2026 GWM Cannon Alpha Owner Review2025 GWM Cannon Alpha P05 owner review

Have you experienced any reliability issues with your vehicle since you purchased it?

Yes. The car has a differential noise above 90kmph, especially at the tip in point, coasting. It also has a rough idle or similar when you reverse and slowly brake, or when you stop at the lights and have the brakes on when stopped in drive. There was some surface rust under the car. The crankshaft balancer had some issues as well and was replaced. The differential and rough idling issue hasn't been resolved, and it does impact my confidence in the car.

Service centre has been great. They had the rear differential replaced, and they also found the differential oil was milky at 500km after I complained, so they replaced it.

However, they compared my car with another demo car and showed that both cars have the same problem, i.e. rear differential noise and rough idling. Which seems to be poor design or a batch defect.

Have you had to make any warranty claims?

Yes, the crankshaft balancer was replaced, and rear diff was replaced. Also had a warranty claim on the surface rust. The warranty work was hassle-free however, they haven't been able to resolve the diff noise and the rough idling, and claim it to be part of the car's characteristics.

Has your vehicle been serviced at least once since you took ownership?

Yes, the car was serviced at 5000km, the next is due at 15,000km.

It was serviced at National Capital Motors GWM at Belconnen, ACT. Service experience was good, we had no issues with the service quality. It was all done in a timely manner.

Overall, are you satisfied with your ownership experience so far?

Yes. I enjoy the 4WD features, it's comfortable to drive, and for the passengers and is genuinely great value for money.

Given the current issues, I am unlikely to recommend the car or rather, would say test your car for these issues and then buy. I would probably consider the PHEV version or maybe just the Cannon and not the Alpha until they sort out these issues. Wish it just came as a regular car with no packaged issues.

This reader’s experience with the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha P05

I purchased my 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra new, expecting a premium, refined dual-cab given its positioning and price. While the vehicle offers good comfort, strong on-paper features, and capable 4WD systems, my ownership experience has been dominated by repeated and unresolved mechanical issues from very low kilometres.

At around 600km, the vehicle developed a noticeable rear differential howling noise above 90km/h, particularly during light throttle or coasting. Inspection found the differential oil to be milky, suggesting water contamination. At around 1200km, the vehicle exhibited rough idling and vibration, with noise traced to the crankshaft balancer, which was identified as a manufacturing defect and later replaced. Rust was also found under the vehicle and required treatment.

Despite these repairs, the rear differential continued to exhibit noise and was eventually replaced under warranty. The vehicle also developed a repeatable shudder when reversing, while turning, or braking, and a vibration when stationary in Drive with the brakes applied. These issues remain unresolved despite multiple visits.

At under 4000km, the vehicle was subject to a safety recall relating to the electronic power steering wiring harness, which carries the risk of power steering loss or engine shutdown. Combined with the ongoing drivetrain and idle issues, this significantly impacted my confidence in the vehicle’s safety and reliability.

I want to acknowledge that National Capital Motors GWM Belconnen have been professional and cooperative throughout. However, after major component replacements and extended time off the road, the same problems persist. The vehicle was even compared against another new Cannon Alpha, which demonstrated similar behaviours, suggesting a broader design or production issue.

While the Cannon Alpha offers good value and comfort, I would strongly advise prospective buyers to thoroughly test drive for differential noise, vibration at idle, and reversing shudder before purchasing. Until these issues are properly addressed, I would hesitate to recommend this model.

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