Thinking about buying a used Honda Zest (2006–2012) in New Zealand? We've documented 7 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, electrical, 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.
7
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$1,400
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Honda Zest faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01P07A Turbo Oil Feed Line Clogging and Turbocharger Failure
CriticalCommonEngine $1,200–$3,200 to fix
The P07A 0.66-litre turbocharged engine uses a narrow oil feed banjo bolt orifice to the turbocharger centre bearing. Sludge accumulation from extended oil change intervals or short-trip operation partially or fully blocks this orifice, starving the turbo of lubrication and causing catastrophic bearing and compressor wheel failure. The failure mode is progressive: early-stage restriction produces bearing noise at startup; full blockage destroys the turbo within minutes of cold start.
Symptoms to notice
High-pitched whining or grinding noise from the turbocharger at startup or under load
Blue-grey oil smoke from the exhaust, particularly on cold start or following a trailing-throttle overrun
Loss of boost pressure and noticeable power reduction above 3,000 rpm
Oil contamination visible inside the intake pipe between intercooler and throttle body
What to check
Check for blue-grey exhaust smoke at idle and under boost. Check oil for metallic contamination. Inspect the intercooler outlet and inlet hoses for oil pooling, which indicates shaft seal failure already in progress. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the turbo oil feed banjo bolt and inspect the orifice for sludge.
Where to look: Turbocharger mounted on the exhaust manifold, rear of the P07A engine block; oil feed banjo bolt at the top of the turbo centre housing
Ask the seller
“Has the turbo oil feed line or banjo bolt ever been cleaned or replaced?”
“What was the oil change interval followed on this car?”
“Has the car ever produced blue smoke or lost boost pressure?”
“Has the turbocharger been replaced or rebuilt at any point?”
02Power Sliding Door Cable Fraying and Drive Motor Failure (Zest Spark)
MinorOccasionalElectrical $400–$1,400 to fix
The Zest Spark variant is equipped with a power sliding door system using a single Bowden-style cable driven by a small electric motor mounted in the door track channel. The cable sheath cracks and the inner wire frays at the radius bends in the door channel over time, particularly in the upper guide rail section. Fraying causes the door to hesitate, reverse unexpectedly, or stop mid-travel; in advanced cases the cable snaps and the door becomes manually operable only. The drive motor itself is also prone to brush wear and armature failure, producing a grinding noise during door operation.
Symptoms to notice
Power sliding door hesitates, stops mid-stroke, or unexpectedly reverses during normal open or close operation
Grinding or straining noise from the lower sill area when the door operates
Door operates normally when pushed or pulled manually but fails to complete travel under motor power alone
Door warning lamp on the instrument panel illuminating or flashing during attempted power operation
What to check
Operate the power sliding door through its full open and close cycle and listen for hesitation, grinding, or motor strain. Inspect the cable run along the lower door sill track for fraying wire visible through the sheath. Check that the door reverses smoothly when an obstacle is detected. Inspect the motor housing at the rear of the door track channel for cracks or evidence of heat from a strained motor.
Where to look: Left-side rear sliding door track channel; drive cable runs along the lower sill and up through the B-pillar area to the motor housing mounted at the rear of the door track
Ask the seller
“Does the power sliding door open and close smoothly through its full stroke every time?”
“Has the sliding door cable or drive motor ever been replaced or serviced?”
“Has the door ever stopped mid-travel or reversed unexpectedly?”
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
EngineMinor
5 more documented faults on the Honda Zest
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 7 documented faults for the Honda Zest, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and electrical. A Honda Zest 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 Zest?
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We've catalogued 7 known faults for the Honda Zest, covering engine, 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 Zest?
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Most single repairs on the Honda Zest fall between $400–$1,400 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 7 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 Zest?
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Yes. A Honda Zest 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.