scanner and read hybrid battery cell voltages.

    See why

    Hybrid Battery Cell Voltage Imbalance Warning

    The hybrid traction battery cell voltage diverges with age causing the battery management system to flag a fault. This reduces available electric assist and fuel economy. The warning light typically appears beyond 100,000 km on original battery packs.

    What you would notice

    • Hybrid system warning light illuminated with noticeably reduced fuel economy
    • More frequent combustion engine operation at low speeds as electric assist is reduced

    Typically $1,500–$5,000 to put right.

  • Common issue

    Drive slowly over a rough surface and listen with windows down for a knocking or rattling from the steering column area.

    See why

    Electric Power Steering Rack Rattle

    The EPS rack develops an internal rattle at low speeds and over rough surfaces, causing a persistent knocking from the steering column area that owners often mistake for a suspension fault.

    What you would notice

    • Knocking or rattling from steering column area at low speeds and over rough surfaces
    • Slight vibration felt in the steering wheel rim during slow manoeuvring

    Typically $600–$2,200 to put right.

See all 8 documented issuesEverything researched for the Honda GM6.
Depends on which engine this Honda GM6 has — 8Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling4

01i-DCD Dual-Clutch Wet Shudder at Low Speed

The GM4 Grace hybrid uses Honda's i-DCD Sport Hybrid system with a wet dual-clutch transmission.hybrid2014–2020Transmission
CommonTransmission $900–$4,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The GM4 Grace hybrid uses Honda's i-DCD Sport Hybrid system with a wet dual-clutch transmission. The wet clutch pack shudders during engagement at low speed, especially during traffic crawling and when transitioning from EV to combustion engine propulsion. Honda issued revised clutch software and clutch pack replacements in Japan for the worst cases.

Symptoms to notice

  • Buzzing or juddering vibration through the floor and seat at 5-20 km/h under gentle throttle
  • Vibration most pronounced when the combustion engine engages from EV-only mode in slow traffic

What to check

  1. Drive in slow-moving traffic for 5-10 minutes and feel for a buzzing vibration through the floor and seat when the clutch engages under light throttle.
  2. The shudder is most pronounced at 5-20 km/h in EV-to-engine transition.
  3. Ask if the issue has been addressed by a Honda dealer.

Where to look: i-DCD dual-clutch unit integrated with transaxle

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the i-dcd dual-clutch wet shudder been inspected or repaired?”

02L15B CVT judder at low-speed engagement

Test drive at walking pace in a quiet car park — engage drive from a complete stop and note any vibration through the drivetrain.petrol2014–2020Transmission
CommonTransmission $350–$2,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Honda Grace uses an L15B 1.5L engine coupled to a belt-type CVT with an integrated wet start clutch pack. The start clutch friction material is sensitive to ATF contamination from metallic wear particles and fluid thermal degradation caused by repeated engagement cycles at near-zero speeds in city driving. As the ATF degrades, inconsistent clamping force in the start clutch produces a characteristic shudder or judder when the vehicle first moves from rest or during slow-speed manoeuvring in car parks. Early-stage judder often responds to a Honda HMMF fluid drain and refill; advanced cases require start clutch pack reconditioning or CVT replacement.

Symptoms to notice

  • Shudder or vibration when first moving off from rest
  • Judder during low-speed parking manoeuvres
  • Vibration felt through seat and floorpan at 5–20 km/h
  • CVT warning light in more advanced cases
  • Uneven or notchy feel transitioning from brake release to drive

What to check

  1. Test drive at walking pace in a quiet car park — engage drive from a complete stop and note any vibration through the drivetrain.
  2. Repeat several times as the fault is often more pronounced in the first few engagements.
  3. Check CVT fluid via dipstick: fluid should be clear pink-red, not brown or with a metallic sheen.
  4. Confirm Honda HMMF fluid has been used at service.

Where to look: CVT unit mounted to left side of engine, start clutch pack internal to CVT housing

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the CVT fluid been replaced using genuine Honda HMMF at the correct interval?”
  • “Has any shudder or vibration been noticed during slow-speed driving or parking?”
  • “Has the vehicle been to a Honda dealer for any CVT-related complaints or codes?”
  • “What does the service history show for CVT fluid change dates and mileage?”

03L15B Oil Dilution with Fuel on Cold Starts

Check engine oil dipstick and note the oil level and smell — an oily smell with traces of fuel odour indicates dilution.petrol2014–2020Engine
Very commonEngine $350 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The L15B 1.5 DOHC direct injection engine allows unburned fuel to wash past the piston rings during cold-start warm-up cycles when the engine runs very rich. The fuel dilutes the engine oil, reducing its lubricity and bearing protection. Honda issued a recall in Japan and some markets for an updated engine management calibration.

