The Most Common Problems with Haval Cars [EXPLAINED]

The Most Common Problems with Haval Cars [EXPLAINED]

A good number of today’s internationally-sold car brands originate from China, and among them, Haval seems to rise to the occasion against automotive giants with attractive prices and aesthetics.

But while Haval is part of the building block that makes up Great Wall Motors (GWM), just how high and far can you go with one before it starts showing some cracks?

If you’re still on the fence about buying a Haval yourself, then we’re here to help educate you some more by keeping all of these common problems it can have in mind!

What are the common problems with Haval cars?

The most common problems with Haval cars are transmission issues, some turbo lag or delay in the 1.5L engine option, squeaking noises when pressing the brakes, and premature battery drainage.

Some Haval models also have low sound quality for their speakers and get worse fuel economy than advertised.

Haval is known to have a good balance of comfort, safety, and even reliability for the different models in its lineup without breaking the bank.

However, this by no means makes Haval cars perfect even for their price range, as owners have already had a lot to say about the cars and their known flaws.

From minor inconveniences to more major and potentially expensive concerns, let’s have a look at what kinds of problems commonly plague cars with the “Haval” badge!

Transmission Issues

Transmission Issues

Even more established automakers have bouts of issues with their transmission systems, so it’s no surprise that the more affordable Haval lineup isn’t exempted from such problems.

Several of Haval’s SUV models over the years, namely the H2, H6, H9, and Jolion, all run into issues with their respective transmissions, which can include not being able to shift into certain gears and rough shifting.  

The older and more compact Haval H2 model’s 6-speed transmission was known to get locked out of reverse gear, which can be caused by either a fault in the shifter mechanism, ignition barrel, or shift lock solenoid.

Even the newer 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission) used in the H6, H9, and Jolion is sometimes prone to jerky and delayed shifts when accelerating in slow traffic.

Just in case you experience the same thing in your Haval car, be sure to have the transmission system checked right away and always have its transmission fluid changed at the recommended intervals.

Turbo Lag/Delay in 1.5L Engine

Turbo LagDelay in 1.5L Engine

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Haval cars equipped with the turbocharged 1.5-liter I4 engine have been on the receiving end of owners’ complaints due to the amount of turbo lag that it has.

Turbo lag, or delayed turbo response, can delay your vehicle’s acceleration after pressing the gas pedal, as the turbo takes a while to spool up and provide enough boost for the engine to accelerate the car fast enough.

As you can imagine, this can be more obvious and quite frustrating when you’re trying to pass another vehicle, drive up a steep incline, or merge into highway traffic.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that the 1.5-liter I4 engine is underpowered for its application in models like the H2 and Jolion, it’s just that the laggy turbocharger hinders it from delivering power earlier or as needed.

Squeaking Brake Noises

Squeaking Brake Noises

Once you own a Haval, then somewhere along the way, there’s a chance you’ll hear a squeaking noise whenever you step on the brake pedal.

Both the Haval H6 and H9 are prone to developing this brake issue, and at first, owners were confused as to where this sound actually originates from within the brake pedal.

According to the manufacturer, this can be caused by the brake vacuum pump being misaligned and making contact with the brake connecting rod.

Since this is more of a minor annoyance rather than a potentially dangerous issue, you can temporarily resolve this issue yourself, as owners have done, by lubricating the components to reduce the friction and noise generated.

If the noise still persists, you can consider replacing the brake connecting rod entirely, which seems to have worked for other owners as well.

Premature Battery Drainage

Premature Battery Drainage

Another prevalent problem on Haval car models involves the battery, with lots of owners complaining that their batteries drain way too fast or are unable to charge back up.

Battery-related issues have been reported more commonly in the H2, H6, and Jolion models, and such issues can cause all your car’s electronics and accessories to weaken and even stop working altogether.

Haval H2 models are prone to reduced battery life, while Haval H6 models also have a frustrating issue of the battery going dead even after being replaced.

The safety of the occupants can also be compromised due to this battery issue, as a lot of the safety features like the antilock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and power steering are all reliant on the battery.

Hence, anything that happens to the battery and electrical system can also affect the car’s electronics, which is why it’s recommended to get your battery checked and possibly replaced right away if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

Low Sound Quality for Speaker System

Low Sound Quality for Speaker System

While Haval has the concept of making stylish yet affordable cars down to a T, it was never known to make great sound systems to bop your head to while you’re on the go.

In fact, the sound quality coming out of the speakers is considered quite average or “mid”, with some even regarding it as low-quality or downright bad.

Even though the innovative and high-class design of the sound system itself is up there with more expensive brands, this is still unable to offset the cheap and metallic-sounding output it makes. 

Despite most Haval SUV models being equipped with an 8-piece stereo setup, the resulting sound is just not a good mix of bass and treble overall when compared to more premium competitors.

