Honda Step WGN 5th Gen Review: Problems & Technical Guide

The fifth-generation Honda Step WGN is rightfully considered one of the most popular Japanese minivans on the used car market. This vehicle attracts buyers with its spacious interior and reputation as a reliable means of transportation. However, every model has its own characteristics that potential owners should be aware of.

Model History and Main Specifications

The fifth generation of the Honda Step WGN was introduced in April 2015, becoming a significant update to the popular minivan lineup. The model received modern design and updated technical specifications while maintaining the main advantages of previous generations.

Honda's designers chose not to complicate the powertrain lineup. At the time of production launch, the minivan was equipped with a single engine and one transmission. This approach allowed them to focus on the quality and reliability of the main components. The model range included seven- and eight-seat versions, as well as front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, allowing buyers to choose the optimal configuration depending on their needs.

Unique Waku Waku Gate System

One of the main features of the fifth-generation Step WGN was the innovative Waku Waku Gate rear door opening system. The name comes from a Japanese expression meaning "exciting" or "thrilling."

The highlight of this system is that the rear door consists of two parts and can open in two ways: the classic way with a solid panel upward or with a side flap in a 70/30 ratio. This solution significantly simplifies access to the cargo compartment in conditions of limited space, which is especially relevant when parking in tight conditions.

L15B Powertrain

The base engine for the fifth-generation Step WGN was a completely new four-cylinder turbocharged L15B engine with a 1.5-liter displacement and direct fuel injection system. This unit paired with a CVT provided decent dynamic characteristics with moderate fuel consumption.

L15B Engine Operation Features

Despite its modern design, the L15B engine has several features that are important to consider during operation. Honda's designers did not equip this engine with hydraulic lifters, which requires periodic adjustment of valve clearances. This procedure should be performed by qualified specialists at certain intervals.

The throttle body requires regular attention and should be cleaned at every second service. Spark plug replacement is also necessary every second valve adjustment. The car comes from the factory with iridium spark plugs, which ensure stable engine operation. When replacing, it is recommended to use plugs with similar characteristics from proven manufacturers.

2017 Facelift and Hybrid Version

In the fall of 2017, the model underwent a facelift, the main achievement of which was the appearance of a hybrid version. The new powertrain received the **LFA designation** and was a combination of a two-liter naturally aspirated engine with an electric motor.

Sport Hybrid i-MMD System

The Honda Sport Hybrid i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) hybrid powertrain includes a two-liter R-series gasoline engine, a 135 kW electric motor, a high-voltage battery, and a special CVT. The base R-series engine appeared back in 2006, but after modernization and the addition of an electric component, it got a second life. This system was also used on the Honda Accord and Odyssey.

Hybrid Version Features

The main weak point of the hybrid version is the high-voltage battery, whose lifespan is approximately 200,000 kilometers. The R-series engine creates certain discomfort due to increased vibration and noise during operation, especially noticeable during engine warm-up. The characteristic tapping of the adsorber valve is a normal phenomenon and does not indicate a malfunction.

The hybrid version has high requirements for fuel and engine oil quality. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to premature failure of catalysts and oxygen sensors, and the absence of hydraulic lifters requires periodic valve clearance adjustment, as in the case of the L15B engine.

Denso Fuel Pump Problem

At the end of 2023, Honda announced a recall of more than one million vehicles due to a defect in the fuel pump manufactured by Denso. The problem affected Step WGNs produced from June 2017 to September 2020. This defect became part of a large-scale scandal involving eight automakers, including all key Japanese brands: Toyota, Daihatsu, Suzuki, Mazda, and Subaru. The total number of recalled vehicles approached four million units.

The essence of the problem lies in the possible deformation of the fuel pump impeller, which can lead to engine starting problems, unexpected engine shutdown during operation, or complete blockage of fuel supply. Honda recorded 422 cases of this malfunction. Fortunately, none of them led to traffic accidents.

Transmission and All-Wheel Drive System

All versions of the fifth-generation Step WGN are equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This transmission requires regular maintenance to ensure long and reliable operation. It is recommended to update the transmission fluid every 40,000 kilometers along with replacing gaskets and filters, both external and internal.

After 70-90 thousand kilometers, fogging often occurs at the junction of the engine and transmission due to seal wear. In such cases, both seals are usually changed simultaneously with the main seal ring. The all-wheel drive system generally shows good reliability and does not create serious problems even under intensive operation.

