Honda Honda Jazz (intl): common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Honda Honda Jazz (intl) (2001–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 23 known faults for this model spanning transmission, electrical, engine, and suspension. 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.
23
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$300–$950
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Honda Honda Jazz (intl) faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01i-DCD clutch actuator motor failure
CriticalCommonTransmission $2,000–$5,500 to fix
The i-DCD transmission uses an electric clutch actuator motor with an integrated position sensor to modulate engagement of the dual wet clutch pack, replacing the conventional hydraulic clutch slave cylinder. The actuator motor brushes and sensor assembly are susceptible to internal wear and moisture ingress, particularly in humid environments. When the actuator fails, the TCU loses the ability to control clutch pressure accurately, resulting in complete inability to engage drive or reverse, severe judder immediately on engagement, or the transmission defaulting to a single-clutch limp mode. Honda extended warranty coverage on this component following consumer complaints and a class-action outcome in Japan, but many units are now outside that extended period.
Symptoms to notice
Sudden inability to select drive or reverse
Severe judder immediately on cold startup engagement
Transmission enters limp mode with significantly reduced power
Clutch actuator DTC stored — P17F0 or similar codes
Red or yellow transmission warning light on dashboard
What to check
Request an OBD scan specifically targeting i-DCD transmission DTCs before test drive. Test cold-start behaviour as actuator faults present most clearly when the transmission is cold. Ask for Honda warranty claim history — many units received actuator replacement under Honda's extended warranty programme. Check for any previous transmission replacement documentation.
Where to look: Clutch actuator assembly bolted to left side of i-DCD transmission housing
Ask the seller
“Has the clutch actuator ever been replaced under warranty or out of pocket?”
“Was any Honda extended warranty claim made for transmission issues?”
“Has the vehicle been diagnosed by a Honda dealer for stored transmission fault codes?”
“Is there any remaining Honda coverage on the i-DCD drivetrain?”
02Electric Power Steering Column Coupling Clunk and Rattle
MinorCommonElectrical $320–$1,300 to fix
The column-mounted EPS unit on GK-series Fit models develops a clunk or rattle transmitted through the steering wheel when traversing uneven surfaces or applying light steering inputs; the noise originates from wear in the coupling between the EPS motor shaft and the lower steering column joint. Honda issued technical service information covering EPS column noise on the GE and GK Jazz/Fit generations, with remedies ranging from coupling replacement to column assembly replacement.
Symptoms to notice
Clunking or knocking transmitted through the steering wheel when driving over bumps or rough surfaces
Rattling noise audible from the steering column area during low-speed parking manoeuvres
What to check
With the engine running and vehicle stationary, slowly rock the steering wheel left and right listening and feeling for a clunk or knock from the column; check EPS motor mounting hardware for correct torque; inspect the column lower universal joint for wear or looseness.
Where to look: Steering column EPS motor assembly — beneath the dashboard, driver's side, above the universal joint
Ask the seller
“Does the steering wheel produce any knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces?”
“Has an EPS warning light appeared on the instrument cluster at any time?”
“Has any steering column or EPS work been performed under warranty or at a dealership?”
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21 more documented faults on the Honda Honda Jazz (intl)
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 23 documented faults for the Honda Honda Jazz (intl), the recurring problem areas are transmission, electrical, and engine. A Honda Honda Jazz (intl) 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 Honda Jazz (intl)?
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We've catalogued 23 known faults for the Honda Honda Jazz (intl), covering transmission, electrical, and engine. 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 Honda Jazz (intl)?
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Most single repairs on the Honda Honda Jazz (intl) fall between $300–$950 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 23 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 Honda Jazz (intl)?
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Yes. A Honda Honda Jazz (intl) 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.