Common Problems with the Honda Jazz
FixMyCar discusses common problems with the Honda Jazz and average repair costs.
Compare Honda Jazz repair quotesEllie Dyer-Brown
Friday December 05 2025
9 min read
The Honda Jazz has always been a practical choice for drivers who favour comfort. With a spacious cabin and large windows lending it a lounge-like feel, it promises easy miles - and it delivers. But how does it fare in terms of reliability?
This guide examines known issues with the Jazz, providing owners and potential buyers with insights into specific faults and their average repair costs.
In a nutshell: The Honda Jazz is generally very reliable. Early 2001-2008 cars can suffer from seized door locks and CVT wear, while some 2009-2015 i-Shift models develop judder or clutch issues if servicing has been neglected. The 2016-2020 Jazz is largely trouble-free, and the latest 2020-present model remains strong, with most problems limited to minor electrical/infotainment niggles and occasional aircon faults.
What’s wrong with the Honda Jazz?
Drivers are searching online for information about the following problems.
Honda Jazz automatic gearbox problems
The 2015 Honda Jazz is most likely to experience problems with the automatic transmission, leading to gearbox faults. However, the Mk1 Jazz is also known for this issue.
It's essential that you use the correct transmission fluid and follow the recommended servicing schedule to avoid damaging the gearbox.
Honda Jazz central locking fault
Some Honda Jazz vehicles have been known to develop problems with the locking system, mainly due to the locks seizing up or becoming jammed. This problem is easy and affordable to fix - all you have to do is replace the affected lock.
Honda Jazz hybrid problem
A hybrid version of the Honda Jazz was released in 2010 and shares similar problems with the traditional combustion engine version. Look out for:
CVT transmission issues
Steering problems with the wheel lacking responsiveness or getting stuck
Fast-wearing brake pads
Recent recalls
| Recall number | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| R/2022/221 | 09.08.22 | The front wide camera may not start up in the correct way after the vehicle is started. |
| R/2020/186 | 24.08.20 | Affected vehicles may be equipped with a fuel pump module manufactured with low density impellers. |
| R/2020/194 | 14.08.20 | The webbing sensor in the rear centre seat belt assembly could become inoperative. |
| R/2019/243 | 29.08.19 | Passenger air bag may not deploy correctly. |
| R/2018/342 | 30.01.19 | Passenger airbag inflators may not operate as intended. |
| R/2016/045 | 16.05.16 | Abnormal deployment pressure may lead to rupture of the driver's air bag inflator case. In the event of an inflator rupture metal fragments could be propelled into the passenger compartment. |
| R/2015/103 | 29.06.15 | Abnormal deployment pressure may lead to rupture of the inflator case. In the event of an inflator rupture metal fragments could be propelled into the passenger compartment potentially causing injury to a vehicle occupant. |
| R/2013/013 | 05.02.13 | The left hand front brake pipe may not be fully secure which could lead to the brake pipe chafing on the EGR pipe. If this occurs and remains unseen the damage could result in loss of brake fluid and the attendant loss of braking efficiency. |
| R/2012/071 | 16.07.12 | In rare circumstances the gear indicator may display neutral when the gearbox is in reverse gear. If this happens the vehicle may reverse unexpectedly and cause an incident. |
Honda Jazz 2001-2008 problems
1. Seized door locks
Unfortunately, some Honda Jazz owners have experienced seized door locks. Not only does this mean the car doesn’t unlock when the keyfob is pressed, but it also doesn’t work when you manually put the key in the lock.
Often, rust is to blame for seized door locks, so this problem is more likely to happen as the car ages.
What repair is needed to fix a seized door lock, and how much does it cost?
If you’re lucky and the lock is jammed due to dirt and debris, it should start working again when you clean it. However, it’s more likely the lock is corroded, causing it to malfunction, in which case you must replace it.
On average, a central locking system repair costs £132.55 on FixMyCar.
2. Faulty CVT gearbox
Some older Honda Jazz models fitted with a CVT can be more sensitive to gearbox wear if the transmission fluid hasn’t been changed on schedule. Honda specifies a dedicated CVT fluid, and regular changes help prevent judder, hesitation and premature wear. When you’re buying a used Jazz, it’s worth checking for evidence of proper CVT servicing in the history.
Read this guide for more information about checking and changing car fluids.
What repair is needed to fix a faulty CVT gearbox, and how much does it cost?
The right repair depends on the cause. In milder cases, a CVT fluid change can improve shift quality and reduce judder. If the gearbox has worn internally, a garage may recommend repairing or replacing specific components, or in more severe cases a rebuilt unit.
Automatic gearbox repairs cost £550.14 on average when booked through FixMyCar. This price covers a broad range of repairs, so it’s best to book a diagnostic test for a more accurate quote.
3. Inconsistent power
Some Honda Jazz owners report brief surges or hesitation while driving, especially under acceleration. It can feel worrying, but the cause is often straightforward once the car’s been diagnosed.