The only way around this would be to install an aftermarket sound system, but this can be quite an expensive upgrade given the limited aftermarket support for Haval cars.

Bad Fuel Economy

Bad Fuel Economy

One common complaint that new owners of Haval cars make is that their vehicles don’t seem to get the gas mileage advertised by the brand, which leads to them being labeled as bad on fuel.

To paint the picture, the H6 model is rated at 5.2L/100km (or 45.2 mpg), though owners have reported achieving only about 9L/100km (26.1 mpg) with the car in the beginning.

However, since the car is programmed to learn the driver’s inputs and habits via the ECU (electronic control unit), it will eventually adapt to them by changing how the engine and transmission consume fuel.

This is why with enough time, assuming a smoother and more conservative driving style is adopted, Haval cars can still achieve fuel mileage figures closer to what’s claimed.

Other than your driving habits, fuel consumption can also be affected by other factors such as the condition of your fuel system components, the age of your engine oil, and even the presence of issues with your engine and transmission.

What are the common problems of a Haval H6?

What are the common problems of a Haval H6

The Haval H6 has some known problems like a clunky dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a complicated infotainment system, and bad audio quality for its sound system.

The Haval H6 also gets lower fuel economy than claimed, no leg support for the front seats, and limited support for aftermarket parts.

Aside from the general summary above, owners of the Haval H6 also report a variety of issues regarding its engine, electrical system, and suspension components.

Transmission Problems (7-Speed DCT)

Owners of Haval H6 models often complain of the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) fitted on the SUV, which can develop multiple issues as time goes by.

One of the most common issues with the transmission is that can feel pretty clunky in between shifts instead of providing a smooth and comfortable experience.

This is more noticeable in slow-moving traffic, wherein the car can jerk back and forth as if hesitating or slipping when given just a bit of gas. Some strange grinding or whining noises can also develop as part of the issue.

Some potential causes can include a bad shift solenoid, a worn-out clutch, bad bearings, a bad transmission band, damaged transmission gears, and low transmission fluid levels.

Complicated Infotainment System

The Haval H6 is fitted with a large infotainment touchscreen as standard, and while it certainly completes the premium and high-tech aesthetic of the interior, it’s not exactly the most user-friendly system out there.

It can be tricky to get used to the layout of the infotainment system due to many of the vehicle’s electronic features (e.g. climate control, sound system, vehicle settings) being controlled by one screen, resulting in an influx of menus to sift through.

Bad Sound System Quality

Haval cars are not really known for having premium-sounding speakers, and this unfortunately remains true for the Haval H6.

Even with 8 different stereo speakers arranged around the car, the overall sound quality isn’t all that good regardless of which device you’re playing music from.

Lower Fuel Economy Than Claimed

The Haval H6 has also received complaints regarding its fuel consumption because as it turns out, owners have been getting lower fuel economy compared to what has been claimed by the manufacturer.

According to Haval, the H6 can achieve a fuel consumption of 5.2L/100km (45.2 mpg) for the combined cycle, though owners have been getting upwards of 9L/100km (26.1 mpg), with some experiencing consumption of up to 11L/10 km (21.4 mpg).

The SUV’s computer or ECU can take a while to learn the driver’s inputs and habits, which is why fuel consumption can start off as higher before gradually going down near the claimed numbers over time.

No Leg Support for Front Seats

No Leg Support for Front Seats

While Haval cars have a pretty good reputation for comfort, seems as though those of a taller stature are not big fans of the lack of leg support for the seats.

As a result of having no extra leg support, taller drivers and passengers may find the front seats to get pretty straining for their legs during longer drives.

Limited Aftermarket Parts

Another downside to owning a Haval car, especially an H6 model, is that you don’t really get a lot of aftermarket support just in case you want to add a little personal touch to your SUV.

Even if you do manage to find an aftermarket upgrade for your H6, it can be quite expensive, especially for the more complicated electronics, such as an aftermarket sound system.

In addition, if you need to replace a very specific part on your Haval H6, then you would most probably only find a replacement part at the dealership itself instead of elsewhere.

What are the common problems of a Haval Jolion?

What are the common problems of a Haval Jolion

Common Haval Jolion problems are engine power loss, overheating, shifting problems, suspension issues, brake issues, infotainment issues, and electrical faults.

The Haval Jolion also has fuel economy issues and some safety concerns with engine stalling, a faulty ESC, and rear brake performance.

Engine Problems

The Haval Jolion SUV has two main problems commonly associated with its 1.5-liter I4 power plant, which are that it can suddenly experience some power loss and that it can overheat even when driven normally.

According to owners who experience power loss on the Jolion, they mainly notice that there is a delay in power delivery when pushing the throttle pedal, which obviously leads to a more sluggish acceleration.

