Holden Cruze Problems

I couldn’t recommend the Cruze; there are too many problems with its auto transmission, as we have reported here at CarsGuide. Look at the Mazda2 or Mazda3, Toyota Yaris or Corolla, which are generally trouble free.

Sometimes new engines use oil because the rings are not properly bedded in, but yours is two years old and that shouldn't be a problem. What's normal? My car, I won't say the brand, doesn't use any oil between oil changes. If I saw it was using, even a small amount, I would suspect something is wrong. Other brands use oil as a matter of course. I wouldn't like to see any more than 250 ml used per 1000 km. If it does take it to your dealer and check it; if it doesn't keep a close eye on it.

Take it to a Holden dealer and have them assess the transmission for you. If your mechanic is correct and the transmission does need to be replaced request Holden to do it free of charge. The transmission in the Cruze of that year is known to be faulty, and Holden has replaced many without charge.

Yes, you could approach Holden and present to them a case for reimbursement of the cost of repairs. Transmission problems are common with the Cruze, we have reported numerous in CarsGuide and it’s not an unknown to Holden. The company has in many cases replaced the transmission free of charge, so I think you would have a good case for getting your money back. Having had the repairs done by a Holden dealer should help you with your case. I doubt that you would be successful in getting any extra costs back, such as the hire car, but you could try.

There is a long and sad history of transmission failures on the Holden Cruze, and yours appears to be yet another case. Go direct to Holden and register your complaint and don't accept the explanation Holden has previously given to you. That's not the problem, the real problem is that the automatic transmission in the Cruze is prone to failure. Holden is replacing problem transmissions for owners who make enough noise, so go for it. If you get fobbed off again go straight to the CEO.

It's good that a Holden dealer has assessed it. I hope you have a written report from them to say the transmission is stuffed. Get on the phone and call Holden Customer Assistance people (1800 033 349) and register the problem with them, and ask for their help in replacing the transmission. The Cruze's auto transmission is clearly a problem and Holden needs to help people who have spent good money on their cars only to find they've got a fatal flaw.

I agree that it is frustrating for such a new car to be troubled in such a way, but I expect Holden will fix it. The company has been pretty good at repairing or replacing faulty transmissions in the Cruze once it has been established that the transmission is the problem. Do as Holden requests, have it towed to your dealer for assessment. I am confident it will work out for you.

Of those you have been looking at I would rule out the Cruze on the basis of its transmission troubles. The Focus and the Hyundai are good cars and would do what you want nicely. Others to consider would be the Mazda3 and the Kia Rio.

Go back to Holden and attempt to convince them that they should replace the transmission free of charge. They sold you a transmission that is faulty and in my view they should replace it without charge. If the Customer Care people refuse your request, go to the CEO of the company, it has worked for other owners with this problem.

Update 17/7/2015: 

Ms Alyaseri has informed us that after contacting Holden boss Mark Bernhard directly, Holden has agreed to cover the cost of a new transmission. 

No, it's not normal, but the Cruze has a problem with the automatic transmission and you are not alone. Take the car to a Holden dealer and have them assess it for you. If it does need a new transmission ask Holden to do it at its expense.