GWM

Cannon Alpha 1st gen inspection checklist

2023-2026 · 9 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

mediumSoft rear leaf suspension / sag under load

Look for: The standard rear leaf suspension is criticised as too soft, sagging under tray load or heavy tow-ball weight and giving a wallowy, disconnected ride - a common complaint across the GWM Cannon family.

If you find it: Upgraded rear leaf pack or airbag helpers (Dobinsons, Lovells and similar offer Cannon Alpha kits); load within real limits.

Any (when loaded) · ~$800-2500

mediumUnproven long-term reliability / short market history

Look for: Launched in Australia only in 2024, so there is no high-km long-term data yet. Build quality is much improved over older Chinese utes but durability of the diesel DPF/EGR and especially the hybrid/PHEV hardware over 200,000km+ is still unknown.

If you find it: Lean on the 7-year/unlimited-km warranty; keep all servicing at GWM and retain records; thorough PPI.

High km (unknown) · Varies

mediumResale value and dealer/parts network risk

Look for: As a newer brand, resale is softer and less predictable than a HiLux/Ranger, and the dealer and parts network - while growing fast - is thinner in regional areas, which matters for a touring 4WD.

If you find it: Buy at a price that accounts for steeper depreciation; check local dealer/service coverage before purchase, especially for the electrified models.

Any · Depreciation

mediumHeavy kerb weight limiting payload

Look for: The Cannon Alpha is a heavy ute, and the hybrid/PHEV versions especially carry extra battery mass, so usable payload after fitting a canopy, bar work and passengers can be tighter than the headline figures suggest.

If you find it: Weigh the actual build; respect GVM/GCM; consider a legal GVM upgrade if heavily accessorised.

Any

2 of 3 engines

highHigh-voltage wiring harness shielding recall (2025)

Look for: The shielding ring in the high-voltage harness may not be properly grounded, reducing EMC shielding and causing abnormal communication with engine/transmission control - warning lights, reduced torque and impaired hybrid cooling. ~1,445 vehicles affected.

If you find it: Free dealer rectification under the recall. Verify the work has been done before purchase via VIN.

Any (2025 build) · ~$0 (recall)

highElectric power steering harness chafe recall

Look for: An EPS wiring harness can contact the driveshaft and be damaged, potentially causing loss of power steering and engine shutdown.

If you find it: Free dealer rectification under recall. Confirm completed against VIN.

Any · ~$0 (recall)

2.4L GW4D24 turbo diesel

mediumDPF regeneration failure (urban use)

Look for: Like other GWM Cannon diesels, short urban trips prevent the diesel particulate filter completing regeneration, leading to a blocked DPF, warning lights, limp mode and excess fuel dilution of the oil.

If you find it: Regular highway runs to allow passive/active regen; forced regen at dealer; software updates GWM issued in 2024 improved EGR/engine management. Severe cases need DPF clean or replacement.

From 20k+ km · ~$500-1500

mediumEGR and intake carbon / engine management quirks

Look for: Early diesels showed EGR-related rough running and hesitation; GWM released engine-management software updates in 2024 specifically for the Cannon Alpha.

If you find it: Ensure all dealer software updates and TSBs are applied; EGR/intake clean if carboned.

From 30k+ km · ~$300-900

2.0T GW4N20 petrol hybrid (HEV)

mediumOrphaned powertrain (discontinued)

Look for: The self-charging HEV was dropped from the range in July 2025 in favour of the PHEV, so it is a low-volume one-year-only driveline - a risk for long-term parts support and resale.

If you find it: Buy with strong warranty backing and service records; budget conservatively for resale.

Any · Varies

3 minor things (low severity)

lowInfotainment and electronic gremlins

Look for: Owners report clock resets, laggy or glitchy infotainment, over-eager driver-assist chimes and occasional TPMS faults - typical teething issues of a new platform.

If you find it: Software/firmware updates at dealer; many issues addressed by over-the-air or workshop updates.

Any · ~$0-400

lowLack of usable power / payload vs claims

Look for: Owners report the diesel feels short on grunt when fully loaded or towing near the 3500kg limit, and the heavy kerb weight limits real payload.

If you find it: Drive within real limits; aftermarket tuning gains are modest and may affect warranty.

Any

lowBattery weight / depleted-charge economy

Look for: Not a fault, but the 37.1kWh battery adds significant mass, cutting payload, and once depleted on the highway the heavy ute burns 10-11 L/100km hauling itself plus a dead battery.

If you find it: Charge regularly to exploit EV range; manage expectations for long unplugged highway/touring trips.

Any · Running cost

From FlamingCars' GWM Cannon Alpha 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.