What repair is needed to fix inconsistent power, and how much does it cost?
The best first step is an OBD diagnostic to pinpoint the fault. For example, a P0339 code can point to a problem with the crankshaft position sensor. In other cases, the issue may be down to worn spark plugs. It costs £161.57 on average to replace Honda Jazz spark plugs. It costs £161.57 on average to replace Honda Jazz spark plugs.
You can find out more about changing spark plugs here.
4. Stuck EGR valve
EGR valves are a common pain point for diesel Honda Jazz owners. Signs of a stuck EGR valve include:
Rough idling
Increased fuel consumption
Poor performance
Engine knocking noises
One of the best ways to prevent your EGR valve from becoming stuck is to regularly drive your car on long motorway journeys, ensuring it gets hot enough to burn off the soot. The valve eventually stops working when dirt and soot accumulate due to many short trips.
What repair is needed to fix a faulty EGR valve, and how much does it cost?
There are a couple of options when you’ve got a clogged EGR valve. You could try carbon cleaning, which aims to remove the soot and carbon that is stopping the valve from working correctly, or, in more severe cases, you may have to replace the EGR valve.
On average, it costs £296.59 for a Honda Jazz EGR valve replacement on FixMyCar.
Honda Jazz 2009-2015 problems
1. i-Shift gearbox problems
The biggest weak spot in this era is the i-Shift automated manual. It’s more likely to need repairs than the manual or later CVT alternatives. Honda dropped i-Shift in favour of a smoother CVT-7 around 2011, so this issue is most relevant to earlier Mk2 automatics.
What repair is needed to fix automatic gearbox problems, and how much does it cost?
Common fixes include a clutch and actuator assessment, software calibration, and replacing worn clutch/actuator components if needed. Costs vary a lot depending on whether it’s a calibration issue or hardware wear. The average price of a Honda Jazz automatic gearbox repair is £377.55.
Honda Jazz 2016-2020 problems
Very few common problems have been reported for this generation of the Honda Jazz, reflecting its outstanding reliability.
1. Bodywork scuffs
The Jazz was designed to be an urban car, so it sees a lot of wear and tear from family use. That's why, when you’re buying one second-hand, it’s likely to come with a few scrapes and scuffs on the bodywork.
What repair is needed to fix bodywork scuffs, and how much does it cost?
Touching up scuffs is something you could do yourself - this guide contains DIY bodywork tips and an explanation of the different types of bodywork repair.
The price of scuff repairs varies depending on the size of the affected area and the extent of the damage, so it’s best to contact a mechanic for an accurate quote.
2. Damaged alloys
This is another issue that has less to do with the car and more to do with how and where it’s driven. Urban vehicles are more likely to sustain cosmetic damage, and the Jazz is no exception.
What repair is needed to fix damaged alloys, and how much does it cost?
Rather than buying new alloys, you could have them refurbished. This process restores alloy wheels, making them look good as new for a fraction of the cost.
According to FixMyCar’s data, the average cost of refurbishing one wheel is £139.73; for four, it's £477.32..
Honda Jazz 2020-present problems
1. Minor electrical and infotainment glitches
The latest Honda Jazz has a very strong reliability record overall. When problems do show up, they’re more likely to be small electrical niggles, with some owners mentioning infotainment-related issues rather than mechanical failures.
What repair is needed for minor electrical and infotainment glitches, and how much does it cost?
These faults are usually resolved with a diagnostic scan, followed by a software update or replacement of a minor component such as a sensor, switch or infotainment module. Costs vary depending on whether it’s a simple update or parts replacement, so it’s best to book a diagnostic test (costing £63.70 on average) for an accurate quote.
2. Occasional air conditioning faults
A small number of owners also report air conditioning issues on the latest Jazz, again as occasional niggles rather than a widespread pattern of major failure.
What repair is needed for air conditioning faults, and how much does it cost?
A garage will usually start with a pressure test and re-gas. If a leak or failed component is found, the fix may involve replacing parts such as pipe seals, the condenser or (less commonly) the compressor. The average price of an aircon regas for a Honda Jazz is £78.38.
Honda Jazz years to avoid
2008 - early 2011 Jazz 1.4 i-VTEC with the i-Shift automatic: If you want an automatic, this is the main era to be wary of. The i-Shift is widely viewed as the weak spot and was replaced by a conventional CVT from February 2011.
Older Mk1 automatics without proof of correct CVT servicing: Not a specific bad year as such, but neglected CVT models can develop hesitation/judder, so it’s best to avoid any car with missing fluid history.
Is the Honda Jazz reliable?
The Jazz has a solid reputation for reliability. In the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, the Jazz came 11th out of 24 vehicles in the small car class, with a score of 96.9%. Honda secured an even more impressive result: first place out of 30 brands. The Jazz also topped the list of the most reliable used cars for 2024, according to data from Warranty Solutions Group.
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