Engines ›
Great Wall GW4D20 engine: known problems
Used in 2 guides · 1996cc diesel · 9 known problems
Displacement
1996cc
Fuel
diesel
Known problems9
Everything our guides list for the variants with this engine: the engine itself plus the gearbox and ancillaries it's paired with. Each shows which cars it's listed for.
High
DPF blockage / failed regeneration
The diesel particulate filter blocks badly on cars doing mostly short, low-speed trips - the engine can't complete a passive/active regen and the DPF eventually clogs to the point onboard cleaning fails. Owners report repeated DPF lights and forced limp mode, some within the first few years.
Fix: Regular open-road runs at higher rpm to trigger regen; forced/static regen at a workshop; chemical or oven clean of the DPF; replacement if baked solid. Address EGR/turbo carbon at the same time.
Listed for: Great Wall Steed 1st gen
High
VGT turbo / actuator sticking and failure
The BorgWarner variable-geometry turbo's vanes and actuator carbon up, causing turbo lag, lost power, over/under-boost and check-engine limp mode. Outright turbo failures have been reported from around 120,000km, and split/blown turbo hoses are common (some failing very early).
Fix: Clean or replace the VGT cartridge and actuator, service the EGR, check and replace perished boost hoses. Keep the intake clean and drive it hard occasionally to burn off carbon.
Listed for: Great Wall Steed 1st gen
High
Head gasket failure from overheating
The GW4D20 is known for head-gasket failure when the cooling system is neglected or the engine is worked hard - a documented weak point of the engine family. Symptoms: coolant loss, overheating, white exhaust, oil/coolant mixing.
Fix: Keep the cooling system fresh (radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant). Head gasket replacement with a skim if it lets go - confirm a competent diesel mechanic can source GWM parts before committing.
Listed for: Great Wall Steed 1st gen
High
VNT turbo carbon / actuator faults
The variable-nozzle (VNT) turbo's vanes carbon up and seize, and the vacuum actuator / position sensor and hoses fail, causing power loss, the 'spanner' warning light and limp mode - worse on low-rev city driving.
Fix: Clean or replace the VNT turbo and actuator, repair vacuum lines; do periodic highway runs to burn off carbon.
Listed for: Great Wall V240 / V200 1st gen
Medium
EGR valve and intake carbon buildup
Low-speed city use loads the EGR valve and intake manifold with soot, causing rough idle, hesitation, reduced power and contributing to DPF and turbo problems.
Fix: EGR clean or replacement; intake/manifold de-coke. Block-plate where legal. Preventive cleaning at major services.
Listed for: Great Wall Steed 1st gen
Medium
Injector wear / fuel-system faults
Common-rail injectors are sensitive to fuel quality and contamination; worn or faulty injectors cause hard starting, rough running, smoke and lost power.
Fix: Diesel-specialist injector test and replacement; fit/maintain a quality fuel filter (and water separator) and avoid dirty fuel.
Listed for: Great Wall Steed 1st gen
Medium
EGR valve clogging / sticking
The Euro 4 EGR valve clogs with soot and can stick open, causing rough running, power loss and hard starting. Aftermarket EGR valves are readily available.
Fix: Remove and clean the EGR (brake cleaner) or replace if heavily clogged; EGR delete only where legal.
Listed for: Great Wall V240 / V200 1st gen
Medium
Hard starting / low fuel pressure on cranking
Inconsistent cold starting from weak lift pump, clogged fuel filter, glow-plug faults, or an injector leaking back through the overspill line dropping rail pressure.
Fix: Run-back test to find a leaking injector; replace fuel filter, check lift pump and glow plugs; injector service as needed.
Listed for: Great Wall V240 / V200 1st gen
Medium
Injector wear / power loss under load
Common-rail injectors wear, giving rough running, smoke and the spanner light under acceleration.
Fix: Diesel-specialist injector test and replacement; use quality fuel and good filtration.
Listed for: Great Wall V240 / V200 1st gen
Cars with the GW4D202
From the FlamingCars guides for these cars. Specs are shown only where the guides agree and the value is verified.