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Great Wall Steed Problems & Known Issues

The most common Great Wall Steed problems ranked by severity — what to watch for, what it costs to fix, and what happens if you ignore it.

Generations

GWS1 — First Generation
2012–2018
2.0 TDI

Top issues to watch for

The most serious Great Wall Steed problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.

Dangerous
Brake pipe corrosion (GWS1)
GWS12012–201820k–100k miles
The brake pipes on the Great Wall Steed corrode at 26.5 times the national fleet average, particularly affecting vehicles from 20,000 miles onwards. This represents one of the highest documented brake pipe corrosion rates in the UK MOT database. The failure affects the entire brake system and creates an immediate safety risk. Corrosion typically begins at pipe joints and mounting points where moisture accumulates.
What happens if ignoredBrake pipe failure results in complete or partial brake system failure. The vehicle becomes extremely dangerous to drive and may not stop effectively in an emergency. Professional brake pipe replacement is essential and the car should not be driven until repaired.
Independent garage
£200–£500
Parts only
£80–£150
Major
Suspension joint and bush wear (GWS1)
GWS12012–201820k–100k miles
Suspension pins, bushes and joints wear at 1254.5 times the national fleet average on the Great Wall Steed, making this the most severe documented suspension wear issue in the UK MOT database. The excessive wear rate suggests inadequate component specification or poor material quality. Failure affects vehicle handling, tyre wear, and roadworthiness.
What happens if ignoredWorn suspension components compromise vehicle stability and handling, particularly during emergency manoeuvres. Continued driving with severely worn components can lead to complete joint failure and loss of control. Early replacement prevents more expensive damage to other suspension parts and tyres.
Independent garage
£150–£400
Parts only
£60–£200
Major
Transmission wear (GWS1)
GWS12012–201840k–100k miles
Transmission components including joints, belts, chains and shaft bearings fail at extremely high rates on the Great Wall Steed. Joint and belt wear occurs at 5 times the average rate. These failures typically manifest from 40,000 miles onwards and suggest fundamental transmission design or material quality issues.
What happens if ignoredTransmission component failure can result in sudden loss of drive or inability to change gears. Continued operation with worn bearings or joints leads to complete transmission failure requiring rebuild or replacement. Costs can exceed the vehicle's value.
Independent garage
£800–£2,000
Parts only
£300–£800
Major
Wheel bearing wear (GWS1)
GWS12012–201820k–100k miles
Wheel bearings develop excessive play at 27.8 times the national fleet average on the Great Wall Steed, with the problem worsening over time. Bearing failure typically begins from 40,000 miles but can occur as early as 20,000 miles. This represents a significant safety concern as wheel bearing collapse can cause wheel detachment.
What happens if ignoredSeverely worn wheel bearings can seize or collapse completely, potentially causing wheel detachment and loss of vehicle control. Even moderate wear affects braking efficiency and steering response. Replacement is essential before bearings reach the point of complete failure.
Independent garage
£120–£250
Parts only
£50–£120

1 more known issues tracked

Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems. Check a specific car to see which issues apply to its age and mileage.

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MOT failure hotspots

Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Great Wall Steed fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.

Coil springs broken
Suspension · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 1255x the fleet average
Sample: 870 tests
Transmission shaft bearing worn
Bodywork · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 1014x the fleet average
Sample: 235 tests
Transmission joint, belt or chain worn
Bodywork · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 744x the fleet average
Sample: 537 tests
Suspension pin, bush or joint worn
Suspension · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 50x the fleet average
Sample: 984 tests
Brake pipes corroded
Brakes · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 27x the fleet average
Sample: 870 tests
Headlight fault
Lights & Electrics · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 20x the fleet average
Sample: 393 tests

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Related

Great Wall Steed reliability FAQs

What are the most common problems with the Great Wall Steed?

The Great Wall Steed has 5 known issues across 3 severity levels. The most serious are: Brake pipe corrosion (GWS1).

Is the Great Wall Steed reliable?

The Great Wall Steed has 1 dangerous and 3 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.

How much does it cost to fix Great Wall Steed problems?

Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Brake pipe corrosion (GWS1)) costs £200–£500 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.