Home / Common Problems / Honda Jazz

Honda Jazz Problems & Known Issues

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

Generations

GE — First Generation
2001–2008
1.2 i-DSI, 1.3 i-DSI
GD — Second Generation
2008–2015
1.2 i-VTEC, 1.3 i-VTEC, 1.3 IMA Hybrid

Top issues to watch for

The most serious Honda Jazz problems ranked by severity. We track 11 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.

Dangerous
Structural corrosion at suspension mounting points (GE/GD)
GE, GDL12A1, L13A1, L12B2001–201520k–150k miles
The Honda Jazz suffers from severe structural corrosion around suspension mounting points, particularly where the rear beam attaches to the chassis. MOT data shows this model fails at 22534.9 times the national average for load-bearing structure defects within 30cm of suspension mountings. The thin steel used in these areas is particularly vulnerable to road salt penetration through stone chip damage. This is a structural safety issue that can render the vehicle dangerous to drive and uneconomical to repair.
What happens if ignoredCorroded suspension mountings represent a direct safety hazard as the suspension can detach from the chassis. Structural welding repairs typically cost £800-£2000 but are often uneconomical on older Jazz models. The car is unsafe to drive if suspension mounting corrosion reaches MOT failure level.
Independent garage
£800–£1,500
Specialist
£1,000–£2,000
Main dealer
£1,500–£3,000
Parts only
£200–£500
Dangerous
Brake hose corrosion (GE/GD)
GE, GDL12A1, L13A1, L12B2001–20150k–150k miles
Honda Jazz models show exceptionally high failure rates for brake hose ferrule corrosion, at 78.9 times the national fleet average. The metal ferrules where flexible brake hoses connect to rigid brake lines corrode through, potentially causing brake fluid loss and brake failure. This affects all variants including hybrid models and occurs across all mileage ranges, suggesting a design or material specification issue rather than age-related wear.
What happens if ignoredCorroded brake hose ferrules can fail suddenly, causing complete loss of braking on the affected circuit. Modern cars have dual-circuit brake systems so some braking remains, but stopping distances increase dramatically. This represents an immediate safety hazard requiring urgent repair. Brake hose replacement costs £100-300 but the car is unsafe to drive until repaired.
Independent garage
£100–£200
Specialist
£120–£250
Main dealer
£150–£300
Parts only
£40–£100
Major
Emissions failure (GE/GD)
GE, GDL12B, L13Z2001–201540k–150k miles
This primarily affects 1.2 and 1.3 litre petrol engines from the second generation and is typically caused by catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor failure, or carbon build-up in the intake system. The high failure rate across multiple mileage bands suggests a systematic issue rather than normal wear.
What happens if ignoredEmissions failures prevent the car from passing its MOT and make it illegal to drive on public roads without an exemption certificate. Common causes include catalytic converter failure (£300-800 to replace), lambda sensor replacement (£100-200), or carbon cleaning (£150-300). Multiple failed MOT attempts can make the car uneconomical to repair.
Independent garage
£150–£600
Specialist
£200–£800
Main dealer
£300–£1,000
Parts only
£80–£400
Major
Suspension component corrosion (GE/GD)
GE, GDL12A1, L13A1, L12B2001–20150k–150k miles
Honda Jazz models suffer from widespread corrosion of suspension components, failing MOT tests at 22534.9 times the national average for suspension component damage or corrosion. The rear beam axle is particularly vulnerable to corrosion where it bolts to the chassis, along with front suspension arms and anti-roll bar links. This corrosion affects handling and safety, and is exacerbated by road salt exposure in UK conditions.
What happens if ignoredSeverely corroded suspension components can fail suddenly, affecting vehicle control and safety. Replacement of a rear beam costs £300-600 plus labour. Individual suspension arms cost £80-150 each. Multiple corroded components can make repair costs exceed the vehicle's value on older models.
Independent garage
£200–£600
Specialist
£250–£800
Main dealer
£350–£1,000
Parts only
£100–£400

7 more known issues tracked

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

Check a specific car →

MOT failure hotspots

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

Emissions failure
Exhaust & Emissions · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 37x the fleet average
Sample: 54,765 tests
Lens defective which has no effect on emitted l...
Lights & Electrics · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 34x the fleet average
Sample: 5,465 tests
Body, cab or chassis corroded at a mounting point
Bodywork · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 26x the fleet average
Sample: 1,464 tests
Coil springs broken
Brakes · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 21x the fleet average
Sample: 12,453 tests
ABS fault
Suspension · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 21x the fleet average
Sample: 6,097 tests
Brake hoses perished or damaged
Brakes · 0-20k miles
MOT failure rate: 20x the fleet average
Sample: 1,424 tests

Buying a Honda Jazz?

Check a specific car's service history to see if it's been looked after — franchised dealer records with dates, mileage, and work done.

Check service history

£6.99 · Full refund if no records found

Related

Honda Jazz reliability FAQs

What are the most common problems with the Honda Jazz?

The Honda Jazz has 11 known issues across 4 severity levels. The most serious are: Structural corrosion at suspension mounting points (GE/GD), Brake hose corrosion (GE/GD).

Is the Honda Jazz reliable?

The Honda Jazz has 2 dangerous and 5 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.

How much does it cost to fix Honda Jazz problems?

Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Structural corrosion at suspension mounting points (GE/GD)) costs £800–£1,500 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.

Which Honda Jazz generation is most reliable?

The GE (2001–2008) has the fewest dangerous issues (2). However, condition and service history matter more than generation — a well-maintained earlier car can be more reliable than a neglected newer one.