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Honda · Supermini · 2008–2015

Honda Jazz GE

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.7 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

95–102 PS

1.3L i-VTEC Benzin

Rev-happy with little torque

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

90 PS

1.2L i-VTEC Benzin

3 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

88–99 PS

1.3L IMA Hybrid Benzin

3 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Honda Jazz GE is available with 3 engine variants — from 88 to 102 hp.

1.2L i-VTEC · Benziner· 90 PS
2008 2015
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
1.3L i-VTEC · Benziner· 99–102 PS
2008 2015
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
1.3L IMA Hybrid · Benziner Hybrid· 88 PS
2011 2014
Stay Away! 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Honda 1.2L i-VTEC (Benziner, 90 PS) has the L12B (1.2L i-VTEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Honda 1.3L i-VTEC (Benziner, 99–102 PS) has the L13Z (1.3L i-VTEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Honda 1.3L IMA Hybrid (Benziner Hybrid, 88 PS) has the LDA (1.3L IMA Hybrid) — rated: "Stay Away!", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!A/C relay and compressor defective

The air conditioning is a Honda-typical weak point: the relay (Omron brand) fails prematurely; alternatively the magnetic clutch or compressor fails. Mitsuba brand replacement relay recommended.

Symptoms: Air conditioning no longer cools or won't engage; compressor does not start, only warm air despite A/C button being active.
from 90,000 km
Ad AC relay Jazz GE Omron MitsubaAC compressor Jazz GE
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
1,358 complaints · 2008–2015
Airbags
456 ⚠ 58
Electrical
211 ⚠ 4
Powertrain
145 ⚠ 6
Steering
114 ⚠ 10
Engine
112 ⚠ 4

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (456 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (211 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (145 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 16 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Jazz GE (2008–2015) — 9 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: LDA (1.3L IMA Hybrid). Typical issues affect HVAC, Brakes, Rust, Other. Considered reliable: L13Z (1.3L i-VTEC), L12B (1.2L i-VTEC).

Jazz (LDA, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: IMA high-voltage battery degradation — total failure possible, DC-DC converter failure — 12V battery no longer charges, IMA fault code prevents MOT/vehicle inspection pass. Power: 88 PS.

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 GE have? +
The Honda Jazz GE has 9 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda Jazz GE? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: L13Z (1.3L i-VTEC), L12B (1.2L i-VTEC). The most reliable engine is the L12B (1.2L i-VTEC) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the L13Z (1.3L i-VTEC). Problem engine: LDA (1.3L IMA Hybrid) — stay away!
Which Honda Jazz GE engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Honda Jazz GE. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Honda Jazz GE engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda Jazz GE — rated: "Decent". {description} 100 hp i-VTEC in the Jazz GE: nice character in the upper rev range with precise shifting. Sluggish low down, strained on the motorway. Honest and solid for a small car.
Is the Honda Jazz GE worth buying used? +
The Honda Jazz GE is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Jazz GE? +
The Honda Jazz GE is available with engine variants from 88 to 102 hp. Petrol: L13Z (1.3L i-VTEC), L12B (1.2L i-VTEC), LDA (1.3L IMA Hybrid).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee