GWM Haval H6 Common Problems

The GWM Haval H6 is a Chinese-built mid-size SUV. The earlier H6, sold here until about 2020, used a 2.0-litre turbo petrol with a 6-speed dual-clutch. The current third generation arrived in April 2021 with a 2.0-litre turbo (150 kW) and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-drive or all-wheel drive on the top grade. The H6 Hybrid followed in April 2022, pairing a 1.5-litre turbo with an electric motor through a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission, and a plug-in hybrid joined the range with the 2025 facelift. The H6 GT is a coupe-style sibling with similar running gear. The third generation has a five-star ANCAP rating, but owner reviews are mixed, with most complaints about driver assistance, gearbox behaviour, electrics and dealer support.

Adaptive cruise slowing on bends and for no clear reason (third generation, 2021 to 2025)

A frequent owner complaint is the adaptive cruise control slowing sharply on highway bends or corners. CarExpert's 2021 review also found the cruise sometimes slowed down gradually for no obvious reason, and listed the Intelligent Cornering Control as needing refinement. This is software behaviour rather than a broken part, and a few owners say later software versions behave better. Ask a dealer which software version the car runs and whether updates are available, and test the adaptive cruise on a highway with curves before you buy.

Intrusive lane keep and constant alerts (third generation, 2021 to 2026)

Many owners complain about lane keeping that tugs the steering unexpectedly, constant chimes, and warnings that reset every time the car is started so they cannot be switched off for good. These are design and software issues, not faults, but they wear on some owners. A warning light that stays on, or a lane keep or camera fault message, is different and should be checked under warranty. If you are sensitive to beeps and nags, spend at least half an hour in the car on mixed roads before deciding.

Dual-clutch hesitation and clunks (2.0L turbo, 7-speed DCT, 2021 to 2025)

Reviewers found the 2.0-litre's 7-speed dual-clutch reasonably smooth in traffic, but some owners report hesitation when shifting, the box not holding a gear, unexpected upshifts, a clunk on take-off and a delay engaging drive or reverse. Not all of these reports say which gearbox the car had. A reader with a 2021 H6 asked about the gearbox skipping gears, and the advice was to have it scanned for a genuine transmission fault. Ask for invoices showing gearbox software updates or repairs. Drive the car in slow traffic, up a slope and from reverse to drive, and walk away from slipping or harsh engagement. A dual-clutch repair out of warranty can run into thousands of dollars.

Electrical faults and 12V battery drain (third generation, 2021 to 2025)

Electrical complaints are frequent in owner reviews. Reports include screen blackouts and flickering, Bluetooth call problems, faulty wipers, tailgates and keyless entry, airbag and brake system warning lights, and flat 12V batteries. Readers of a motoring Q&A described an "excess battery drain" warning on a 2024 car and a 2023 H6 Hybrid with a flat 12V battery after six weeks parked. Another reported constant beeping with a burning smell on a 2022 car, which was treated as a possible short and fire risk. Aftermarket accessories such as dash cams can cause drain, so ask what has been fitted. Most of these should be warranty repairs while cover remains.

Oil use and occasional engine faults (2.0L turbo, 2017 to 2024)

Some owners report the 2.0-litre turbo using oil between services. Some oil use is normal for this kind of engine, but a sudden rise points to burning or a leak. A smaller number of owner reviews and reader letters describe more serious failures on third-generation cars, including limp mode with a flashing engine light and an engine replaced under warranty, and an oil pump failure at low kilometres. Earlier H6 owners also wrote in about oil loss on 2018 and 2020 cars. Check the dipstick and the underside for leaks, and ask for service records showing the correct oil and on-time changes.

Hybrid system quirks (H6 Hybrid, 2022 to 2025)

Reviewers said the H6 Hybrid's system lacked polish, with hesitation off the line while it decides how to deliver power, a busy idle at a standstill and a poor brake pedal feel. These are calibration complaints rather than faults. Owners mostly praise the economy, and reports of hybrid battery failure are isolated. One reader also reported a deformed dashboard on a hybrid, which should be fixed because the airbag sits in that area. Ask a dealer for a health check of the hybrid system and confirm how much of the hybrid battery warranty remains.

Recalls and safety

Have a GWM dealer check the VIN for open recalls and software updates before you buy, and see our recalls page. The third generation has a five-star ANCAP rating; check which variants it covers.

Buying a used GWM Haval H6? What to check

• Service history: Ask for the logbook and invoices, because GWM's warranty depends on servicing on time.
• Highway test: Use the adaptive cruise and lane keep on a curving road and decide whether you can live with them.
• Gearbox: Drive in slow traffic and shift from reverse to drive, and walk away from clunks, slips or delays.
• Warning lights: Check that no engine, airbag, brake or lane keep warnings stay on after start-up.
• Electrics: Test the screen, Bluetooth calls, wipers, power tailgate and keyless entry, and ask about any flat batteries.
• Accessories: Ask what aftermarket items such as dash cams are wired in, since they can drain the battery.
• Oil: Check the dipstick level and look under the engine for leaks.
• Hybrid health: On a Hybrid or PHEV, ask a dealer for a hybrid system check and the battery warranty status.

Run a PPSR check for finance owing or a write-off, and use our Haval H6 buying checklist at the inspection.

The verdict

A third-generation H6 with full dealer history, current software and warranty left, is a lot of car for the money. The 2.0-litre petrol is the simpler choice if its dual-clutch drives cleanly. The Hybrid is more economical but less polished to drive. Test the driver assistance properly, because it is the biggest daily irritation owners report. The earlier H6 sold before 2021 is older technology, so only buy one cheaply, with records and with any remaining warranty confirmed.