Chassis and Suspension

The Step WGN chassis demonstrates a range in durability. Some owners experience problems at low mileage, while others' suspensions work without complaints for 100-120 thousand kilometers. The only mass problem concerns squeaking of the stabilizer bar bushings, which is solved by replacing them with quality non-original bushings.

Main chassis problems begin to appear after 50-60 thousand kilometers, when a dull knocking appears when driving over bumps. The cause is either the front strut support bearings or the front control arm bushings. Bushings are easily repressed, and many experienced Honda owners recommend installing parts from the eighth-generation Accord when replacing, which allegedly last longer, although additional spacer bushings will be required during installation.

Stabilizer bar links usually fail by 110,000 km, ball joints serve up to 130-140 thousand kilometers. The traditional Honda problem also affected the Step WGN in the form of a relatively short steering rack lifespan. However, the market offers a wide selection of quality rebuilt units at reasonable prices.

Brake System

The Step WGN brake system receives mixed reviews from owners. Brake discs last about 100,000 kilometers, pads require replacement approximately twice during this period. Among owners, there are different opinions regarding the effectiveness of the standard brake system. Some believe it copes well with any operating conditions, while others claim the system is prone to overheating in hot weather.

Many owners resort to brake system modernization by installing components from the Honda Elysion minivan, including calipers, brake discs, and pads. Such modernization requires certain modifications but is quite feasible and improves braking efficiency. When buying a car, it is advisable to clarify with the previous owner whether brake system modernization was performed to avoid confusion during subsequent maintenance.

Engine Oil and Fuel

Both Step WGN engines (L15B and hybrid LFA) have high requirements for fuel and engine oil quality. Despite the factory maintenance schedule, owners recommend changing oil every 5,000 kilometers, preferring original Honda oil, which contains special additives in the right quantity.

The Step WGN is demanding regarding gasoline quality and needs regular injector cleaning. Even with careful operation, injectors may require replacement after 90-100 thousand kilometers, which is quite a modest figure for a modern engine.

Electronics and Additional Equipment

Overall, the Step WGN's electronic systems work reliably, but there is one known problem related to the camera module located on the windshield. This module is responsible for driver assistance systems and may begin to overheat severely, leading to unstable assistant operation, error messages on the dashboard, and error code U3000-49 in the system memory.

One probable cause of the malfunction is the installation of non-standard alarm systems, so special caution should be exercised when choosing a security system and only trusted specialists should be contacted. If the module fails, the entire unit must be purchased, as camera calibration does not solve the problem and errors are not deleted from the system memory.

Body and Paint Quality

The Step WGN body generally demonstrates good quality, but the geometry of the lower body part contributes to the accumulation of stones flying from under the front wheels, which can lead to chips in the lower part of the rear doors. For protection, it is recommended to install front mud flaps, which significantly reduce the amount of small stones and dirt hitting the body.

External chrome elements require special attention and protection from external factors. There are several options for solving the chrome wear problem. The simplest and most budget-friendly solution is painting all chrome parts in body color, which many owners do. A more expensive but aesthetic option is wrapping in protective film, although much depends on the craftsman's professionalism and the quality of the chosen film. The most expensive restoration method is re-chroming all parts to avoid color mismatch.

Ground Clearance and Protection

Like most Japanese cars for the domestic market, the Step WGN has relatively low ground clearance. To improve off-road capability, owners use polyurethane spacers up to 20 mm high above the rear suspension springs and above the front struts. An alternative solution is installing engine compartment protection, which protects the engine oil pan from damage when contacting obstacles.

Heating System

Step WGN owners often face the problem of slow heating of the large cabin, so many install additional heaters of various designs. When buying a car with an already installed additional heating system, it is important to find out the type of installed equipment, its location, operating principle, and maintenance requirements. This will help avoid unpleasant surprises in the future and properly operate the additional equipment.

Conclusion

The fifth-generation Honda Step WGN represents a worthy minivan with a good balance of reliability, practicality, and comfort. Despite having certain features and problem areas, with proper maintenance and operation, this vehicle can serve long and reliably.

The vehicle requires regular maintenance according to manufacturer recommendations, use of quality fuel and oils, timely replacement of consumables, and careful attention to the condition of the chassis and brake system. With proper parts selection and quality service, the Step WGN will become a reliable companion for family trips and daily use, fully justifying the reputation of Japanese quality and demonstrating high reliability of right-hand drive vehicles from the domestic market.

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