The second-generation Jazz remains one of Europe's most dependable small cars. The 1.4 i-VTEC (actually 1339cc L13Z1) delivers 100 hp through a naturally aspirated four-cylinder with a timing chain, and regularly exceeds 200,000 km without major powertrain trouble. Honda's Magic Seats offer class-leading interior flexibility for a car this size. The 1.4 was available with a 5-speed manual, a CVT (from 2011), or the problematic i-Shift automated manual (2008-2011). TUV data consistently ranks the Jazz among the most reliable cars in any class.· more· less
Buy if: You want a practical, low-cost supermini with a manual gearbox or post-2011 CVT, and can verify the Takata airbag recall has been completed.
Avoid if: You are looking at a 2008-2011 model with the i-Shift automated manual, or you park on the street and are concerned about catalytic converter theft.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€6,000
median asking price, typically 110,000 km
Typical range€4,000 – €8,400
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€400 – €850/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€300 – €550 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€100 – €300 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Automated manual gearbox suffers clutch wear and actuator motor failure from neglected fluid changes · more· less
The i-Shift is a semi-automatic with an electronically controlled clutch. If the transmission fluid is not changed on schedule, the clutch and actuator deteriorate, causing judder when pulling away, poor gear selection, and eventually a gearbox warning light or non-start condition (fault code P0810). Honda discontinued the i-Shift in 2011, replacing it with a conventional CVT. Specialist repair of the actuator unit costs around €400-600, but if the clutch pack is damaged too, the total rises to €1,000-2,000. Manual gearbox and post-2011 CVT models are not affected. If buying an i-Shift car, verify fluid changes have been performed at Honda’s European interval of 120,000 km or eight years, or 60,000 km or four years under severe use, and test for judder on slow manoeuvres.
Boot water leak through roof seal
€50 - 2502 of 6
Cracked sealant where the roof meets the rear panel lets water pool in the spare wheel well · more· less
A well-documented issue across the entire GE Jazz range. The factory sealant in the run channel along the roof line cracks over time, allowing rainwater to track down into the boot area and pool in the spare wheel well. Honda issued a service bulletin and extended warranty to 6 years for some models. The fix involves removing the roof run channel strips, scraping out old sealant, and applying fresh seam sealant (3M Drip Check is recommended). Also check and clean the fuel filler drain hole, which clogs and contributes to ingress. A competent DIYer can fix this in an afternoon with €20-50 in materials. A garage charges €100-250 for the complete repair.
Catalytic converter theft
€500 - 1,0003 of 6
Jazz is a frequent target due to accessible converter position and precious metal content · more· less
The Honda Jazz is one of the most targeted cars for catalytic converter theft across Europe and the UK. The converter sits in an accessible position under the car and contains valuable rhodium, palladium, and platinum. Surveys indicate up to 57% of scrapped Jazz models had aftermarket catalytic converters fitted, reflecting the frequency of theft. Replacement with a type-approved aftermarket converter typically costs €500-700 including fitting, while OEM units cost more. A protective cage or guard can be fitted for around €150-250 as a preventive measure. This is a security concern rather than a mechanical defect, but the financial impact on street-parked cars is real.
Door lock mechanism seizure
€80 - 2504 of 6
Lock cylinders seize from dirt and corrosion, key becomes difficult or impossible to turn · more· less
The physical key lock mechanisms on the Jazz GE can seize up from accumulated dirt, moisture, and corrosion inside the lock barrel. This is more common on cars parked outdoors and in humid or coastal climates. Symptoms include the key becoming increasingly stiff until it refuses completely. Lubrication with graphite or silicone spray helps in early stages, but once corroded the mechanism usually needs replacing. A new lock mechanism costs around €40-80, with labour of €40-100 depending on which door. Regular lubrication prevents the problem.
Rear suspension bush and shock wear
€200 - 5005 of 6
Rear trailing arm bushes and shock absorbers wear earlier than expected, causing knocking sounds · more· less
The rear suspension on the GE Jazz uses relatively soft shock absorbers and rubber bushes that wear earlier than expected, typically between 60,000 and 100,000 km on rough roads. Worn rear shocks produce a bouncy, unsettled ride over bumps and uneven tyre wear. Rear trailing arm bushes deteriorate and cause a knocking sound over uneven surfaces. Quality aftermarket shock absorbers cost around €50-100 per unit, with labour of €150-250 for a pair. Bush replacement is often done at the same time, adding €100-200 for parts and labour.
