SUBJECT: HOLDEN VT COMMODORE, 2000 - steering column/turn indicator noise

• "I have a 2000 VT Commodore which has nearly 140,000 on clock with relatively trouble free motoring. Recently its developed a clicking noise which appears to come from the steering column and it sounds just like the flicker noise when it is working. Only trouble is it just comes on by itself while driving along a straight road. The flickers or dashboard indicators are not lit when this occurs, just the sound without touching the indicator switch. I took it to my dealership yesterday and the head mechanic had not heard of it before. I'm not concerned with the noise but the fact that it might lead to something else or let me down on a trip. Has anyone had this before and can advise so that I can take it back and tell them what to do.?" S Corner
• ========== REPLY ==========
  I have a 1997 VT commodore that had the same problem. The noise is actually coming from the indicator switch because the lubricant inside has dried out causing the points to short out. Change your switch before it catches fire like mine did. Lucky I put it out by pulling out the fuses. The switches are only about $40 or $50 dollars through Holden. Regards N Butler"
  
  POSTED BY: N BUTLER - PERTH, WA 31/01/2007

SUBJECT: HOLDEN ASTRA, 2000 - timing belt problems - instead of "Holden means a great deal to Australia" - Holden is just mean to Australians.

• "I bought a brand new Holden 2000 Astra from Holden. I was most impressed that it was a great car and that RACQ gave it the thumbs up I think 2 years running actually. I am however now unimpressed that on my second service with Holden they informed me the timing belt needed to be fixed and it would cost over $1000. I didn't know that it needed one so quickly having been a brand new model. I asked a mechanic who was a friend and he thought that it was strange at no time did the Holden mechanic advise there was a problem with them. So after a few more services with my mechanic friend (which I changed to) he said that it would be time to finally do that timing belt. To his surprise and others working with him, they were stunned to see that (don't know if this is right as I don't understand mechanics) the wires had been pretty much melted down to the bare wires. He also informed me that it was the 3rd or 4th Astra they have seen with the same problem. First I thought that if Holden were aware of such problems why they didn't mention it or don't they have a code to inform owners when there are certain problems with the cars. Anyway after that was done it was running beautifully. AAhhhhoooohhh, another problem, the computer has now gone in my car. It kept switching itself off when I was at a set of lights or the engine light kept coming on. I wouldn't think that the computer would only last 5 years. I friend of mine who had a Barina had the same problem with hers earlier though. How about instead of "Holden means a great deal to Australia" that Holden is just mean to Australians. I bought a new car to get away from problems with second hand cars and have done everything keeping up with schedules services. What more can one do. NOT HAPPY JAN!" Seeta, QLD

SUBJECT: HOLDEN CREWMAN - diff problems - don't laugh

• "Crewman Diffs...? I was just about to buy a Crewman (S pack/6 )... but not if the newer model has still got the diff problems. I've just come home from a trip to Newcastle/Sydney, and over the last week, spoken to a dozen people in servos etc to see if they liked the Crewman (as you do, when you are thinking of buying one). Five talked of extensive diff problems, and four of them had diffs replaced or rebuilt. Whilst that is a small sampling, it indicates there may be a BIG problem with most crewman diffs. Does anyone know if the problem has been solved in the later model ...or if the SSV8 has a different diff ..? I'd really appreciate some honest feedback. Maybe a Crewman with a 9" Ford might be the go..! (don't laugh..!)" I Jones, ACT

SUBJECT: FORD COURIER 4WD HURRICANE - side steps - replacement cost

• "I need support from other buyers of the Ford Courier four wheel drive Hurricane model. You need to see the product to see how ridiculous it is that i am even asking for support. On the hurricane model they have side steps with plastic backing to cover the mounting brackets (to view log on to the Ford site - Hurricane). These plastic covers are made up of 4 pieces which would be worth $100 each at a extreme price. I have broken 1 plastic section on each side. After a month of chasing my tail i have been told that the steps are only sold as a set. A set is 1 step with the 4 plastic covers at a price of $650 which means i have to buy 2 sets at $1300 (when i only need 2 plastic covers $200 extreme price). I need to hear from other Hurricane buyers for support or any other viewers for advise on how to take this matter further." L Hodges

SUBJECT: NISSAN PULSAR, 2004 - "going spotty" - windscreen

• The windscreen of my 2004 Nissan Pulsar is covered in what, on first glance, looks like tiny flecks of a clear resin-like substance. When I tried to clean the windscreen in an attempt to remove this material, it became obvious the marks on the windscreen weren't attached to the windscreen, but rather, are tiny scratch-like markings etched into the glass!!! Driving at night, with head-lights shining on the windscreen proves quite difficult ...and if it's raining ... even more difficult. Has anyone had the same problem with the windscreen of their Pulsar?? signed 'going spotty' " M. Ehlefeldt

SUBJECT: TOYOTA CAMRY SPORTIVO - I am so happy I went and bought a second one for my wife *GOOD NEWS*

