Great Wall

V240 / V200 1st gen inspection checklist

2009-2016 · 13 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

highAsbestos gaskets/exhaust (2009-2012 recall)

Look for: Early Great Wall V-series (and X-series) vehicles imported 2009-2012 were found to contain asbestos in engine and exhaust gaskets, triggering an ACCC recall and an import ban. A genuine safety/health issue if servicing components are disturbed.

If you find it: Confirm the asbestos rectification was completed; use only verified asbestos-free replacement gaskets; have a specialist handle exhaust/engine gasket work.

Any (early build) · Varies (rectification)

highParts availability and dealer/warranty support

Look for: Owners report long downtime sourcing parts and dealers refusing or being unable to honour warranty/electrical repairs. The dealer network shrank as sales collapsed.

If you find it: Use independent mechanics familiar with Great Wall; build relationships with aftermarket/wrecker parts suppliers; verify parts before buying.

Any · Varies (downtime)

mediumElectrical gremlins and trim quality

Look for: Built-to-a-price electrics and interior trim - switches, sensors, central locking, warning lights and cabin trim can play up or wear prematurely.

If you find it: Diagnose individual faults; many are connector/sensor/earth issues. Budget for trim and switch replacements.

Any · ~$100-800

mediumClutch wear (manual only)

Look for: Manual-only across the range; clutches wear with load/tow use and the gutless petrol gets worked hard. Loose/notchy gearshift also reported (worn bushings/selector).

If you find it: Clutch kit replacement (uprated kits available); adjust or refresh shifter bushings/selector.

From 80k+ km · ~$700-1500

mediumCorrosion and underbody rust

Look for: Modest factory rustproofing means coastal and hard-worked examples can show tray, underbody and chassis corrosion.

If you find it: Inspect underbody and tray pre-purchase; wash down after beach/coastal use; treat early surface rust.

Any · Varies

2.4L V240 petrol (4G69)

highOverheating / head gasket and cooling faults

Look for: Thermostat failures, electric fan faults and head-gasket leaks are reported; overheating can then damage rings and internals.

If you find it: Replace thermostat/fan as needed; pressure-test cooling and check for combustion gases in coolant; head gasket if confirmed.

From 80k+ km · ~$800-2500

mediumCold-start reluctance / hard starting

Look for: A very common complaint - reluctant to start first thing in the morning then fine once warm. Often traced to ignition components, fuel delivery, or in worse cases worn valve guides/rings giving low compression.

If you find it: Check coils, leads, plugs and fuel pressure first; compression test if persistent. Worn internals point to a tired engine.

Any (worse with age) · ~$200-1500

mediumCylinder misfire (P0300)

Look for: P0300 random/multiple-cylinder misfire is frequently logged - typically faulty coils, HT leads, spark plugs, or fuel-system issues; occasionally the ECU.

If you find it: Replace ignition components (coils/leads/plugs) and inspect injectors/fuel system; verify with diagnostics.

From 60k+ km · ~$150-800

mediumOil burning / blue smoke (engine wear)

Look for: Blue smoke and oil consumption indicate worn rings/valve guides on higher-km or overheated examples.

If you find it: Compression/leak-down test; top-end or rebuild depending on extent - often uneconomic on a cheap vehicle.

From 120k+ km · ~$500-4000

2.0L V200 TDi diesel (GW4D20)

highVNT turbo carbon / actuator faults

Look for: 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.

If you find it: Clean or replace the VNT turbo and actuator, repair vacuum lines; do periodic highway runs to burn off carbon.

From 80k+ km · ~$1200-3000

mediumEGR valve clogging / sticking

Look for: 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.

If you find it: Remove and clean the EGR (brake cleaner) or replace if heavily clogged; EGR delete only where legal.

From 60k+ km · ~$150-600

mediumHard starting / low fuel pressure on cranking

Look for: 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.

If you find it: Run-back test to find a leaking injector; replace fuel filter, check lift pump and glow plugs; injector service as needed.

Any · ~$200-2000

mediumInjector wear / power loss under load

Look for: Common-rail injectors wear, giving rough running, smoke and the spanner light under acceleration.

If you find it: Diesel-specialist injector test and replacement; use quality fuel and good filtration.

From 120k+ km · ~$1500-3000

From FlamingCars' Great Wall V240 / V200 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.