Used GWM Ute: Common Problems and Which Years to Buy
What to check on a used GWM Ute/Cannon, what a problem looks like, and when to walk away.
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- NPW (Cannon) 2021 on
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Common Problems on a Used GWM Ute
The most commonly reported problems on a used GWM Ute, also sold as the Cannon, are soot build-up in the intake from the EGR system, a clunk or shunt from the driveline and transfer case, and a blocked exhaust filter (DPF) on utes used for short trips. Also check for turbo and AdBlue faults.
For the Ute you're looking at, a Shufti Tailored check works from the car itself: its listing, kms, PPSR and recalls by VIN, your photos checked, and a repair cost and offer.
Soot Build-Up in the Intake
Like most modern turbo-diesels, the GWM Ute recirculates some exhaust gas through an EGR valve to cut emissions. Over time, soot from it mixes with oil vapour and builds up in the intake, which can cost power and cause rough running.
On the drive, accelerate firmly from low speed: it should pull smoothly without hesitation, flat spots or black smoke. A check engine light or a rough idle are warning signs.
Ask whether the intake or EGR valve has been cleaned or replaced, and whether a catch can is fitted. Clogged intakes need cleaning, so price it in if the ute runs poorly.
Driveline Clunk and Transfer Case Shunt
Owners report a clunk or shunt from the driveline when changing between drive and reverse, or when the four-wheel drive engages, traced to the transfer case and tailshaft.
On the test drive, shift between drive and reverse a few times and pull away gently, and try four-wheel drive if the seller allows. Listen and feel for a heavy clunk under the car.
Ask whether it's been looked at under warranty. A light clunk may be normal play, but a heavy one needs a mechanic's check before you buy.
Blocked Exhaust Filter (DPF)
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) traps soot and burns it off on longer drives. Utes used mainly for short trips don't get hot enough to clear it, so it can block, and the ute may lose power or go into limp mode (ReDriven).
Check the dash for a DPF or engine warning light, and ask how the ute has been used. On the drive, it should pull well, with no sudden loss of power.
A blocked DPF can need a forced clean or replacement. Ask what's been done, with receipts, and price it into your offer if the warning is on.
Which GWM Ute Years to Avoid?
No single GWM Ute year stands out as one to avoid. Newer ones usually have fewer kilometres and less wear, and the newest may still have some new-car warranty left. Whatever the year, a car's condition, service history and recalls tell you more than its build date, and Shufti looks up the reported faults and recalls for the exact car from its listing.
- NPW (Cannon) (2021 on). Up to 5 years old, typically up to about 60,000 km. ANCAP ratings: 5 stars (2021) for dual-cab utes built from August 2021 to January 2025, except the cab-chassis and Cannon-XSR; 5 stars (2021), expiring December 2027, for utes built from November 2024, except the XSR. Stability control and AEB are standard. The current model. Check how much of the new-car warranty is left and that servicing has kept it valid.
Kilometres are at the Australian average of about 12,600 km a year. Well above that means harder use; well below, ask why.
For the Ute you're looking at, a Shufti Tailored check works from the car itself: its listing, kms, PPSR and recalls by VIN, your photos checked, and a repair cost and offer.
GWM Ute General Inspection Guide
A guide to checking for GWM Ute problems, built on the used car buying checklist for any car. It can't cover every problem reported across its years in one viewing.
- NPW (Cannon) 2021 on
Tick it if it's fine. Cross it if it isn't, and note what you found so you can price it into your offer.
- Safety critical
- Affects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy.
- Negotiate
- Costs money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Get a quote and take it off the price.
01
Exterior
4 checks, 2 safety critical
01
Exterior
4 checks, 2 safety critical
02
Under the Bonnet
4 checks
02
Under the Bonnet
4 checks
03
Underbody and Wheels
4 checks, 2 safety critical
03
Underbody and Wheels
4 checks, 2 safety critical
04
Interior and Electrics
4 checks, 1 safety critical
04
Interior and Electrics
4 checks, 1 safety critical
05
Test Drive
6 checks, 2 safety critical
05
Test Drive
6 checks, 2 safety critical
06
Documentation
2 checks
06
Documentation
2 checks
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Stay Safe
Never go under a car held up only by a jack, and never open the radiator or coolant cap on a hot engine. Keep hands, hair and loose clothing clear of fans and belts when the engine is running, and do checks under the bonnet with it switched off where you can. On the test drive, hold a current licence, confirm the car is registered and insured, obey road rules, and only brake hard when the road behind is clear. Meet in a safe, public-facing place, take someone with you, and don't carry large amounts of cash to a viewing.