Symptoms to notice

  • Engine oil smells of fuel when checked on the dipstick, sometimes accompanied by an above-maximum oil level
  • Reduced oil viscosity causing a slightly lighter engine sound and potential increased wear rate

What to check

  1. Check engine oil dipstick and note the oil level and smell — an oily smell with traces of fuel odour indicates dilution.
  2. Oil level that reads above the maximum mark can indicate fuel addition.
  3. Ask if the car was driven mainly short trips in winter.
  4. Ask if the recall fix was applied.

Where to look: Engine sump and lubrication system

Ask the seller

  • “Has the l15b oil dilution with been inspected or repaired?”

04L15B Carbon Deposits on Intake Valves

Heavy build-up (more than 2mm thick) warrants walnut blasting or manual cleaning.petrol2014–2020Engine
CommonEngine $500–$1,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Direct injection means fuel is not sprayed onto intake valves, so carbon deposits from crankcase vapour accumulate and are never washed away. Carbon build-up reduces airflow into the combustion chambers causing rough idle and power loss at high mileage.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rough idle and slight hesitation from rest as carbon restricts intake valve opening
  • Slight reduction in high-rpm power output compared to when the engine was new

What to check

Heavy build-up (more than 2mm thick) warrants walnut blasting or manual cleaning. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the intake manifold and inspect the intake valve faces and valve stems for grey-black carbon deposits.

Where to look: Intake valves in cylinder head, accessible from intake manifold side

Ask the seller

  • “Has the l15b carbon deposits on been inspected or repaired?”
Electrical2

01Hybrid Battery Cell Voltage Imbalance Warning

Connect Honda-compatible scanner and read hybrid battery cell voltages.hybrid2014–2020Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $1,500–$5,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The hybrid traction battery cell voltage diverges with age causing the battery management system to flag a fault. This reduces available electric assist and fuel economy. The warning light typically appears beyond 100,000 km on original battery packs.

Symptoms to notice

  • Hybrid system warning light illuminated with noticeably reduced fuel economy
  • More frequent combustion engine operation at low speeds as electric assist is reduced

What to check

Connect Honda-compatible scanner and read hybrid battery cell voltages. A spread greater than 0.3V between cells indicates imbalance. Note fuel economy decline from rated figure.

Where to look: Hybrid traction battery pack under rear seat/boot

Ask the seller

  • “Has the hybrid battery cell voltage been inspected or repaired?”

02Electric Power Steering Rack Rattle

Drive slowly over a rough surface and listen with windows down for a knocking or rattling from the steering column area.2014–2020Electrical
CommonElectrical $600–$2,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The EPS rack develops an internal rattle at low speeds and over rough surfaces, causing a persistent knocking from the steering column area that owners often mistake for a suspension fault.

Symptoms to notice

  • Knocking or rattling from steering column area at low speeds and over rough surfaces
  • Slight vibration felt in the steering wheel rim during slow manoeuvring

What to check

  1. Drive slowly over a rough surface and listen with windows down for a knocking or rattling from the steering column area.
  2. Turn the wheel slowly at low speed and feel for notchiness or vibration transmitting to the rim.

Where to look: Electric power steering rack and column

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the electric power steering rack been inspected or repaired?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior2

01Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect boots for splitting.2014–2020Suspension
CommonSuspension $350–$750 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Front lower arm ball joints wear causing clunking and handling imprecision. This is a common wear item on the Grace given the joint design and NZ road conditions.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking from front suspension over bumps and speed humps during city driving
  • Imprecise steering feel and slight wandering during lane changes

What to check

Inspect boots for splitting. Any movement in the joint indicates replacement is overdue. If a workshop inspection is possible: With vehicle raised, lever the front lower arms and check for ball joint play.

Where to look: Front lower suspension control arms

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the front lower control arm been inspected or repaired?”

02Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

Check for vehicle pulling under braking.2014–2020Brakes
CommonBrakes $200–$600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear and brake pull.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle pulling to one side under braking with accelerated pad wear on one side
  • One brake disc noticeably hotter than others after moderate use

What to check

  1. Check for vehicle pulling under braking.
  2. After a test drive, check disc temperatures by hovering a hand near each wheel — uneven heat indicates a binding caliper.
  3. Inspect slide pins during inspection.

Where to look: Front and rear brake calipers

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the brake caliper guide pin been inspected or repaired?”

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Honda GM6’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Honda models

Honda CR-V59 documented faultsHonda Accord55 documented faultsHonda Jazz51 documented faultsHonda Jazz Shuttle8 documented faultsHonda Mobilio Spike8 documented faultsHonda Accord Inspire7 documented faults

Honda GM6 buyer questions

Is the Honda GM6 reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 8 documented faults for the Honda GM6, the recurring problem areas are electrical, transmission, and suspension. A Honda GM6 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 GM6?

We've catalogued 8 known faults for the Honda GM6, covering electrical, transmission, and suspension. All 8 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Honda GM6?

Most single repairs on the Honda GM6 fall between $500–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 8 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 GM6?

Yes. A Honda GM6 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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.