Holden Cruze Gearbox & Transmission Problems

The transmission is the same as the one being replaced. Will it be any better? Maybe.

You need to mount a case for compensation with Holden’s Customer Care service (1800 033 349). It is a known problem, but you have to remember your car is six years old and the warranty expired a long time ago.

Unless you are buying a manual I would rule the Cruze out, the automatic is trouble in that model and not worth the risk. If you do but a Cruze I would choose the 1.8-litre engine. Others to think of are the Hyundai i30, Mazda 3, or Mitsubishi Lancer.

The transmission in the Cruze has been a major problem, but it seems that Holden has accepted that it’s an issue in your case by offering to replace it. But to link the cooler failure to the transmission problem you need evidence, and you don’t have that. If you feel strongly that Holden hasn’t responded the way it should have you should take your case to the state government consumer affairs people.

It's probably easier to eliminate those that don't stack up, those being the VW Golf, Holden Cruze and Ford Focus.

All have transmission questions over them.

The best options would be the Mazda 3 and the Hyundai i30.

No a five-year-old car shouldn’t suffer such a major failure like that, but the Cruze does and there are hundreds, if not thousands, of other owners asking the same question having suffered the same problem with the automatic transmission.

It’s a well-known and documented problem and Holden were once replacing transmissions free of charge. You could approach Holden’s customer assistance people (Ph: 1800 033 349) and ask that your transmission be replaced as a gesture of goodwill. The cost you have been quoted for a replacement transmission is about right, but be sure that you are getting a new transmission.

I reckon you could fit it, but I would recommend you seek the advice of an automatic transmission mechanic who should be able to tell you about any pitfalls of such a transplant.

The Cruze transmission is a major problem and what you have experienced is common. The transmission needs to be replaced. Don't accept what the dealer is saying; have them approach Holden about getting a new transmission.

Thanks for the tip, it's a good one.

You need to get it fixed, without doing that you car is seriously devalued. I would approach Holden, either through your Holden dealer or directly through the company's Customer assistance service and try and negotiate a deal to have the gearbox replaced.