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    Holden Commodore 2009: Timing chain failure

    Holden Holden Advice Holden Commodore Holden Commodore Advice Holden Commodore 2009

    My young apprentice son bought a 2009 SV6 Commodore Sportswagon about three years ago. He bought it from the original owner that had had it serviced at Holden. We have serviced it since, using only the best oils, and often earlier than needed. It's been playing up for the last 18 months. The check ignition light keeps coming up.

    The dealer said it was the timing chain that is stuffed, as suspected, because the timing chains in these vehicles are not up to scratch.

    They altered the computer program to temporarily accommodate this but said the chain would need to be replaced within 12 months, and it would cost $2500-$3000 to do it.

    We now find that this was a Holden stuff-up. They knew the cheap version timing chain they put in to this car was defective/below standard. It was a manufacturing problem, but there has been no recall. My son put it to them when told today, and they changed the subject very quickly and didn't want to know about it.

    We have spent money already to diagnose the problem. He is an apprentice and can't afford big repairs on a car that has only done approx. 115,000 km and was immaculate upon purchase.

    Do we have any recourse with Holden, seeing though it has long been known to be a problem with this car? Do I need to ring Holden Customer Service direct and complain?

    Answered by CarsGuide
    11 November 2016
    Graham Smith

    The problem with the timing chain is well documented, and would have come to your attention had you researched that model before you bought it. It's not a safety issue, hence no recall, but Holden did revise the timing chain in an attempt to fix it. Call Holden directly and lodge your complaint, but I doubt that you would have any success on a car that is now seven years old.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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