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Honda · Supermini · 2002–2008 Custom Search

Honda Jazz GD

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Honda Jazz GD is available with 2 engine variants — from 77 to 99 hp.

1.2L i-DSI · Petrol· 77 PS
2002 2008

The 1.2L i-DSI in the Jazz GD (2002–2008) is fundamentally long-lived, but typically suffers from EGR valve carbon build-up and, in CVT variants, gearbox oil problems from the factory fill. Electrical weaknesses (ABS, ignition coils) are also known.

  • !! CVT gearbox with incorrect factory fill from 60,000 km

    Some Jazz GD CVT automatics were filled with the wrong transmission fluid at the factory, causing slip and judder on acceleration. In severe cases, gearbox damage occurred. Honda covered repairs under goodwill on affected vehicles.

    Symptoms: Slip and judder on pull-away, delayed power transfer in automatic mode
    300–2,500 $
    Ad Honda CVT fluidJazz GD CVT oilHonda HCF-2
  • !! EGR valve carbon build-up and stuck open from 80,000 km

    The EGR valve on the i-DSI engine carbons up over time and can stick open. This allows too much exhaust gas into the intake tract, causing hesitation and stalling at idle. Spark plugs wear faster as a result.

    Symptoms: Hesitation and stalling at idle, increased fuel consumption, black soot at the exhaust
    150–500 $
    Ad Honda Jazz EGR valveEGR valve Jazz GD18011-PWA
  • !! ABS control module failure (model years 2002–2003) from 120,000 km

    Early Jazz GD models from 2002–2003 have a high rate of ABS control module failures. A full replacement is required as repair is uneconomical. Mainly affects older high-mileage examples.

    Symptoms: ABS warning light on permanently, ABS function unavailable, fault codes in control module
    800–1,400 $
    Ad Jazz ABS moduleHonda ABS control unit GD57110-SAA

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.3L i-VTEC · Petrol· 83 PS
2002 2008

1.3L i-DSI with 2 spark plugs per cylinder (8 in total), which raises servicing costs. EGR valve carbon build-up is the most common problem. CVT gearbox with wrong factory oil is a frequent cause of shudder on shifts.

  • !! EGR valve carbon build-up from 80,000 km

    The EGR valve can stick open due to carbon deposits, causing excessive exhaust gas recirculation, hesitation, and stalling at idle. Regular cleaning is recommended.

    Symptoms: Hesitation or stalling at idle, increased fuel consumption, rough idle
    150–400 $
    Ad EGR valve Honda Jazz 1.3EGR valve L13A
  • !! CVT gearbox judder (incorrect factory fluid) from 50,000 km

    Honda filled the CVT from the factory with ATF-Z1, which has since been superseded by ATF-DW1. The wrong fluid causes judder on pull-away. Regular fluid changes with DW-1 fix the problem.

    Symptoms: Judder or vibration when pulling away from a standstill, jerky CVT power delivery
    100–300 $
    Ad CVT oil Honda Jazz ATF DW-1Honda Jazz gearbox oil change
  • i Higher spark plug maintenance cost (8 plugs) from 30,000 km

    The i-DSI system uses 2 spark plugs per cylinder (8 total). Maintenance costs at spark plug replacement intervals are twice as high as on a standard 4-cylinder engine.

    Symptoms: Rough running, misfires, noticeable judder during the warm-up phase
    80–200 $
    Ad spark plugs Honda Jazz 1.3 i-DSIspark plug L13A

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Rust on lower door edges and tailgate

Rust forms on the lower door edges and tailgate of older examples. The door seals become porous and allow water ingress, accelerating rust.

Symptoms: Visible bubbles or discolouration in the paint on the lower door edges and tailgate; through-rust beginning in the fold area visible with doors open.
from 100,000 km
Ad door seal Jazz GDtailgate rust Jazz
 Medium

Test Reports

tuev

AUTO BILD TÜV Report 2025

Average

The second-generation Jazz shows its main weakness at MOT in the lighting — rear lights fail more frequently than average. From the fifth MOT onward, steering joints are increasingly flagged. Older examples develop progressive rust on the underside. The CVT gearbox on some early variants is prone to noise when incorrectly filled.

2024-11
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
585 complaints · 2002–2008
  1. 01 Airbags
    123 ⚠ 29
  2. 02 Body Structure
    105 ⚠ 3
  3. 03 Steering
    98 ⚠ 2
  4. 04 Lighting
    82 ⚠ 1
  5. 05 Electrical
    50 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (123 complaints)
⚠ Body Structure (105 complaints)
⚠ Steering (98 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 12 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Jazz GD (2002–2008) — 7 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Brakes, HVAC. Considered reliable: L12A (1.2L i-DSI), L13A (1.3L i-VTEC).

What to watch out for with the Honda Jazz? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Honda Jazz GD have? +
The Honda Jazz GD has 7 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda Jazz GD? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: L12A (1.2L i-DSI), L13A (1.3L i-VTEC). The most reliable engine is the L12A (1.2L i-DSI) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the L13A (1.3L i-VTEC).
Which Honda Jazz GD engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Honda Jazz GD. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Honda Jazz GD engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda Jazz GD — rated: "Decent". {description} 1.3 i-DSI in the Jazz: complex but refined. Agile and nimble in town; hills and overtaking make it pant. Adequate for small-car city life, nothing more.
Is the Honda Jazz GD worth buying used? +
The Honda Jazz GD is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Jazz GD? +
The Honda Jazz GD is available with engine variants from 77 to 99 hp. Petrol: L12A (1.2L i-DSI), L13A (1.3L i-VTEC).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee