No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Holden Vectra reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Holden Vectra 2005: Tailgate won't unlock

24 May 2019

The tailgate in my Holden Vectra will not unlock. What can I do? Read more

Holden Vectra 2002: Stuck ignition barrel

21 Sep 2018

The ignition barrel on my 2002 Holden Vectra is stuck and won’t turn over. Read more

How do I change a timing belt on a 2006 Holden Vectra and is it expensive?

17 Aug 2018

Changing a timing belt on a 2006 Holden Vectra, what does this involve and is it expensive? Read more

What could be causing my '06 Holden Vectra auto to stall?

8 Jan 2018

My 2006 Holden Vectra has a problem starting and idling. I have to hold my foot on the accelerator to start it and then have to hold my foot on while stopping at intersections otherwise it stalls. ...Read more

Holden Vectra starting problems

20 Oct 2017

I have a 2004 Holden Vectra CDX 2004 model that will intermittently not 
start. When it starts it runs like a dream, but it is frustrating and potentially unreliable when it does not start. Any ...Read more

Vectra jumps when braking and struggles with gear changes

21 Nov 2016

Every time I brake my 2006 Holden Vectra CD seems to jump, and when I go to accelerate it struggles to change gear causing the car to pull when accelerating. I thought it was the transmission at ...Read more

2004 Vectra jolting after stopping

19 Aug 2016

When stopping at the lights or traffic, my 2004 Holden Vectra kicks/jolts when I go to move off. I'm not sure when the timing belt was done? Would this be the issue? Read more

Vectra transmission slips into neutral

12 Feb 2016

The transmission in my 2004 Holden Vectra slips into neutral not long after taking off and wont move out of neutral until car is turned off? How do I check if the sprocket has snapped and or synchro ...Read more

Availability of spare cars for Vectra?

31 Jul 2015

Are spare parts readily available for a 2005 Holden Vectra? I’m asking because I believe it's been discontinued and I am getting one from a friend for $7000. Read more

Vectra stalls after timing belt change

26 Jun 2015

I have just had the cam timing belt and spark plugs changed on my 2005 Holden Vectra V6 auto. Since then I have had problems with it stalling whilst I'm driving. Sometimes it stalls and the engine ...Read more

Vectra stalling at lights

27 Mar 2015

When I stop at traffic lights in my 2001 Holden Vectra the engine stops. It was restarting ok, but now there is a problem with the battery, and it won't restart. Please help me with this. Read more

Holden Vectra won't go over 40 km/h

19 Dec 2014

My 1999 JS Holden Vectra won't go over 40 km/h, is it possible the computer is in "limp" mode? If so, how do I fix it? Or could it be something else? Read more

E10 in 2001 2.5-litre V6 Vectra?

19 Dec 2014

The handbook for my 2001 2.5-litre V6 Vectra states it needs 95-octane or higher fuel. Can I use E10, which is a minimum of 95-octane? Read more
Used Holden Vectra review: 1997-2006

Used Holden Vectra review: 1997-2006

8 Oct 2014 by Ewan Kennedy

Holden Vectra was designed and built by Opel, the German division of General Motors. Some models were assembled by Holden in Australia with some changes to suit Australian driving conditions as well ...Read more

Replacement for 1999 Vectra?

27 Jul 2014

I drive a 1999 Holden Vectra hatch which has done 200,000km-plus. My mechanic tells me it's time to let it go as it needs a bit of work. I really like the car but have found it is quite expensive to ...Read more

Holden Vectra stalling solution

28 Jun 2013

I was reading your column a few weeks ago and read with interest an e-mail you received regarding a Holden Vectra that kept on “stalling/stopping when driving”. We had the same issue with our Vectra ...Read more

Ask Smithy Xtra Holden Vectra timing belt

5 Jul 2011

Though the service book claims the timing belt in my 2004 Holden Vectra CDXi with 168,000 km on the odo needs changing I have heard from my mechanic that this is not required till 120,000 km/240,000 ...Read more

Ask Smithy Xtra Holden Vectra timing belt

19 Apr 2011

Should I change the timing belt in my 2005 Holden Vectra CD or not? ...Read more

Ask Smithy Xtra Not sure about Holden Vectra

8 Feb 2011

I'm looking at buying a 2006 Holden Vectra CDX 3.2-litre V6, but I've heard mixed reports on the car. The one I?m considering has done 90,000 km and is very tidy and the seller wants $11,500 for it. ...Read more

Holden Vectra

3 Feb 2011

Is it necessary to replace the head gasket when replacing the timing belt, tensioner and idler pulleys in a 2002 JS Holden Vectra with manual transmission at the 120,000 km logbook service? The ...Read more