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Buying guide

Honda Jazz GE (2007 to 2014): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Honda Jazz GE was built from 2007 to 2014 as a hatchback, with a manual or automatic gearbox, front wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol or hybrid power. Chassis codes: GE6, GE8 and GP1. Redline has a curated guide to its 7 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2007 to 2014
Chassis codes
GE6, GE8, GP1
Body types
Hatchback
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Hybrid

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Honda Fit and Jazz GE (2007 to 2014). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Takata airbag recall

    The Jazz was part of the Takata airbag recall, and some replacements had to be redone in 2017.

    Where to look
    The recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Ask a Honda dealer to confirm the airbag work, including any redo, has been completed.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Honda dealer

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  2. Valve train and oil passages

    Carbon from poor servicing can block oil passages and wear the camshaft and valve train. A light rattle may only mean the valve clearances need adjusting.

    Where to look
    The top of the engine under the cam cover
    How to test
    On a cold start, listen for ticking or tapping from the top of the engine. Some cold rattle is normal and should quieten as it warms.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost camshaft and valve train work

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), carbuyer.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  3. Headlamp covers

    The large headlamp covers frost over, which can fail a roadworthy check. Dull reflectors or condensation inside mean new units.

    Where to look
    The plastic headlamp lenses
    How to test
    Look for a milky haze, dull reflectors or moisture inside each headlamp.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost polishing, or new headlamp units

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  4. Rear suspension creaks

    Creaks from the rear suspension, mainly in cold weather, can come from worn bushes or mounting points.

    Where to look
    The rear suspension bushes and mounts
    How to test
    Drive slowly over speed bumps with the window down and listen for creaks from the back.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost grease or new bushes

    Sources: carbuyer.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  5. Brake recalls

    UK recalls covered a brake pedal pin that could detach on cars built February to April 2010, and possible brake fluid leaks in 2013.

    Where to look
    The brake pedal, the brake fluid reservoir and the recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Check the brake fluid level and pedal feel, and ask a Honda dealer to check the VIN for recalls.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Honda dealer

    Sources: carbuyer.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  6. Front brakes and cold brake clicks

    Front pads last about 30,000 km and discs about 70,000 to 100,000 km, and the pads can click in their mountings when cold.

    Where to look
    The front brake pads and discs
    How to test
    Look through the wheels at pad thickness and the disc edge lip, and listen for clicks on the first few stops.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost pads and discs

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), carbuyer.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  7. Interior rattles

    Interior rattles are commonplace, often from a retaining bar for the back seat.

    Where to look
    The rear seat mountings and the cabin trim
    How to test
    Listen for rattles from the back seat area on a rough road.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost trim and seat fixings

    Sources: carbuyer.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 1.3 or 1.5, and manual, auto or CVT?
  • Has the Takata airbag recall been done, including any redo?
  • Are there records of regular oil changes?
  • Have the headlamps been replaced or polished?

New Zealand notes

  • Many NZ Fits are Japanese imports. Compare the odometer on the export certificate with the dash.

A GE Fit suits a buyer who wants a small, roomy and frugal hatch and checks the oil change history.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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