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.

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Holden recalls 3000 Captiva SUVs
By Joshua Dowling · 16 Apr 2015
Holden is recalling almost 3000 of its Captiva family SUVs because the car could lurch forward by itself if the keys are left in the ignition of certain models.The car maker is attempting to contact 2951 owners of Captiva 5 and Captiva 7 vehicles made between 22 February 2007 and 25 November 2010.The engine may crank over and the car may move forward half a metre or soThe recall affects only models with manual transmission, the bulletin says."If the key is left in the ignition and the car is still in gear … there is a chance the engine can crank and cause the car to lurch forward," said Holden spokeswoman Kate Lonsdale."The car won't drive off but the engine may crank over and the car may move forward half a metre or so."Holden says it has had seven reported incidents in Australia but no accidents and injuries occurred as a result of the fault.The recall is similar to one on the Holden Barina and Trax models late last year where a faulty ignition led to the same fault.However, the Captiva was not recalled at the same time because the faulty part was made by a different supplier.Holden says the latest ignition recall issue in Australia is unrelated to recalls in the US last year for ignition faults that affected more than 2.6 million vehicles and was linked to 84 deaths.Holden has had three recalls so far this year, the same number as Jeep.Last year both Holden and Jeep set a new record with 14 recalls each in a calendar year.
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Holden Colorado recall | fire hazard
By Joshua Dowling · 26 Apr 2015
Holden is recalling more than 26,000 examples of its Colorado ute and family SUV -- almost every one sold in the past 18 months -- because they may catch fire.Holden issued a “stop delivery” notice to dealers and is urging Colorado owners to bring their cars in for rectification work after five customers experienced “thermal incidents”.The models affected were made between September 2013 and January 2015.The latest safety bulletin makes Holden the most recalled car brand so far this year; last year Holden had the equal highest number of recalls with Jeep, with each issuing a record 14 notices.According to the Federal Government’s recalls website, “there is a risk that (a) cable insulation may melt or catch fire, which may pose a risk of injury to the vehicle occupants and other road users”.A statement from Holden said an alternator cable “may have been assembled so it makes contact with a steel bracket on the battery tray”. The latest safety bulletin makes Holden the most recalled car brand so far this yearUnder certain driving conditions, Holden says, movement of the engine may cause the cable to rub through the insulation.“This may cause a short circuit. If the short circuit creates sufficient heat, there is a risk that the cable insulation may melt or potentially catch fire,” the Holden statement said.Holden says drivers of affected may notice a battery warning light on the instrument cluster or “in more serious cases a small amount of smoke may be emitted from the engine bay area”.The safety alert for the Thailand-made Colorado ute is the fifth Holden recall so far this year.Earlier this month Holden issued a recall for the Korean-made Captiva family SUV because certain models could lurch forward if the key was left in the ignition.Jeep and Nissan have issued four recalls so far this year while Honda, Hyundai, Mazda and Suzuki have issued three recalls each so far this year.Market leader Toyota has only issued two recalls so far this year.
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Holden Astra 2002: How much is a decked-out version worth?
Answered by Graham Smith · 01 May 2015

It sounds like a very desirable car with its very low mileage, the extras, service history and the condition as described by you. It's one of those cars that you have to throw the valuation books out the window and go with your gut feeling. A 2002 Astra CD isn't worth a lot of money, but I would be asking $8000 to $10,000 for yours.

Fuel efficiency of SSV Commodore
Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 06 Apr 2015

The six-speed Commodore V8 has very tall gearing, which helps the economy on a trip. That's a good number for your car, but I've done the same run is smaller-capacity cars and returned 6.2L/100km.

Seven-seat 4WD for towing?
Answered by Paul Gover · 13 Apr 2015

I rate the Colorado ahead of the Isuzu but, if you can make do with something that will tow 2500kg rather than 3000kg, also look at a Hyundai Santa Fe as I give it The Tick.

Holden Captiva 2013: Engine trouble
Answered by Paul Gover · 27 Apr 2015

Holden spokesman Sean Poppitt says: "It's unfortunate Ms Dib has experienced some issues with her vehicle. Customer satisfaction is always our priority and we have contacted Ms Dib to have those mechanical repairs performed under warranty at no cost to the customer. A courtesy vehicle will be provided at no cost for the duration and we will also offer Ms Dib a goodwill gesture at the conclusion of any repairs."

Holden Astra 2006: How much is the convertible worth?
Answered by Graham Smith · 01 May 2015

I would think about $13,000 would be the value of it for insurance purposes.

Holden Captiva 2010: A reliable purchase?
Answered by Paul Gover · 06 Apr 2015

I wouldn't recommend a Captiva. The quality is not great, neither is the driving or fuel economy, and the Holden warranty does not come close to Korean-badged cars. If she's against a "cheap Korean car" point out that the Captiva is actually a Daewoo, from Korea.

Capped-price servicing extras
Answered by Paul Gover · 04 May 2015

Capped pricing on servicing is a great thing but owners need to ensure they are not being over-serviced as some dealerships look to protect their profits.

Holden Barina 2007: Good first car for p-plater?
Answered by Graham Smith · 01 May 2015

You're right to be concerned about the safety of the 2007 Barina, it only had front airbags and ANCAP rated it only two stars. Side front airbags weren't made standard until November 2008, after which it was given a four-star rating. You would be much better off going for the later, safer, model. I also agree with your thinking about having him drive a manual, that way he'll be a more capable driver. Based on your assessment of the condition of the car you're considering it would be worth around $4500.

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.
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