Disclaimer. Shufti is not affiliated with or endorsed by GWM; GWM and Cannon are trademarks of Great Wall Motor Company Limited. Figures are counts from Shufti's analysis of official records and published reports, not a statement that any particular vehicle is affected. This checklist is general information only and is not professional, mechanical, legal or financial advice. It covers common checks, not every possible fault, and a car can pass every item here and still have problems. It is not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, which is worth considering before you buy, especially if anything tagged Safety critical turns up. Repair costs vary widely; get your own quotes. Roadworthy, registration and transfer rules differ by state, so check with your state road authority. Private sales generally don't come with the consumer guarantees that apply when you buy from a dealer. You use this checklist at your own risk and, to the extent permitted by law, Shufti accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from its use.
What the General inspection guide can't tell you about the Ute you're looking at
3+
recalls on GWM Utes built since 2021
6
common faults reported on GWM Utes built since 2021
What's each fault worth?
Shufti's negotiation coach turns it into leverage.
Money owing, stolen or a write-off?
A tidy car can hide all three.
A Tailored check in the Shufti app covers all of that, plus:
- Guided checks for the exact car you're inspecting
- Crosschecks 3M+ recalls and owner complaints
- Spots issues from your photos and audio
- Test drive routes with turn-by-turn navigation
- Negotiation coach with repair cost estimates
- PPSR and government recall checks included
Get a Shufti Tailored check on your mobile.
Don't drive home in a lemon.
Not sure yet? Start free with the GWM Ute General inspection guide, and upgrade to a Tailored check for the car you're serious about.
Start from the listing
Drop in a link from any major car sales website. Shufti retrieves the important information about your vehicle to guide you through a customised buying process.
Start from the listing
Drop in a link from any major car sales website. Shufti retrieves the important information about your vehicle to guide you through a customised buying process.
* Shufti analysis, November 2026, of official recall notices, complaints lodged by vehicle owners with vehicle safety regulators, and independent reviews and owner forums. Faults are counted when two or more independent sources report them. See the recall notices for the GWM Ute on the government's Vehicle Recalls site, and how we check our facts.
Buying a Used GWM Ute: Questions Answered
Is a used GWM Ute reliable?
It depends more on the particular car than the badge: how it was driven, loaded and serviced. Work through the commonly reported problems above, read the service history for servicing done on time, and run a PPSR check.
Which GWM Ute years should I avoid?
No single GWM Ute year stands out as one to avoid. Newer ones usually have fewer kilometres and less wear, and the newest may still have some new-car warranty left. Whatever the year, a car's condition, service history and recalls tell you more than its build date, and Shufti looks up the reported faults and recalls for the exact car from its listing.
This checklist covers the NPW (Cannon) (2021 on) GWM Ute. Problems reported across them include soot build-up in the intake, driveline clunks and DPF blockages.
How many kilometres is too many for a used GWM Ute?
Kilometres matter less than how a ute has worked. One with high highway kilometres and a full service history can be a better buy than a low-kilometre one that's towed heavy loads, worked on a mine site or been off-road. Check the service history for regular oil changes, ask how it was used, and find out whether any timing belt replacement is due, as it's a costly job.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a used GWM Ute?
It's most worth it on a car where a hidden fault could be costly. Utes that have towed, carried heavy loads or been off-road can hide expensive wear underneath, so look under the car, and check the towbar, suspension and tyre wear closely. Either way, start by checking the car yourself with this checklist, so you know what to look for and whether it's worth paying a mechanic to see. See Pre-purchase car inspection: what it checks and costs
How do I check a used GWM Ute for money owing or a write-off?
Run a PPSR check with the car's VIN on ppsr.gov.au. It shows whether there's finance owing and whether the car has been reported stolen or written off. Run it on the day you pay. See What a PPSR check covers and what it doesn't
How do I check recalls on a used GWM Ute?
Search the government's Vehicle Recalls site for the GWM Ute. Each notice says which models and build dates it covers and what the fault is. A recall on record doesn't tell you whether the work was done on a particular car, so ask the seller for proof, or ask a GWM dealer to check the VIN.
Mechanic, Checklist or Shufti?
Here's how Shufti stacks up against your other options.
A mechanic's inspection is the most thorough, but most buyers go without one. Shufti makes sure you're well informed either way.
| Feature | Shufti $24.99 per check | Mechanic Inspection $250–350+ per booking | General Inspection Guide Free in the app or on paper |
|---|---|---|---|
Guided, model-specific checks | Yes | Yes | No |
Crosschecks over 3 million recalls and owner complaints | Yes | No | No |
Smart detection of issues from your photos and audio | Yes | No | No |
Test drive route planning and navigation | Yes | No | No |
Instant report generation | Yes | No | No |
Negotiation copilot and repair cost estimates | Yes | No | No |
PPSR and government recall checks included | Yes | No | No |
Plain-English explanations, not jargon | Yes | Yes | Yes |
No booking or waiting required | Yes | No | Yes |
Not ready yet? Start with the free General inspection guide for your car's model.
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Comparing Other Cars?
Looking at a different car? Use the used car buying checklist for any car or browse problems and checklists by model.