Holden Rodeo Problems

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

Browse by

Show all

Used Holden Rodeo review: 2003

By Graham Smith · 01 Oct 2005

Imported one-tonne utes have become the staple of local trades and industries which want a tough work vehicle that can carry a decent load around the job site, and Holden's Rodeo is one of the leading models. The Rodeo showed up on the local landscape in the 1970s when Holden utes began to lose favour with tradies.They had simply become too expensive compared to the imported utes which, despite being a bit rough and rugged, went on to conquer the market. Local utes have made a comeback in recent times, but they're now more a lifestyle vehicle for people who want a dual-purpose daily driving/weekend escape car.MODEL WATCHThe RA Rodeo hit the market in 2003. It was bigger, more powerful, better equipped and safer than its predecessors. Built on a tough chassis, the RA Rodeo boasted substantially increased torsional rigidity, up by as much as 60 per cent, and that equates to better crash protection and a more stable platform for better handling.The RA's larger external dimensions translated into substantially more space inside the Rodeo's new cabs. Holden offered three engines: a 2.4-litre single overhead camshaft fuel-injected four-cylinder (94kW at 4800rpm and 207Nm at 3200rpm), a 3.5-litre all-alloy double overhead camshaft V6 (147kW at 5400rpm and 280Nm at 3000rpm), and a 3.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel (96kW at 3800rpm and 294Nm at 2400rpm).There was a choice of manual or automatic transmissions across the range, and a choice of two or four-wheel-drive, the latter with a choice of two-wheel-drive, and high and low range four-wheel-drive. All models, except for the entry level DX 2.4-litre two-wheel-drive which has coil front springs, have torsion bars at the front and heavy duty leaf springs down back.Holden offered three models: the DX entry level, the LX and the range topping LT, three body styles, single cab, space cab and crew cab, with a range of two and 4WD variants. In total, there were 56 model variants to choose from.IN THE SHOPAs the Rodeo is essentially a work vehicle it is important to look for signs of damage caused in the daily grind on the job site. Look for dings and scrapes, inside and out. Be on the alert for wear and tear from big burly bodies. Check for such things as rips in the trim and broken plastics on controls often used and sometimes abused.Not surprisingly for a vehicle meant to carry a substantial load, the Rodeo's ride is firm, although it gets better when there's a load in the back. Although noisy, the diesel is the pick of the engines. It has lots of get up and go and returns decent fuel consumption. The V6 has even better performance, but is a petrol guzzler.If you prefer the V6 it might be worth switching it to dual-fuel to cut running costs. Holden has a dual-fuel system which is a sequential vapour-injection system that offers equivalent power and performance whether on petrol or gas.CRUNCH TIMEIncreased chassis rigidity proves a stable platform for responsive handling that increases the ability to avoid a crash, and the Rodeo has side intrusion bars for protection in side impacts. ABS adds another level of crash avoidance on the LT which also boasts dual front airbags in its list of standard features. Airbags are also optional on the LX models.HOLDEN RODEO RA 2003Roomy interior with larger cabinStrong masculine styling. Thirsty V6 engineHard ride, particularly when emptyEconomical diesel engine top choiceToo wide turning circleRating15/20 Tough work ute with goodperformance and cabin, but petrol-guzzling V6 engine.

Read the article

Holden Rodeo 2003: Leaky turbo diesel

Answered by CarsGuide team · 14 Feb 2003

Holden's service people say the problem was fixed with the introduction of a new seal last year. Holden's response was: "Vehicles undergo a continuous cycle of product development." To this end, the O-ring on the Jackaroo Turbo Diesel model was revised, and last year a procedure was developed in order to allow fitting of such by Holden retailers, as required. "To our knowledge completion of this replacement has resolved any issue." If you have had the new seal fitted and are not satisfied it has fixed the problem I recommend you return to the dealer and register your complaint.

Holden Rodeo 2003: How to reduce fuel consumption?

Answered by Graham Smith · 27 Apr 2006

THE 3.5-litre V6 petrol engined RA Rodeo has a reputation for being thirsty. There is a factory-approved dual-fuel kit available, and this may be the best way to reduce your fuel bills. The jury is still out on the economy of the new Alloytec V6 Rodeo. When asked, Holden wouldn't say if the new engine was more economical than the old one.

What's the best ute for 4WD and beach driving?

Answered by CarsGuide team · 12 Dec 2003

The trade holds the Hilux up as the best of those you've mentioned. The Toyota turbo diesel is easily the best, but the downside is that you'll have to pay up to $3000 more to get behind the wheel of a Hilux. The others are OK, and all rated equally, but there are plenty of reports from the trade about problems with the Nissan turbo diesel so I'd recommend caution. If you were to consider a Navara, make sure it has an extended warranty for peace of mind.

Braking performers

Answered by CarsGuide team · 07 Feb 2003

No doubt the Rodeo delivers adequate brake performance -- it has to, to meet ADRs and customer expectations. But I'm sure you'd agree it doesn't brake as effectively as your BMW. The Rodeo doesn't have the high performance of the BMW so it doesn't need the same level of braking performance. German cars (including the Opel-sourced Holden) do tend to use a pad/rotor combination that gives good pedal feel and stopping performance, but higher wear. But all car companies are striving for greater braking performance and even homegrown models now chew up pads and discs in less than 60,000km.

Should I buy a SsangYong Musso?

Answered by Graham Smith · 16 Sep 2004

I DROVE the Musso a few months ago and thought it was good value for money. The diesel, a Mercedes-Benz unit built by SsangYong under licence, is quite smooth with enough power. The finish seemed good, and it was certainly capable off-road. Based on feedback from the trade the old Musso 4WD wagon, really the same as the ute apart from the body, is reliable and highly thought of. I can recommend it.

Holden Rodeo 1993: Brake pad replacement

Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 24 Jan 2003

I don't want to doubt your claims, Robert, but it is hard to believe you've done almost a quarter of a million kilometres on the original pads and shoes and they are only a quarter worn. If you're correct I'd say you're on track to set a world record. I'd be phoning the Guinness Book of Records and getting them prepared for a new entry. Seriously though, commercials do have different braking requirements from passenger cars. They have to carry loads and they are not expected to stop on a 5c piece, as we expect our passenger cars to do today. Also, commercial vehicle operators would not tolerate the wear rates of some passenger cars and there would be an outcry if their utes and vans chewed up brake linings like some passenger cars do.

Holden Rodeo 1986: What is it worth?

Answered by Graham Smith · 04 Feb 2005

THERE are several ways to arrive at a selling price. Start by checking the Red Book and Glass's Guide websites, where you'll find price ranges. You might not be able to find the exact model listed, but the prices given for a similar model from the same year will still be a good guide to the value. From there you take into account the overall condition of the vehicle and the odometer reading. On the information I have I would think a price of $3000-$3500 would be close to the mark. There's not a lot of difference between capital cities, but you might get a better price in the bush.

Holden Rodeo 2005: Does LPG compromise the warranty?

Answered by CarsGuide team · 04 Feb 2005

AFTER thoroughly checking LPG kits and fitters, Holden has approved an LPG kit and certified fitters to install LPG in the Rodeo. If you get this kit and it's fitted by one of the approved fitters, your warranty will not be affected. Check with your dealer and ask him to show you that the kit and fitting company he is using are approved by Holden. He will have the information on hand.

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.

Ask now

Complete guide to Holden Rodeo

Reviews, price, specs and more