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Holden Captiva Diesel Problems

Are you having problems with your Holden Captiva Diesel? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Holden Captiva Diesel issues & faults. We have answered all of the most frequently asked questions relating to problems with the Holden Captiva Diesel.

Holden Captiva: What's a good replacement?

Both the CX-5 and the Tribeca are good choices; they're capable, well built and reliable. Others to consider are the Kia Sportage and Sorento. While they are Korean like the Captiva, unlike the Captiva they're very good cars, well built and reliable.

Holden Captiva: Bad fuel in system

We have heard of issues with diesel engines in recent weeks, which are thought to have been caused by contaminated diesel fuel. Insiders are saying the fuel has been contaminated by a fungus during shipping, but little more is known at this stage. We are attempting to find out more.

Holden Captiva7: Excessive diesel fuel consumption

I agree. While the advertised fuel consumption figure is the result of a lab test and is intended only for comparison purposes I think it's reasonable to expect that the real life figure should be close to that figure. Given the size and weight of the Captiva a number of 9 L/100 km seems quite low, lower than I would expect. Don't expect it to improve much as the car is "run-in", that's something dealers say to out you off.

Holden Captiva: Rocker arm failure update

Some early Captivas fitted with the diesel engine may have experienced a condition whereby the camshaft rocker arm bearing could fail. In some instances this rocker arm failure was known to result in damage to the camshaft(s). A revised camshaft rocker arm assembly was released into vehicle/engine production to address this problem. These revised parts were also made available to service to replace any failed parts in the field. The service fix advice if presented with a 'Rocker arm failure', is to replace all the rocker arms with the revised parts.

Holden Captiva: Leaky engine

There has been an issue with the front seal on the diesel engine and the seal is being replaced. The problem seems to be that the engine has to be removed to replace it.

Holden Captiva diesel: Poor fuel consumption

You have experienced the problem that is the fuel consumption guide. The fuel consumption in the ads and the guide are the results of tests done under laboratory conditions, and not necessarily an accurate guide to what might happen in real life. They are meant to be used to compare one make and model against others in the same class, they're not intended to be an outright measure of real life fuel consumption. That gives carmakers the wriggle room they need to get out of a problem when customers, like you, complain. I think you are within your rights to demand that the dealer/Holden thoroughly check your car instead of fobbing you off and make sure it is within the factory specifications. Once that is done you could test your false advertising allegation, but that's a legal question best answered by others. I do, however, have some sympathy for your view.

Holden Captiva: Converting to LPG

I’m not a fan of these systems; I don’t believe they have been properly developed to a point where they are reliable. They work by substituting LPG for diesel and can damage engine if the amount of LPG is not properly controlled.

Captiva diesel reflashing

HOLDEN contacted us and advised us that they have not been reflashing Captivas to improve the fuel economy. There are a lot of people disappointed with the economy of the diesel Captiva, but I'm sure their expectations were a little too high -- 10 litres/100km isn't too bad.

Holden Captiva: Petrol vs diesel

MODERN diesels perform on a par with petrol engines now so you won't lose performance. When looking at economy, it's important to consider the higher purchase price of the diesel model and the higher fuel price.

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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