Holden Cruze Problems

The car is still under warranty, so you should expect that the repairs would be covered. It’s no unreasonable that they want the car for a full day; you have to give them every chance to find the cause. As they claim they couldn’t find the problem when driving the car, it would be a good idea if you were to test-drive it with them to demonstrate the problem you are concerned about. That way there is no doubt in your mind or theirs about what it is you feel needs to be fixed. The fact that the transmission oil is very black suggests there is something wrong internally. Have the diagnostic check done, and then work out who pays for what and what needs to be done to get your car running again properly.

I would question the dealer’s competence and seek a second opinion from another mechanic. I suspect they misdiagnosed the problem in the first instance, and think that perhaps it wasn’t a faulty injector. If you go ahead and give them the approval to pull the engine apart you will be liable for the costs, and you will be liable for any costs for repairs that come out of that.

I’d say it’s got the dreaded Cruze automatic transmission disease. It’s common in that model and it’s likely the transmission will have to be replaced. Contact Holden Customer Care on 1800 033 349 and see if they do.

The car is six years old, and was bought used, so you are unlikely to get any sympathy at Holden. You need to negotiate with the dealer who sold it to you, but I doubt that you will get any support there either. Your choices are to persist with it and hope that it doesn’t have any more gearbox issues, or unload it.

It’s in the zone, so I would be very cautious about buying it. If you can, check its history to see if there has been any trouble with the automatic transmission, and consider having it checked by an automatic transmission specialist.

It is a common problem. Contact Holden’s customer service (1800 033 349) and lodge a claim to have the transmission replaced.

It’s cars built around 2010/2011 that are the ones affected with the transmission problem, which is the most concerning one. You should be safe in buying the 2013 model, and you have done the right thing in checking the service history.

The offer you have been made is pretty standard one, and not a bad one given that your car is now eight years old. If you want to pursue Holden for the full amount it would be best to consult the state consumer affairs department in Perth and get their advice.

Of those choices the Mitsubishi Mirage would appear to be the best option. It is the newest, has the fewest kilometres, and is the cheapest. It’s also reliable and should give you good service. In order of preference I would suggest the Toyota Corolla and the Holden Cruze.

Earlier models were trouble, but the later ones appear to be reliable. I wouldn’t be concerned about signing up for it.