Thinking about buying a used Honda Step WGN (2001–2015) in New Zealand? We've documented 13 known faults for this model spanning suspension, transmission, electrical, and brakes. 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
$380–$950
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Honda Step WGN faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear
CriticalCommonSuspension $400–$900 to fix
The RP3 and RP4 Step WGN front suspension uses a MacPherson strut layout with a pressed-in lower ball joint on the aluminium lower control arm. The ball joint dust boot deteriorates from road spray and heat cycling, allowing moisture and grit ingress that accelerates wear of the joint socket; once play develops, the joint can separate under cornering loads, which is a critical safety failure. High parts-availability from both OEM Honda (part 51360-SWA-A01 and related supersessions) and aftermarket suppliers specifically for the RP1-RP5 generation confirms workshop recognition of this as a recurring wear item.
Symptoms to notice
Clunking or knocking noise from the front suspension when driving over speed bumps or dips at low speed
Vague or imprecise steering feel with mild wandering on straight roads
Front tyre wearing unevenly on the inner edge
Visible grease contamination around the ball joint dust boot
What to check
Inspect the dust boot for cracking or oil contamination. Have a second person apply the brake while you check for movement at the ball joint to isolate it from wheel bearing play. Check for inner boot tears with a torch. If a workshop inspection is possible: Raise the front of the vehicle on stands and grasp the bottom of the tyre at 6 o'clock position to check for vertical play.
Where to look: Front lower control arm, ball joint at knuckle attachment, both sides
Ask the seller
“Have the front lower control arm ball joints been replaced, and if so at what mileage?”
“Has the vehicle had a wheel alignment performed in the last 20,000 km?”
“Is there any clunking from the front suspension over rough surfaces?”
02Electric Power Steering Rack Internal Rattle and Clunk
MinorCommonSuspension $1,200–$2,800 to fix
The RP3 and RP4 Step WGN uses a column-assist electric power steering (EPS) system where the rack-and-pinion gear develops internal play between the rack teeth and pinion over time, producing a rattle or clunk transmitted through the steering column on rough roads or at low speeds. The yoke preload spring that maintains rack-to-housing tension can weaken or the poppet seating wears, allowing the rack to knock against its housing under abrupt lateral inputs. This is a documented pattern across Honda EPS-equipped vehicles of this era and is confirmed by workshop TSB references for rattling EPS racks requiring rack assembly replacement.
Symptoms to notice
Rattling or knocking noise from the steering column or rack area when driving over rough or uneven surfaces
Clunk felt through the steering wheel when changing direction sharply at parking speeds
EPS warning light illuminating intermittently, particularly in cold weather
What to check
Drive slowly over a rough surface or corrugated road and listen for a clunk or rattle from the centre of the dashboard or steering column. With the vehicle stationary and engine running, rock the steering wheel quickly left and right with a small input and check for any knock from the rack area. Inspect the rack gaiter boots for splits that may allow moisture in. Have a passenger listen from outside while you perform the steering shake test.
Where to look: Steering rack mounted transversely behind engine crossmember, steering column EPS motor assembly
Ask the seller
“Has the EPS warning light ever illuminated?”
“Is there any knocking or rattling felt through the steering wheel on rough roads?”
“Has the steering rack or EPS unit ever been replaced or serviced?”
“Does the steering feel heavier or lighter than expected at low speeds?”
SuspensionCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMinor
11 more documented faults on the Honda Step WGN
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 Step WGN, the recurring problem areas are suspension, transmission, and electrical. A Honda Step WGN 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 Step WGN?
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We've catalogued 13 known faults for the Honda Step WGN, covering suspension, transmission, 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 Step WGN?
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Most single repairs on the Honda Step WGN fall between $380–$950 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 Step WGN?
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Yes. A Honda Step WGN 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.