Alright, let’s talk Great Wall. If you’re driving one of these in the UK, you’re likely behind the wheel of a Steed—the workhorse pick-up that arrived about a decade ago promising a lot of metal for not a lot of money. I’ve seen plenty of these come through my workshop doors here in Perthshire. They’re honest bits of kit, but let’s be real: when you’re buying at the budget end of the market, you have to be extra sharp about maintenance and safety recalls. In my 32 years on the tools, I’ve learned that smaller brands sometimes have a harder time reaching second and third owners when a fault is found, so you’ve got to take the initiative.
Great Wall’s presence in the UK has been a bit of a roller coaster. They launched with the Steed, went quiet for a bit, and now we’re seeing the 'GWM ORA' brand popping up with electric cars like the 03 (formerly the Funky Cat). Whether you’ve got an old diesel Steed that’s spent its life hauling sheep hurdles or a brand-new electric hatch, the recall process is the same. It’s the manufacturer's way of saying, 'We’ve spotted a boo-boo that could be dangerous,' and it’s my job to make sure you don't ignore it. A recall isn't a sign of a rubbish car; even the high-end German brands have them by the bucketload. The danger only comes when the letter from the DVLA gets shoved in a kitchen drawer and forgotten about.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through how Great Wall handles these issues in the UK market, what specific areas I tend to see problems with, and exactly how you can check if your motor is affected. We’re not talking about minor rattles or squeaks here—we’re talking about safety-critical stuff like brakes, steering, and fuel systems. If you're a Great Wall owner, pull up a stool and give this a read; it might save you a lot of grief (and a hefty repair bill) down the line.
In the UK, the recall process is a strictly regulated dance between the manufacturer (Great Wall Motor/GWM), the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), and you, the owner. When a safety defect is identified—whether it’s through internal testing or reports from garages like mine—Great Wall is legally obligated to inform the DVSA. Once the DVSA agrees that it’s a safety risk, the recall is formalised. Great Wall then uses the DVLA’s database to find the name and address of every registered keeper of the affected VINs. This is why it’s so important to keep your V5C logbook up to date; if you’ve moved house and didn't tell the DVLA, that recall letter is going to your old address, and your car stays dangerous.
For Great Wall owners, the challenge is that the dealer network isn't as dense as Ford or Vauxhall. In the UK, GWM often operates through specialist distributors (historically IM Group, who also handle Subaru and Isuzu). When a recall is issued, you’ll receive a letter—usually by registered post if it’s serious—explaining the fault, the potential risk, and what you need to do. Usually, it’s a case of booking the car into an authorised service centre. The work is always free of charge. I’ve had customers worry that because their Steed is eight years old and out of warranty, they’ll have to pay. That’s not how it works. A safety recall is for the life of the vehicle. If GWM finds a flaw in a 10-year-old chassis, they still have to fix it for free.
It’s also worth noting that Great Wall often issues 'Technical Service Bulletins' or 'Quality Campaigns'. These aren't always 'safety' recalls, so you won't get a letter from the DVSA. Instead, these are usually fixed when you take the car in for its annual service. This is one of the biggest arguments for staying within the dealer network for servicing, at least while the brand is still establishing its footprint in the UK.
When it comes to the Great Wall range in the UK, specifically the Steed pick-up, the recalls and common issues often centre around the hard-working components. While I won't list every minor TSB, there are several areas where we've seen documented safety concerns. One of the most significant areas for any pick-up, including the Steed, involves the braking system. I've seen recalls related to brake fluid leaks or issues with the brake master cylinder. On a heavy vehicle designed for towing, a loss of hydraulic pressure is the last thing you want coming down a steep glen road. If your brake pedal feels 'spongy' or travels further than usual, don't wait for a letter; get it checked.
