Holden Captiva Problems

The company is recalling 51,387 of its imported Korean-built Captiva, Barina, Epica and Viva models after the Korean arm of GM found corrosion issues in the brake control unit, one of the larger recalls in the company's history.The recall notice said General Motors identified a condition where, in some instances, these vehicles may experience a reduced brake performance and or a spongy low brake pedal due to a sticky valve within the electronic brake control module (EBCM).The recall covers 8195 model-year (MY) 2009 and 2010 Barina hatches and sedans built between 2009-2010, 27,778  MY2007-2010 Series I Captiva SUVs, 3723 Epica sedans (MY2008-2010) and 11,691 MY2007-2008 Vivas. GM Holden spokesperson Kate Lonsdale said there have been no incidents of this occurring in Australia. "It has come from a GM Korea initiated recall, we've not actually picked up the condition here - one of the reasons is the brake fluid that we use, or if you get it serviced at Holden dealer, the recommended brake fluid has not been found to cause the condition," she said.Ms Lonsdale said the company was erring on the side of caution as other types of brake fluid might have been used. 'We haven't seen the condition here, but there is still the potential so we want to bring the cars in to double-check as a precautionary measure," she said.Owners are advised to contact Holden to organise a free check on their vehicle. "The check can take two hours for the inspection and they will also do a brake bleed, it will take longer if there is any corrosion found they will also have to replace the (EBCM).""There are no cases here in Australia, we're just making sure and erring on the side of caution, and secondly there's no brake failure, it's a slight reduction and progressive reduction in brake performance and the pedal will become spongy," Ms Lonsdale said.In early 2008 Holden had to recall 88,000 VE Commodore (and WM long-wheelbase models) to fix a fuel lines in the engine compartment that might have rubbed against a fuel vapor hose clip and leaked fuel into the engine bay. The company also recalled more than 90,000 (120,000 if you include exports) examples of the VY Commodore and long-wheelbase WK and WM models after issues relating to unintentional deployment of the side airbag. In late 1996 Holden recalled 75,000 Commodores after automatic transmission problem led to several cars catching fire. Holden will be contacting registered owners by mail but owners are advised to contact a Holden dealer or call the Holden Recall and Rework Assistance Line on 1800 632 826 for more information. 

Holden Captiva is a medium-large SUV that has a lot of Australian input in its design and engineering teams. It is available in two slightly different body styles, with the MaXX having a sporty look and five seats, while the other body type can be purchased as a five- or seven-seater.The third row seats are larger than those in many of Captiva’s seven-seat competitors and, while still better suited to children than adults, can carry the grownups in reasonable comfort.Storage space when all seven seats are in place is severely restricted, hardly unusual in this size of vehicle. The seats can the folded down in a variety of ways and, when all are flat, you have up to 1565 litres of luggage space.There are a number of smaller stowage compartments including a large wet/dry area beneath the load compartment floor. Interior storage is excellent, with seatback pockets; a glovebox cooler; front and rear centre console storage; door bins; drink holders; and an overhead sunglasses holderWhen introduced in 2007 the only Captiva powerplant was a 3.2-litre V6 petrol built by Holden. The engine was shipped to the South Korean factory to be installed in Captivas used on many global markets. A 2.0-litre diesel engine was added to the range in March 2007.Initially all Holden Captiva models used the same part-time 4WD system, with drive normally being to the front wheels and the rear wheels being engaged when extra traction was demanded.The 4WD system is well engineered and the Holden Captiva can tackle some quite tough off-road areas as it has good approach and departure angles. It’s not a heavy-duty 4WD but can go surprisingly far in the hands of an experienced operator.A 2WD version, through the front wheels, was introduced in December 2009. Called the Captiva 5 and using the MaXX style body it’s a five-seater powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.A five-speed automatic with tiptronic-style manual override was the only transmission option until the arrival of the Captiva 5, which is offered with a six-speed manual as well as an automatic transmission. The automatics were upgraded to six forward ratios with the introduction of an upgraded Captiva in February 2011.All Captiva models come with electronic stability control, ABS brakes with brake assist, traction control, active rollover protection and descent control. There are dual front airbags in all models with side curtain airbags optional in the lower cost models and standard on the others.Holden is very well represented in most areas of Australia and dealers in all regions are likely to carry the more common spare parts for the Captiva. Other components can usually be shipped in within a couple of working days. Prices are lower than average for an imported vehicle in this class.Parts and servicing costs are reasonable and the relatively simple layout of the Captiva means the good amateur mechanic can do a fair bit of their own work. Safety related items should only be worked on by professionals.Insurance costs are pretty reasonable and we haven’t seen a big variation between companies. However, it’s always smart to shop around for the best deal making sure that you’re comparing apples with apples when doing so.Check for rust in the lower area of the body and in a Captiva that may have been used on the beach. Look over the interior for signs of dirt having been ground into carpets. Similarly, check for damage and/or stains on the seats.Look for off-road damage to the bumper corners, the door sills and for light scratches in the paintwork on the doors and the front guards. If the load area has been used to cart heavy gear and/or has been damaged by poor loading and/or fastening there could be severe damage to the carpets. Again, signs of sand may be bad news.Engines that are slow to start or blow smoke when worked hard may be due for major repairs. Automatic transmissions that don’t go into Drive quickly when moved from Neutral or Reverse may need servicing.So few SUVs ever get taken off-road that it’s probably worth passing up one that has been used as an SUV. Silly, isn’t it?