GWM Cannon Common Problems

The GWM Cannon is the Chinese-built dual-cab ute that replaced the Great Wall Steed, launched here in late 2020 as the GWM Ute in Cannon, Cannon-L and Cannon-X grades. Until 2024 it used a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (GW4D20M, 120 kW and 400 Nm) with a ZF 8-speed automatic, and 4x4 models have a locking rear diff. The 2025 update dropped the Ute name and brought the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel from the Cannon Alpha (135 kW and 480 Nm) with GWM's own 9-speed automatic, a 12.3-inch screen and Lux, Ultra, Vanta and XSR grades. The bigger Cannon Alpha is a separate model. So far owners and reviewers mostly criticise drivability, driver assistance and the screen rather than major mechanical failures, but long-term data is limited.

Throttle lag and low-speed surging (2.0L diesel 2020 to 2024, 2.4L 9-speed 2025 to 2026)

Reviewers of the 2.0-litre found a hint of lag off the mark followed by a surge, with throttle response that is not linear unless you are gentle. An off-road test noted the same throttle sensitivity when crawling. The updated 2.4-litre with the new 9-speed automatic drew a fresh complaint of awkward low-speed surging in first gear. Much of this is calibration rather than a fault. On a test drive, creep through a car park, reverse up a slope and pull away gently from a stop. Ask a dealer whether engine and gearbox software is current.

Overbearing lane keep and driver assistance alerts (all models, 2020 to 2026)

Lane keeping on the Cannon is often described as heavy-handed. The 2025 review found the steering being jerked around whenever the ute drifted from the lane centre, and the emergency lane keeping can only be switched off through the touchscreen, after leaving phone mirroring. Adaptive cruise can brake firmly for cars ahead. GWM said in 2024 that it was working on updated driver assistance tunes for its range. Ask which software version the ute runs, and treat a warning light that stays on, or a camera or radar fault message after a bullbar, windscreen or front-end repair, as a fault to fix before you buy.

Fuel leak risk from the fuel filter seal (2.0L diesel, 2023 builds)

Cannons built in 2023 were recalled in 2024 because the wrong lubricant was used on the diesel fuel filter's sealing O-ring during assembly. Over time the seal can degrade and let fuel leak from the filter housing, creating a fire risk if it reaches a hot surface. The fix is a free O-ring replacement at a GWM dealer. On any 2023 ute, look for proof the recall was done, check around the fuel filter for diesel weeping or a fuel smell, and treat a ute with a diesel smell in the engine bay as suspect until a dealer has checked it.

Fiddly screen and infotainment quirks (all models, 2020 to 2026)

Early utes have a 9-inch touchscreen with no factory satellite navigation, which matters in remote areas without mobile reception, plus strong glare in sunlight, clunky steering wheel controls and some untranslated Chinese text in early software. The 2025 update brought a crisp 12.3-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but moved climate controls onto it, and reviewers called it fiddly to live with. Most of this is design rather than a fault, but test the reversing camera, phone mirroring and climate controls, and check for screens that freeze or reboot.

Recalls and safety

Besides the 2023 fuel filter seal recall, utes built before August 2021 needed a free dealer fix to the front head restraints and steering column parts to match the five-star ANCAP rating given in 2021. Ask for proof this was done on an early ute. At the time of the 2025 review, that rating had not yet been carried over to the updated 2.4-litre model. Have a GWM dealer check the VIN for open recalls and campaigns, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used GWM Cannon? What to check

• Service history: Ask for the logbook and invoices, because GWM's warranty depends on on-time servicing.
• Recall and campaign work: Confirm the 2023 fuel filter seal recall and, on pre-August 2021 utes, the head restraint and steering column fix.
• Low-speed drive: Creep through a car park and reverse up a slope, and note any surging, lag or jerky shifts.
• Driver assistance: Drive on a highway with lane keep on, and check that no camera, radar or lane keep warnings stay lit.
• Brakes: Check for brake or ABS warning lights, grinding noises and a ute that drags or pulls under braking.
• Short-trip use: Ask how the ute was used, because a diesel driven only on short city trips can block its particulate filter.
• Towing and load: Check the towbar, rear springs and tub for signs of heavy towing or overloading.
• Screen and camera: Test the touchscreen, phone mirroring, reversing camera and climate controls.

Run a PPSR check for finance owing or a write-off, and use our GWM Cannon buying checklist at the inspection.

The verdict

A well-serviced 2.0-litre GWM Ute from after August 2021, with recall work done, is the value pick, as long as its drivability suits you. Avoid 2023 builds without proof of the fuel filter seal fix. The 2025 Cannon with the 2.4-litre and 9-speed is stronger and tows more, but it is newer and less proven, and its safety rating status should be checked. For any Cannon, warranty time left and a clean service record count for more than the grade.