Another area that has seen attention is the fuel system. In the early days of the Steed's UK tenure, there were concerns regarding fuel hoses and potential leaks. In my experience, the rubber compounds used on some budget imports didn't always play nice with the high ethanol content in modern UK fuels (like E10), leading to premature perishing. A fuel leak isn't just a fire hazard; it's a massive MOT failure and a waste of money. We’ve also seen recalls related to electrical harnesses—specifically, wiring that wasn't routed correctly, leading to chafing against the chassis. If a wire rubs through, it can cause anything from a blown fuse to a complete engine cutout at 60mph.
More recently, with the introduction of the GWM ORA electric models, the focus has shifted to software and high-voltage safety. For example, there have been updates regarding the 'Park' function and charging port locks. While these feel 'softer' than a mechanical brake failure, they are just as vital for safety. If the car thinks it's in Park but the electronic pawl hasn't engaged properly, you’ve got a runaway vehicle on your hands. Always check if your ORA needs a firmware flash; these are often handled as 'Service Campaigns' rather than full-blown DVSA recalls, but they are just as important for the longevity of the battery system.
While some recalls are 'silent' (meaning you won't notice anything until it's too late), others give you a bit of a warning. If you’re driving a Great Wall, keep your ears and feet tuned for these symptoms that often point toward common recall areas:
- A 'spongy' or soft brake pedal that sinks slowly to the floor when you're stopped at traffic lights—could indicate a master cylinder or hydraulic leak.
- The smell of raw diesel around the exterior of the vehicle, particularly near the rear wheel arches or the engine bay.
- Flickering dashboard lights or random electrical gremlins, which often point to the wiring loom chafing issues I mentioned earlier.
- A heavy or 'notchy' feeling in the steering, especially on the Steed models, which could indicate a dry ball joint or steering column U-joint issue.
- On the ORA electric models, if you experience difficulty engaging 'Drive' or 'Park,' or if the charging cable won't release, these are often signs that a software update (recall) is required.
- Any unusual rattling from the underside of the vehicle, which might suggest heat shields or fuel line clips have come loose—a common minor recall point.
Checking for a recall on a Great Wall isn't rocket science, but you’ve got to be methodical. The first port of call for any UK owner should be the official Government recall portal (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall). This database is fed directly by the DVSA and covers safety-critical issues. You just type in your registration number, and it’ll flag if there’s an 'outstanding' recall. However, be aware that this site only tracks major safety alerts; smaller technical service bulletins (TSBs) won't show up here.
For a more detailed look, you need your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). On a Great Wall Steed, you’ll usually find this stamped on a plate visible through the bottom of the windscreen on the passenger side, or stamped onto the chassis frame behind one of the front wheels. It’s also printed on your V5C logbook. Take that 17-digit number and phone a Great Wall authorised service centre. Even though the brand isn't as prominent as it once was, there is still a network of service providers. They can plug your VIN into their global database to see if there are any 'campaigns'—which is just a fancy word for fixes—that haven't been completed yet. Don't rely on the dashboard lights to tell you; many mechanical recalls don't trigger a warning light until something actually snaps.
If you find out your Great Wall has an active recall, the first thing to do is: don't panic, but don't dawdle either. The risk described in the recall notice is usually a 'worst-case scenario,' but that doesn't mean it won't happen. The very next step is to call an authorised Great Wall or GWM ORA service centre. Tell them you have an outstanding safety recall, give them your VIN, and they should prioritse your booking. If the recall is for something critical, like steering or brakes, ask them if the car is safe to drive to the dealership. In extreme cases, the manufacturer might even arrange for the car to be recovered (towed) to the garage.
While you’re waiting for your appointment, keep an eye out for symptoms related to the recall. If it’s a fuel leak issue, sniff around the car after it’s been parked. If it’s a braking issue, avoid heavy towing or steep descents. Once the work is done, make sure the dealer stamps your service book or gives you a receipt clearly stating the recall reference number has been completed. This is vital for your car’s paper trail. When you eventually come to sell the car or trade it in, a savvy buyer (or a mechanic like me doing a pre-purchase inspection) will check this. An outstanding recall can knock hundreds off the value of the car or stop a sale entirely.