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Common Issues with the GWM Ute
The GWM Ute has become a hot seller in many markets. People love its low price tag and tough build. The truck offers modern features without breaking the bank. But after working on dozens of these vehicles in my shop, I’ve noticed some repeating problems.
Every truck owner needs to know what can go wrong. This knowledge helps you catch issues early. If you’re thinking about buying a GWM Ute, this guide will help you decide. I’ll share real problems I’ve seen and how to fix them.
From my years under the hood, I’ve diagnosed many GWM Utes with similar complaints. Let me walk you through what I find most often.
About the GWM Ute
Great Wall Motors launched this truck back in 2019. They call it different names in different countries. In Australia, you’ll see it as the Cannon. South Africa knows it as the P-series. The truck comes in three trim levels: base Cannon, Cannon-L, and top-spec Cannon-X.
When I service a car like this, I see why people buy them. They’re spacious and loaded with tech. But they also have their quirks.
Five Major Problems I See Regularly
Here are the most common issues that bring GWM Utes into my bay.
Rough Engine Operation
This tops my list. Owners complain about constant shaking through the cabin. The steering wheel vibrates. The seats feel like they’re on a massage chair, but not in a good way. Long trips become exhausting.
I had one customer last month who couldn’t drive more than an hour. The vibrations gave him a headache. This isn’t just annoying—it signals real problems under the hood.
Before you buy, take a long test drive. Pay attention to how the engine feels at idle and while cruising.
What Causes It
- Worn spark plugs firing incorrectly
- Loose vacuum lines sucking in air
- Dirty fuel injectors spraying unevenly
- Imbalanced crankshaft or flywheel
- Stretched drive belts slipping
How to Fix It
- Replace all spark plugs as a set
- Use top-grade fuel from major stations
- Check engine mounts with a pry bar
- Balance your wheels at a proper shop
- Tighten or replace any loose belts
In my shop, I start with a simple visual check. Then I use my scan tool to read misfire data. This tells me exactly which cylinder is acting up.
Touchscreen System Failures
The nine-inch screen looks modern and sleek. But it freezes more than it should. Bluetooth won’t pair with phones. Apps crash randomly. The backup camera goes black at the worst times.
Navigation is especially frustrating. You’re driving, following directions, and suddenly the screen goes dark. Apple CarPlay users have the most complaints in my experience.
What Causes It
- Old software with bugs
- Faulty touchscreen digitizer
- Poor ground connections
- Phone compatibility mismatches
How to Fix It
- Update the system at the dealer
- Perform a hard reset (hold power 10 seconds)
- Clean the USB ports with compressed air
- Use my OBD2 scanner to check for codes
- Replace the head unit if hardware fails
I keep a laptop with the latest software in my shop. Many times, a simple update solves everything.
Diesel Filter Blockages
The DPF filter traps soot from diesel exhaust. This keeps the air cleaner. But when it clogs, you’ll know. The truck loses power. Fuel economy drops fast. Black smoke pours from the tailpipe.
I’ve seen engines go into limp mode from this. Warning lights flash on the dash. Some owners panic when it happens on the highway.
What Causes It
- Cheap diesel fuel with high sulfur
- Short city trips that never heat up the engine
- Broken fuel injectors spraying wrong
- Bad oxygen sensors lying to the computer
How to Fix It
- Fill up at quality fuel stations only
- Take highway drives once a week
- Replace faulty O2 sensors I find with my scanner
- Clean the DPF with my specialized machine
- Sometimes you need a new filter completely
From years under the hood, I tell diesel owners to drive at highway speeds weekly. This burns off the soot naturally.
Transmission Troubles
Gear changes feel jerky or delayed. Some trucks slip between gears. Others make grinding sounds when shifting. The worst cases won’t move at all.
I had one truck towed in last year. It wouldn’t go into any gear. The owner was stuck in a parking lot. Transmission problems are expensive and dangerous.
What Causes It
- Low or dirty transmission fluid
- Worn clutch plates slipping
- Faulty shift solenoids sticking
- Computer programming errors
- Misaligned transmission mount
How to Fix It
- Change transmission fluid every 50,000 km
- Inspect clutch wear with a test drive
- Replace bad solenoids I identify
- Reprogram the TCM with dealer software
- Adjust or replace motor mounts
In my shop, I always check fluid color first. Brown or black fluid means big problems. I also scan for transmission codes before tearing anything apart.
Poor Fuel Economy
The company says you should get 9.4L per 100km. Many owners report 12 or even 14L per 100km. That’s a huge difference at the pump. Over a year, you’re wasting hundreds of dollars.
Some of this comes from driving style. But mechanical issues cause it too.
What Causes It
- Underinflated tires creating drag
- Bad oxygen sensors misreading
- Worn spark plugs burning fuel wrong
- Skipped maintenance services
- Heavy right foot and constant speeding
How to Fix It
- Check tire pressure with my gauge weekly
- Replace oxygen sensors showing slow response
- Install new spark plugs at recommended intervals
- Follow the maintenance schedule strictly
- Drive smoothly without sudden acceleration
When I service a car like this, I use my scan tool to check fuel trims. High numbers tell me the engine is working too hard.
Preventing These Common Issues
Every owner has a different experience. But these tips work for everyone.
Service Your Truck on Schedule
This is the biggest factor. Regular oil changes prevent most problems. I see the worst issues in trucks that skip services. Don’t wait for warning lights.
Drive More Carefully
Aggressive driving kills trucks fast. Smooth acceleration saves fuel and parts. Easy braking extends brake life. Your truck will thank you.
Buy Quality Parts
Cheap parts from discount stores fail quickly. I only install OEM or premium aftermarket parts. They cost more but last longer.
Check Fluids Weekly
Make this a Sunday habit. Pop the hood and look at oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Catching low levels early prevents damage.
Park Under Cover
Sun and rain damage paint and seals. A carport or garage protects your investment. Even a car cover helps.
What Other Owners Say
Before buying, read reviews everywhere. Check YouTube for long-term owner reports. Visit GWM forums where people share real experiences. Reddit has honest discussions about these trucks.
Watch detailed review videos from automotive journalists. They test the trucks hard and find problems quickly.
My Final Thoughts
The GWM Ute offers great value for the money. It’s not perfect though. Engine vibrations bother many owners. The touchscreen needs improvement. Diesel filters clog in city driving. Transmissions can be problematic. Fuel economy varies widely.
But knowing these issues helps you prepare. Regular maintenance prevents most problems. Quick action saves you from expensive repairs.
If you own one, follow my prevention tips. If you’re buying one, budget for maintenance. Either way, understand what you’re getting into.
Common Questions About GWM Ute Problems
What breaks most often on GWM Utes?
From my shop experience, DPF filters clog frequently. Engine vibrations annoy many drivers. Bluetooth connections fail regularly. Transmission shifts can be rough. Electrical gremlins pop up occasionally.
Should I avoid buying a GWM Ute?
Not necessarily. Many owners love their trucks. They’re affordable and capable. Just know the common issues. Budget for regular maintenance. Test drive thoroughly before buying.
How do I keep my DPF filter clean?
Use premium diesel fuel only. Drive on highways weekly for 30 minutes. This burns off soot naturally. Avoid short trips in cold weather. Get the system checked during services.