Holden Problems

Are you having problems with your Holden? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Holden issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the Holden in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Browse by

Show all

Jeep, Ram , Kia, Nissan, Holden, Subaru, Audi, Tesla, models recalled
By Spencer Leech · 15 May 2018
The Australian Competition and Consumer Comission (ACCC) has issued its latest round of call backs, with models from Jeep, Ram, Kia, Nissan, Holden, Subaru, Audi and Tesla subject to various manufacturing faults.Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia issued a notice for 7901 Jeep KJ Cherokee units from 2004 – 2007 as the rear lower control arms are subject to excessive corrosion, which could cause them to break and significantly reduce vehicle control.Meanwhile, 18 examples of the 2018 Jeep KL Cherokee equipped with 2.4-litre engines have also been called back due to incorrectly manufactured fuel tubes.The fault could cause a fuel leak, resulting in an increased risk of an engine compartment fire that puts occupants and bystanders in danger of burns or smoke inhalation injuries. The fuel leak could also cause the vehicle to lose power and shut down without prior warning, potentially causing an accident. American Special Vehicles has issued two recalls, the first affecting 33 Ram 2500s, and the other affecting 429 Ram DJ 2500 and 3500 pick-ups.Some 2018 Ram 2500 units that are equipped with 12-pin trailer plugs, may have a 'Trailer Brake Module' (TBM) installed with the wrong software, which could cause the trailer tail-lights to become inoperative.Secondly, both Ram DJ 2500 and D2 3500s models from 2017 and 2018 may be equipped with a faulty power steering hose. A break in the power steering hose could result in a loss of hydraulic assistance to the brake and steering systems.Kia Motors Australia (KMAu) has issued a recall notice for 1747 2017 YB Rio vehicles that may be equipped with out-of-specification rear door lock assemblies making an active child lock unnoticeably inactive.This could cause an occupant to accidentally open a rear door from the inside with the child lock on.Nissan Motor Company Australia has called back 6268 examples of its J11 Qashqai small SUV as models built between September 2017 and January 2018 may have an incorrect setting on the 'Body Control Module' (BCM), which could cause the car to not trigger a warning in the case of an indicator lamp failure.Holden's new ZB Commodore also joins the list, with 2167 examples called back as the rear left and right seatbelts may have been installed incorrectly.In the event of an accident, it is possible that the seatbelts may not operate as designed, causing an increased risk of injury.Subaru Australia's latest safety recall notice details an issue with 1876 examples of its 2013-14 model year diesel-powered Forester models equipped with manual transmissions.The affected Forester medium SUVs are subject to a fault that could see the clutch pipe rub through the wiring loom insulation, creating a short circuit and stalling the engine.Tesla Motors Australia has called back 874 2016 Tesla Model S vehicles built with Bosch steering racks.In some Model S EVs, when exposed to high-corrosion environments, the aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and weaken. According to Tesla, if these bolts fracture, the power-steering-gear-assist motor may move, causing the transmission belt to slip and reduce the level of power steering assist.Audi Australia has called back examples of its A4 sedan, Avant and Allroad, as well as the A5 Sportback, manufactured between October 2014 and October 2017. The issue effects models equipped with Bang & Olufsen sound systems, and sees part of the aluminum trim strips on the front and rear doors become detached.Owner affected by any of the aforementioned safety recalls should contact their corresponding dealers to arrange a free-of-charge repair.Those who wish to check if their vehicle is subject to a safety recall can head to the ACCC website to see a list of affected vehicle identification numbers.
Read the article
Holden Colorado 2014: What does 'Service ESP' mean?
Answered by Graham Smith · 18 May 2018

The message is to warn you that a problem has been detected with the ESP. Take it to a dealer and have them check it for you

How do Holden customer's get in contact with the brand's CEO?
Answered by Graham Smith · 18 May 2018

The first point of contact after you’ve consulted the dealer is with Holden’s Customer Care (1800 4646 5336) to lodge a claim for a refund of the cost of repairs to your car.

Holden Cruze 2013: Locked steering
Answered by Malcolm Flynn · 30 May 2018

I can certainly understand your frustration. This sounds like a reasonably common issue with the Cruze however, which along with the fact that your vehicle is now undrivable could stand you in good stead for a no-cost or at least discounted replacement outside the factory warranty period

My advice is to be the squeaky wheel until the issue is resolved.

Follow up:

Hi Malcolm, 
Thanks for your reply. I bought this car because the Commodore was bigger and more expensive. Holden have agreed for me to pay $320 instead of $590. Which is not bad but I feel it is not about the money but that this is a poorly made part. I've also asked them to reset my transmission as this gets a bit rough. 

Thanks again,

Peter

He shouldn’t have done anything without disconnecting the battery. The computer is the component that senses a crash situation and moving it has caused it to set off the airbags. My view is that it’s the mechanic’s problem.

Which small hatch should I buy for $15,000?
Answered by Matt Campbell · 30 May 2018

The Holden Spark has been discontinued in Australia, with the company citing low volume as the main issue. But if that doesn't deter you, it's still a solid buy at under $15,000. Dealers have plenty of stock still on showroom floors, and you can get really good prices on 2017-plate models for less than $15k, drive-away. Shop for the LT if this is the car you like most, because it has a better features list than the LS.

Probably best to steer clear of the regular Barina, which is admittedly bigger, but definitely not better. The current-generation model could find its way to the automotive graveyard this year, too. 

The Mirage isn't as good as either the Barina or Spark, so unless you just want a very inexpensive car, it's not high on our recommendation list. The Yaris is lagging behind the times in terms of features, but there's a reason it's a go-to for many budget car buyers: it's a strong offering for space and comfort. 

All of that said, the Kia Picanto is the budget car we'd most likely recommend, because it has a strong and long warranty and is the only one in the mix with auto emergency braking (AEB). Plus it has a reversing camera as standard (the base model Spark doesn't). 

Holden Colorado 2015: Why is the paint coming off?
Answered by Graham Smith · 18 May 2018

It’s on the surfaces most exposed to the sun, and it probably a problem with the clear coat. Have your Holden dealer check it, and perhaps show it to a painter, or pant specialist to assess the problem.

Holden Trax 2014: Various problems
Answered by Graham Smith · 18 May 2018

For starters it’s not a new car now, it’s four years old, so problems car arise with it. It’s possible you have a worn ignition switch, or it could be an electrical problem that’s behind your starting issue. Take it back to your dealer, or a mechanic to have it checked and fixed.

Holden Cruze: Does it have manual gearbox problems?
Answered by Graham Smith · 01 Jun 2018

You’re right that lots of owners have had trouble with the automatic transmission in their Cruzes, but yours being a manual isn’t affected by that problem. I wouldn’t be taking the advice to get out of it.

Holden Cruze 2010: Should I pay for a full diagnostic?
Answered by Graham Smith · 25 May 2018

 No, it’s not fair to ask you to undertake a diagnostic check at your expense. The transmission is known to be faulty, and as long as you haven’t abused it in any way, they should be replacing it free of charge without question.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
Have a new question for the CarsGuide team?
More than 9,000 questions asked and answered.
Complete guide to Holden
Complete guide to Holden CarsGuide Logo
Reviews, price, specs and more