Great Wall

Steed 1st gen inspection checklist

2016-2020 · 11 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

highGearbox and clutch faults (manual only)

Look for: Owners report notchy/hard 3rd-gear selection, loss of 5th gear from a failed circlip needing the gearbox stripped, and clutch failures (some around 105,000km). The Steed was manual-only, so a dud box or clutch is a significant cost on a cheap vehicle.

If you find it: Clutch replacement; gearbox rebuild or replacement for selector/circlip faults. Test every gear thoroughly on a pre-purchase drive.

From 80k+ km · ~$1000-3000

mediumBody and chassis rust

Look for: Rust has been reported in door pillars, sills and lower body on some cars - in a few cases surprisingly early. Thin factory rust protection plus coastal use makes this a real concern on an Australian-delivered ute.

If you find it: Thorough pre-purchase rust inspection of pillars, sills, door bottoms, tailgate and chassis; treat with cavity wax preventively; favour dry-state examples.

Any · Varies

mediumElectrical gremlins (TPMS, fuse box, warning lights)

Look for: Reported issues include tyre-pressure monitoring sensors that won't load (with warranty disputes over them being called 'consumables'), spurious warning lights, immobiliser/anti-theft no-start faults with no codes, and even melted fuse boxes.

If you find it: Proper diagnostic scan; replace faulty TPMS sensors, fuse box or wiring; verify immobiliser function. Find an auto-electrician familiar with GWM before buying.

Any · ~$150-800

mediumTwo-star ANCAP / no top-tether anchors

Look for: The Steed scored just two ANCAP stars and the dual cab lacked top-tether child-seat anchor points (only ISOFIX bases), so it was rated 'not suitable for transporting young children'. A genuine safety limitation, not a wear item.

If you find it: No fix - factor it into the buying decision. Do not use it as a primary family vehicle for child seats.

Any

mediumWeak dealer support, parts and resale

Look for: GWM restructured its Australian distribution and the Steed was discontinued for the GWM Ute/Cannon, leaving thin dealer and parts support for the older Steed. Resale is poor and some parts can be slow or hard to source.

If you find it: Confirm a local mechanic will work on it and that key parts (DPF, turbo, clutch, sensors) are obtainable before buying; treat low resale as the trade-off for a cheap entry price.

Any · Varies

2.0L GW4D20 turbo-diesel

highDPF blockage / failed regeneration

Look for: 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.

If you find it: 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.

From 40k+ km · ~$800-2500

highVGT turbo / actuator sticking and failure

Look for: 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).

If you find it: 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.

From 80k+ km · ~$1500-3000

highHead gasket failure from overheating

Look for: 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.

If you find it: 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.

From 120k+ km · ~$1500-3500

mediumEGR valve and intake carbon buildup

Look for: 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.

If you find it: EGR clean or replacement; intake/manifold de-coke. Block-plate where legal. Preventive cleaning at major services.

From 60k+ km · ~$300-800

mediumInjector wear / fuel-system faults

Look for: Common-rail injectors are sensitive to fuel quality and contamination; worn or faulty injectors cause hard starting, rough running, smoke and lost power.

If you find it: Diesel-specialist injector test and replacement; fit/maintain a quality fuel filter (and water separator) and avoid dirty fuel.

From 120k+ km · ~$1500-3000

2.4L GW4G24 petrol

mediumTiming chain tensioner rattle

Look for: On the Mitsubishi-derived chain-driven engine, a worn chain/tensioner can rattle on cold start at high km, risking timing skip if ignored.

If you find it: Replace the timing chain, tensioner and guides if it rattles; keep oil and changes up to maintain tensioner pressure.

From 150k+ km · ~$600-1500

2 minor things (low severity)

lowUnderpowered and thirsty

Look for: Not a fault, but 100kW/205Nm in a body-on-frame ute is gutless loaded and uses 13-15 L/100km in the real world. Towing near the rated limit is hard work.

If you find it: Keep loads modest, use the diesel for serious towing, accept the fuel bill on the petrol.

Any · Running cost

lowCarbon / general wear at high km

Look for: Expect typical older-engine wear - rough idle, minor oil consumption and emissions-component faults as the engine ages and parts support thins out.

If you find it: Standard servicing, intake/throttle clean, and budget for harder-to-source GWM parts.

From 120k+ km · ~$300-800

From FlamingCars' Great Wall Steed guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.