• "I bought a lemon way back in 1981, a VC Holden Commodore, and don't think I would even buy a Holden again. Diff, auto trans, and suspension all stuffed up in the first year. The second year was the engine, and there was a heap of rust developing within a 3 year period. What a bomb. All I can suggest to Holden drivers is next time buy a Toyota Camry. I have a fully optioned Toyota Camry Sportivo. Fantastic car. Has everything including satelitte navigation, DVD, sunroof the list goes on and on. I feel it's almost bullet proof. Regular mantenance, and friendly Toyota service centres, and a full 3 year warranty. I am so happy I went and bought a second one for my wife. Best of luck to all those of you with your problems" S Magee

SUBJECT: MAZDA 6 LUXURY HATCH, 2003 - I will NEVER drive this car ever again - brakes, wheel hubs, alloys

• "I own a 2003 Mazda 6 Luxury Sports Hatch. (yes it is yellow!) I really love my car, however, I will NEVER drive this car ever again. Recently as I began reversing from my rather steep driveway, I was gaining speed rapidly for some reason ...yep - NO BRAKES - at all, nothing zilch. There was nothing under my pedal, my foot repeatedly went flat to the floor. Fortunately the incident resulted in no injury, however I was badly shaken and in shock by the time I managed to career backwards (rapidly) to a safe area where a hill stopped me. The local Mazda service people collected my car and informed me that the computer was over-riding the master cylinder. Apparently it has now been fixed. I don't know because I wont drive it.
• Good old Mazda couldn't tell my why this happened and why there is also a strange, loud rattling noise coming from the rear of the car - audible to people on the street. To add to this, the wheel hubs on the car began to rust within the first week, it looks terrible and all I was told was that this is NORMAL.
  Another strange happening is the 'alloy' wheels don't appear to be alloy at all as there is now NUMEROUS areas on all 4 wheels, where the 'alloy' is bubbling and peeling away just like an old worn out painted surface. I will NEVER buy another MAZDA" (name and email withheld)

SUBJECT: NISSAN PATROL 2.8L TURBO DIESEL, 1998 - new injector pump, $5500

• "I currently have a Nissan Patrol Wagon 1998, 2.8 ltr, Turbo Diesel. This car has been fantastic to me and my family having been serviced on a regular basis. Having a family with 5 kids, myself and my wife have in the past thoroughly recommended this car to all of our friends and family, and have been totally satisfied with it's performance. Our Nissan has gradually become harder and harder to start over a period of time, mainly hot starts. Having various mechanics check this problem out and over time replacing Glow Plugs, Batteries, Fuel Filters; having injectors cleaned and not being able to fix the problem I then took our Nissan to the Nissan Dealer at Bundamba, Qld where it was put onto a Diagnostic Machine. Nothing showed up on the report but I was informed that the injector pump may need replacing. I was told that this is a common fault with the RD 28 Engine.
• Having spent over a thousand dollars already on trying to fix this problem I was somewhat annoyed that this fault was common knowledge and that I have never been informed of this before. The part that hit home the most was the price of the new Injector Pump, $5500. As it stands now, I have spent over $1000 trying to rectify the problem, this is not an easy task when you have such a big family to support and to spend another $5500 is impossible. For a vehicle that only has 143000 km's I hope you guy's at Nissan can help us with a replacement Injector Pump as this problem is no fault of our own and this car is the only means of transport for our family." S Brew, Amberley, QLD

SUBJECT: HOLDEN COMMODORE, AVIS EX-RENTALS - never again, Wilsons Holden

• "HOLDEN DEALERSHIP 2ND HAND COMMODORES - AVIS EX-RENTALS: Traded my new Holden ute (exceptional quality) in to a Holden dealership at Warilla NSW - now at ALBION PARK NSW, and traded for a 2nd hand commodore sedan because my missus was expecting a baby, so the 2 seater was no good. I was told the commodore was a Dealership Vehicle and was well looked after, was used by the salesman of a Holden Dealership. The Vehicle seemed to meet my expectations, although was the same model 6mths newer than my Ute, was not as good condition.
• Anyway, this is where the story gets better! Took delivery of the 2nd hand commodore. I forgot to get a SPARE KEY, and SERVICE BOOKS, so i rang the next day. I was told to come and get them, see the same salesman that sold me the vehicle. So i did that, he couldn't find them!!! I had to get a key cut down the road and they said they lost the service book -the key was with it. What a drama!
• Thinking that dealership were a bit hopeless in their workmanship, rang Dwyers Wollongong for a service as the kilometres were 51,000 and no 50K km service label on the vehicle. I expected being driven around by holden dealership this should of been serviced. While i was there, I asked them which dealership this vehicle was originally delivered to new via the VIN number. He told me a Brisbane dealership took delivery when new.
• I rang this Brisbane dealership asking the service department of its history and expected to get a book re-stamped for the cars history as was still under manufacturer warranty. He told me to my absolute surprise that this vehicle was sold to AVIS NEWSTEAD! and they don't have their cars serviced. I didn't know what to say. I was absolutely astounded that i bought an ex rental car after trading in my exceptionally looked after first new car, and paying FULL PRICE for the commodore. I have a lot of dealings with AVIS, they do not service their cars AT ALL, but sell them when they look shabby! So i purchased an AVIS ex rental, got told by government officials as long as they say it was a fleet vehicle (doesn't matter what fleet), that's all they have to say, which the salesman at WILSONS HOLDEN did say in as little words as possible. I knew they wouldn't have lost the service books. Holding the keys and service books don't seem to be that hard. He couldn't show me the book with AVIS written in it because he told me a Holden dealership had the vehicle, and he would be found to be full of it, as i found out later anyway.
• If you are buying a second hand commodore from a Holden dealership - especially WILSONS HOLDEN at Albion Park, you want to see the log books first, and check the VIN number on the book against the car VIN as they will try anything to sell these ex-rentals anyway they can to make a full price sale. P.S. there was no jack in the car either, didn't notice till i got a flat tyre and was stranded middle of nowhere - thanks WILSONS HOLDEN, never again."
  D Moygannon, NSW

