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.

You’re not alone; the auto transmission in that model is well known to give trouble. As the car is now seven years old and has done 116,000 km it is well outside the warranty on both counts, so you’re not likely to get much of a hearing from Holden. But it is worth approaching the company about replacing the transmission for you free of charge, or at the very least, at a discount. Tell then that you know there is a problem with that transmission, and that you understand that they have replaced transmissions free of charge in the past.

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.

The problem could well be a radiator problem, one not related to the incident with the kangaroo. It’s not uncommon for the transmission oil cooler in the radiator to fail. To try and determine the cause have the appraised by an independent assessor.

You’re right, there have been a lot of problems with the Cruze gearbox, and Holden have replaced a number over the years. That said you can try to get some help in replacing the transmission by calling Holden Customer Care on 1800 033 349.