Engine mount deterioration
€150 - 4006 of 6
Rubber engine mounts perish after 100,000+ km, causing noticeable vibration at idle · more· less
The rubber engine mounts gradually deteriorate with age and mileage, typically becoming noticeable after 100,000-130,000 km. Symptoms include increased vibration through the steering wheel and gear lever at idle, and a clunking sensation when engaging gear. Genuine Honda mounts are recommended, as some aftermarket alternatives do not match OEM specifications. The upper mount tends to fail first. Parts cost around €50-100 per mount, with labour of €100-200 depending on which mounts need replacing.
One of the most reliable small cars of its generation
The Honda Jazz GE 1.4 has very few serious mechanical concerns. The L13Z1 engine uses a timing chain, has no turbocharger, and is known to exceed 200,000 km without major powertrain work. The biggest risk factor is the i-Shift automated manual gearbox (2008-2011 models only). Manual and post-2011 CVT versions avoid this issue entirely. Non-powertrain concerns are minor: boot water ingress through deteriorating seals, catalytic converter theft, and gradual suspension wear. With basic maintenance and sensible gearbox choice, this is one of the cheapest superminis to own long-term.
Service history
Complete Honda dealer or specialist records preferred. Verify oil changes at least every 12 months or 15,000 km.
Tyre condition
Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear indicating suspension issues. Standard size 175/65R15.
Cold start
Start the engine completely cold. Should fire immediately with no unusual sounds. Listen for tapping or rattling.
Test drive
Drive for at least 20 minutes over varied surfaces. Check for vibrations at idle and smooth gear changes.
Specific for this vehicle
Test for i-Shift judder (auto models)
On i-Shift models, drive slowly in a car park and feel for judder or hesitation when pulling away. Repeat in reverse. Any shudder indicates clutch or actuator wear.
Inspect boot for water ingress
Lift the boot floor and check the spare wheel well for standing water, dampness, or musty smell. Check the roof run channel seals for cracking.
Verify Takata airbag recall completed
This recall affects Jazz models built between 2008 and 2015. Contact Honda with the VIN to confirm the passenger airbag inflator has been replaced.
+ 4 more checksShow less
Inspect catalytic converter
Look under the car to check the catalytic converter is present and shows no signs of cutting or aftermarket replacement.
Test all door locks with the key
Turn the key in every lock. Stiffness or failure to turn indicates a seized lock barrel that will need replacing.
Check for engine vibration at idle
With the engine warm and in neutral, feel for excessive vibration through the steering wheel and gear lever. This indicates worn engine mounts.
Listen for rear suspension knocking
Drive over speed bumps and rough surfaces. Knocking or clunking from the rear indicates worn shock absorbers or trailing arm bushes.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Takata passenger airbag inflator - may rupture during deployment, releasing metal fragments (2008-2015 production)Critical - verify completed
Steel wheel tyre sidewall damage during fitting (UK campaign R/2010/090, vehicles built 30 September 2009 - 21 May 2010)Verify completed
i-Shift control unit may select reverse after a restart (campaign 5GR, vehicles built 6 May 2008 - 13 December 2011)Verify completed
Contact a Honda dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The Takata airbag recall is particularly critical and affects the majority of GE Jazz models. Note that several Jazz campaigns circulating online were issued for the previous 2002-2008 generation or for right-hand-drive markets only, so check the European notice and the VIN rather than assuming a listed campaign applies to a GE car. Honda's European recall checker can be accessed through your local Honda website.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 100,000 km)Expired on all GE Jazz models
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)May still apply to 2014-2015 models
Roof seal extended warranty (6 years)Expired on all models, but demonstrates Honda acknowledged the issue
All Honda Jazz GE models are well outside their original 3-year factory warranty. Honda offered an extended warranty on the roof seal water leak (6 years from first registration), which has also expired for all models. Third-party warranty providers may still offer coverage.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
