Honda N-WGN Custom common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 6 faults the Honda N-WGN Custom is known for (2013–2019), 5 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
Known problems on the Honda N-WGN Custom
Engine cuts out, dash goes dark
Safety risk
2013–2015 · Electrical
What to look for: Ask if it has ever cut out while driving, and watch the dash for blanking with all the electrics on.
Why it matters: The Japanese campaign records 78 cases where noise from the car's own electrical accessories made the power-control unit misbehave, so the relay feeding the engine control computer dropped out, the instrument panel went dark and the engine stopped while the car was moving. The remedy is a noise filter added to the supply circuit. The same notification also covers ignition-coil breakdown with 571 recorded cases.
What to look for: Check the electric park brake applies and releases every time over six goes, with no warning on the dash.
Why it matters: Honda Japan filed two failure modes together: a crimped motor terminal and commutator problem inside the actuator, and a spring package stroke setting that makes the motor work too hard on release. Either can make the stability system judge a fault, light the warning, and leave the parking brake unable to apply - or unable to release. The remedy is replacement of both parking brake assemblies.
What to look for: Ask for proof the steering shaft recall was done, shown as a new steering shaft on an invoice.
Why it matters: The Japanese notification is blunt about the end state: the joint can pull off the steering gearbox and the driver loses the ability to steer. The cause is an incorrect assembly instruction, so it is a build fault that can sit on the car from new until the joint works free.
What to look for: Listen for an uneven idle from cold, and feel for a stumble or hesitation when you press the accelerator hard.
Why it matters: The noise-suppression resistor inside the coil can go open circuit from arcing. Honda Japan says the car can run rough with the engine lamp lit and, at worst, the engine can stop - either because the coil output collapses or because ignition noise stops the engine computer controlling properly.
What to look for: Look for recall stickers in the driver's door frame and ask a Honda dealer to check the passenger airbag recall.
Why it matters: The notification says the airbag was sewn improperly so the seam strength is inadequate, and in a crash the seam can tear and the bag not deploy properly, reducing occupant protection. The remedy is a replacement passenger airbag module. This is a safety system that will not announce itself as faulty at any point before it is needed.
What to look for: Look in the driver's door frame near the latch for small numbered recall stickers, and photograph each one.
Why it matters: Every Japanese recall schedule in this overlay ends with the same line: completed vehicles get a sticker bearing the campaign number near the driver's-side door striker. Nothing in a New Zealand recall lookup covers Japanese campaign numbers, so for an import this sticker cluster is often the only outstanding-work evidence physically on the car.
Got a question about a Honda N-WGN Custom? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
Also check on every car
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.