GWM Haval Jolion Common Problems

The GWM Haval Jolion is a Chinese-built small SUV that went on sale here in July 2021. The petrol version uses a 1.5-litre turbo four (GW4B15A family, about 110 kW at launch) with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and front-wheel drive. The Jolion Hybrid arrived in August 2022, pairing a non-turbo 1.5-litre engine and an electric motor (140 kW combined) through a dedicated hybrid transmission with a 1.6 kWh battery. A restyled "new shape" range followed for the 2025 model year, with petrol Premium and Lux models trimmed to 105 kW and a higher-output turbo engine in the flagship. There are few reports of major engine failures so far, but owners and reviewers regularly complain about gearbox behaviour, driver assistance nags and electronics.

Dual-clutch hesitation and slipping (1.5L turbo, 7-speed DCT, 2021 to 2025)

Some owners of petrol Jolions describe a hesitant take-off from a stop, with a delay before the car moves and then a surge, which some find unsafe when pulling into traffic or a roundabout. A motoring Q&A linked this to the dual-clutch gearbox and drive-by-wire throttle and advised a dealer check for a software update first. A more serious report on a 2023 car described the engine revving without the car picking up speed properly, which can point to clutch slip, a fluid problem or worse. That is a warranty job on a serviced car. Note that a skipped service can make a gearbox warranty claim hard to win. Drive the car in slow traffic and on a hill start, and walk away from slipping, flaring revs or harsh clunks. Out of warranty, dual-clutch repairs can cost thousands of dollars.

Overactive lane keep, driver monitoring and alerts (all Jolion, 2021 to 2026)

Reviewers have criticised the Jolion's driver assistance from the first 2021 cars to the 2026 update. The lane keeping assist is described as too eager and overreactive, it can block a lane change even when you indicate and the lane is clear, and adaptive cruise can brake sharply. The driver monitoring camera pings you for checking mirrors, and on later cars the warning has to be cleared on the touchscreen. A 2026 review found it less sensitive than before but still intrusive. This is mostly software design rather than a fault, but some owners report a lane keeping system warning light that stays on, which can mean a dirty or damaged camera or a genuine fault. That should be fixed under warranty before you buy.

Electronics, cameras and infotainment glitches (all Jolion, 2021 to 2025)

Several owner questions to motoring columns are about electronics. Examples include a frozen 360-degree camera on a 2025 car, screens that lag or behave oddly, and climate controls that are buried in the touchscreen. Reviewers noted "some technology glitches" and confusing menus. Most of these are warranty jobs at a dealer, and some are fixed by software updates. On a test drive, check the 360-degree camera, parking sensors, the touchscreen, Bluetooth and phone mirroring. The 2026 update added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so check what the car you are looking at has.

Hybrid battery and drivetrain faults (Jolion Hybrid, 2022 to 2025)

There are only scattered reports so far, but they matter. One owner of a 2023 Jolion Hybrid reported a failed hybrid battery, and was told the car was outside cover because rideshare use can reduce GWM's hybrid battery warranty. Another reported a burning smell when climbing hills in a 2024 hybrid, which should be treated as a possible fire risk and checked by a dealer immediately. Reviewers also note inconsistent brake pedal feel as the car blends regenerative and friction braking. Ask whether a hybrid has been used for rideshare, check the battery warranty status with GWM, and get a dealer health check on the hybrid system before buying a high-kilometre car.

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 Jolion has a five-star ANCAP rating; check which variants and build years it covers.

Buying a used GWM Haval Jolion? What to check

• Service history: Ask for the logbook and invoices, because missed services can void gearbox and other warranty claims.
• Take-off and hill starts: Pull away from a stop several times and walk away from hesitation that surges, slips or clunks.
• Software updates: Ask a dealer to list the gearbox and driver assistance updates applied to the car.
• Warning lights: Make sure no lane keeping, engine or gearbox warnings stay on after start-up.
• Cameras and screen: Test the 360-degree camera, parking sensors, touchscreen and phone connection.
• Boot floor: Lift the floor and check the spare wheel well for water, rust stains or a damp smell.
• Oil level: Check the dipstick, and ask whether the owner has needed to top up oil between services.
• Hybrid history: On a Jolion Hybrid, ask about rideshare use and confirm the hybrid battery warranty still applies.

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

The verdict

A serviced petrol Jolion with warranty left is good value, as long as the dual-clutch pulls away cleanly and no warnings show. The Jolion Hybrid is smoother and far more economical, but avoid high-kilometre ex-rideshare hybrids unless the battery warranty position is clear. The latest cars have slightly calmer driver monitoring, but the lane keeping and alert complaints remain. Long-term reliability is still unproven, so warranty time left and full history matter more than trim level.