Thinking about buying a used Honda Mobilio (2001–2008) in New Zealand? We've documented 13 known faults for this model spanning transmission, body & rust, electrical, and engine. 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.
13
Documented faults
Major
Most serious
$300–$1,050
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Honda Mobilio faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01CVT fluid degradation and failure
MajorOccasionalTransmission $300–$3,500 to fix
The Mobilio's CVT is sensitive to fluid neglect, and degraded fluid causes shudder, slipping and eventual failure. Many imports have unknown CVT service history, making this a key check on these cars.
Symptoms to notice
Shudder or slip
Hesitation from a stop
Droning or whining
Burnt-smelling CVT fluid
What to check
Test drive for shudder and slip, check CVT fluid condition and colour, and ask for fluid service history.
Where to look: CVT transmission
Ask the seller
“Has the CVT fluid ever been changed?”
“Any shudder or slipping?”
“Any transmission warnings?”
02L15A timing chain wear
MinorOccasionalEngine $500–$1,500 to fix
The Mobilio's 1.5 L15A uses a timing chain that can rattle at start-up with age and long oil intervals, and neglected tensioner/guides eventually risk timing. Common on higher-km import examples.
Symptoms to notice
Rattle on cold start
Chain noise at idle
CEL for cam timing
Loss of power
What to check
Listen for chain rattle at cold start, check oil service history, and scan for cam/crank correlation codes.
Where to look: Front timing chain cover
Ask the seller
“Any rattle on cold start?”
“How often has the oil been changed?”
“Any timing chain work?”
TransmissionMajor
Body & RustMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
ElectricalMinor
ElectricalMinor
SuspensionMinor
EngineMinor
11 more documented faults on the Honda Mobilio
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 Mobilio, the recurring problem areas are transmission, body & rust, and electrical. A Honda Mobilio 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 Mobilio?
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We've catalogued 13 known faults for the Honda Mobilio, covering transmission, body & rust, 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 Mobilio?
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Most single repairs on the Honda Mobilio fall between $300–$1,050 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 Mobilio?
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Yes. A Honda Mobilio 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.