As for the overheating issue, this can be brought about by problems relating to the vehicle’s cooling system, such as radiator coolant leaks, clogged coolant pipes, and faulty water pumps.

Aside from the two mentioned above, there’s also a known engine stalling issue for the Jolion, in which about 5,000 units have been recalled for running on faulty software that caused the engine to suddenly stall.

Transmission Problems

Like most current Haval models in the lineup, the Jolion is also mate to a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission).

However, Haval Jolion owners have observed some issues that the DCT is prone to have, such as rough and unexpected shifts and difficulty shifting into other gears.

On rarer occasions, the Jolion’s transmission can also start making abnormal noises. This paired with the other issues can be traced to the transmission not receiving enough lubrication, which is one of the most common reasons why it fails.

Suspension Issues

Suspension Issues

The Haval Jolion can potentially develop various issues with its suspension system, which can affect its overall handling and stability while driving.

Worn-out shock absorbers, for instance, are known to cause a bumpier ride quality, while a problem with the power steering system can reduce the feedback or response that you feel when turning the wheel.

In addition, Haval Jolion owners also commonly report either rattling or clunking noises from underneath the SUV on bumpier roads, which can be traced back to some loose suspension components.

Getting your suspension system checked right away is highly recommended if you notice such symptoms. After replacing any worn-out or damaged components, you will be able to restore your car’s ride quality to when it was brand new.

Brake Issues

The braking system is another common source of problems for the Haval Jolion, as people have complained that the brakes seem to have decreased in performance or stopping power over time.

This can be simply due to brake fade, wherein the brakes start to overheat because of excessive use, which is quite common when driving downhill for extended periods without shifting to a lower gear.

Reduced braking performance can also be caused by warped brake rotors, which you can also easily tell if you suddenly notice vibrations in your brake pedal. You will need to either get the rotors resurfaced or replace them entirely.

Furthermore, if you’re experiencing some sort of squeaking or squealing noise while braking, then this is a common sign of worn-out brake pads. Simply replacing these will remove the annoying noises and also improve your brake’s stopping power.

Infotainment Issues

The infotainment system on Haval cars is already known to be quite confusing to operate at first, but on top of that, the one on the Jolion also has its fair share of faults.

One of the most common complaints about the Jolion’s infotainment system is that the screen can sometimes be slow to respond or become completely unresponsive. Luckily, some owners have had success in restarting the system to fix the issue.

Moreover, some owners have also had trouble connecting devices via Bluetooth, as the infotainment system either randomly disconnects paired devices or is unable to pair new ones at all.

A quick tip for this is to first remove all paired devices so that you can add and pair new ones to the Bluetooth menu.

Lastly, even updating the vehicle’s software through the system can prove tricky at times. By that point, you’d be better off getting it updated at your local dealership.

Electrical Faults

Electrical Faults

Some electrical faults are to be expected for the Haval Jolion, which can include various software glitches in the dashboard and infotainment system, premature battery drainage, and faulty brake lights.

Any of the above-mentioned issues can hinder you from a proper driving experience and even raise safety concerns, which is why you should take your car to a trusted mechanic for immediate repairs.

Fuel Economy Issues

It’s quite a common complaint that Haval cars are unable to achieve the advertised fuel economy, and the Jolion compact crossover SUV is no different.

The Haval Jolion’s claimed fuel consumption is rated at 7L/100km combined (33.6 mpg), though real-world tests have shown fuel consumption numbers of around 8.1 to 10L/100km (29 to 23.5 mpg).

Going by this, not only does the Jolion consume more fuel than expected, but it’s also a bit inconsistent across different owners driving with similar habits and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Haval cars reliable?

Haval cars are considered quite reliable and practical for their affordable price range. They also have pretty cheap running costs that further add more value to them.

However, Haval cars can still run into different issues with their transmissions, infotainment systems, different electronics, and fuel economy. 

Furthermore, models from the brand have not been on the road for as long as its competitors, making their reliability in the long run still up for debate.

Is Haval and GWM the same?

Haval is a Chinese car brand owned by Great Wall Motors (GWM) and sold alongside its other brands, namely GWM, ORA, POER, TANK, and WEY.

Great Wall Motors initially used the Haval name for the “Great Wall Haval” CUV model but has since made the name a separate brand that focuses on manufacturing SUVs and crossovers.

Is Haval a safe car?

Haval car models are quite known for getting high safety ratings on crash tests. In fact, both the Haval H6 and Haval Jolion models received 5-star ANCAP crash safety ratings for the 2022 and 2023 model years, respectively.

For the Adult Occupant Protection assessment, both the H6 and the Jolion received 34.53/38 (90%), while for Child Occupant Protection, the H6 got a slightly higher score of 43.55/49 (88%) versus the Jolion’s 41.18/49 (84%).