Holden Cruze Problems

Ford was having heaps of trouble with its dual-clutch automatic transmission back then, so it would be wise not to take the risk of buying one. Holden was in just as much trouble with the torque-converted auto in the Cruze, and I would urge you not to go down that route either. Instead of those, consider a Toyota Camry.

They have a lot or problems with the automatic transmission. If you really want to buy a Cruze buy one with a manual gearbox. Apart from the automatic transmission problems they aren’t too bad in terms of reliability. Parts aren’t expensive and they don’t a lot to service.

I assume it depends on the gradient involved and it doesn’t happen on every hill, just the steeper ones. It seems that’s the way it is calibrated to work.

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.

That model Cruze was plagued with gearbox problems like yours. Holden was replacing the gearbox free of charge as a gesture of good will, and you might be able to convince them to do the same for you, but as yours is seven years old you might have trouble mounting a compelling case.

If Holden refuses your request you could take your case to the ACCC.

Had you done your homework you would have found that the gearbox in that model Cruze is a lemon. The price you have been quoted to replace the gearbox seems reasonable. You could try negotiating with the company that issued the warranty, but I doubt you have a realistic chance of getting any help.

I wouldn’t recommend the Cruze, there have been too many problems with them. The Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Hyundai Elantra are all good, reliable cars with plenty of performance for the class. Any one of them would be a good choice.