SUBJECT: HONDA CR-V, 2001 - air conditioner problem

• *COMPLAINT REMOVED* *GOOD NEWS* - Honda has fixed the problem.
  C Riddell, Cairns QLD

SUBJECT: NISSAN X-TRAIL, 2004 - the most shocking customer service ethic

• "I have a 04 X-trail but on Monday 3/10/05 it started to cough like there was no sparks getting to the motor. I got it to my closest dealer - Duncan Nissan (first mistake). I dropped the car off with them (11am) and explained the problem. They said they would have a look and contact me ASAP and let me know what was going on. I rang them at 5pm and was told they don't know what is wrong and they could not let me know when the car would be ready/repaired. The next morning I used the ruse that I need to get something out of the car to at least have a look what was happening. I found that the motor had been stripped and only the block was left in the car. I was told that they were waiting for email's from Nissan on what to do and they still didn't know what was wrong.
• I did not hear from Duncan Nissan on Wednesday. On Thursday I called again, as was told that they think that one of the spark plugs had broken off and were looking into it, but still could not give me a time that it would be repaired, but said maybe Friday. I called again Friday Morning and was told that they were test driving it and they would call me back if it was okay. I was called back at about 11.45am. This was the only phone call regarding my vehicle I received from them.
  When picking my car up I found that the cover for the fuse box was off and on the passenger seat, the log book was left open and on the passenger side floor, and items on the floor in the car that were not there when I dropped it off (general rubbish).
• This is not the first time I have had this problem with Duncan Nissan. When I first got my X-Trail I had the 20,000K service done by Duncan's and the car was returned to me, dirty, with rubbish in it. Yeah I have Kids and they can be grotty but I clean the car out before I get it serviced. The car was at a point where I was beginning to wonder if the service had been carried out at all. I sent a letter into Nissan regarding this and am still to receive a reply. At the end of the Day Nissan and Duncan Nissan have the most shocking customer service ethic I have come across. I would have just like to have known what was happening ...
• Now the good news, I have had my car serviced through Total Nissan in Bentley W.A. and they are great." Brent W.A.

SUBJECT: FORD BA XR8, 2003 - an absolute disgrace

• "Ford BA XR8: Purchased a new BA XR8 auto in December 2003. Here is a list the problems I have had with the vehicle, all of which have repaired or attempted to be repaired under warranty. The vehicle has been been quietly driven and has done 37,000 ks.
  1. On going brake issues. Had the brake upgrade kit installed and Ford have replaced the rotors. Ford has advised that it is now warranting rotors up to 100,000 ks.
  2. Power steering issues, the rack was removed and spacers inserted due to faulty castings of the front end.
  3. A new differential
  4. New rear shock absorbers
  5. Two new front tyres due to cracking
  6. Loose front bumper
  7. Ongoing issues with drive line clunks
  8. Its about to have a cylinder head replaced due to valves not seating correctly.
  9. A new radiator
• In my opinion this is an absolute disgrace for a vehicle with an original purchase price of over $50,000. The dealer and Ford have been terrific in resolving many of these problems but i am convinced that quality of product is an ongoing issue with Ford. There are thousands of XR owners out there who aren't happy and I only wish we could get organised to put together a campaign which would hold Ford publicly accountable." M Edmonds, VIC
• (JAN, 2006): Further to my earlier post here is a list of the items that have been repaired under warranty over 40,000 km
  Diff; Rear shocks; Radiator ; Power steering pump ; Cylinder head ; Timing chain guides
  2 sets of brakes and rotors; Throttle control switch ; 2 cracked tyres
  Front end removed and spacers fitted; There's more but they are the main items.
  I still have a driveline clunk which is annoying the hell out of me.

SUBJECT: HOLDEN VY LUMINA COMMODORE - drivers seat problem

• "Do you know of any problems relating to the drivers seat in VY Lumina’s, the seat frame on one side of the seat has come through the seat cushioning??"
  A Marino, NSW

SUBJECT: FORD ESCAPE, 2005 - I am far from satisfied - dust problem - car resprayed (FEEDBACK)

• LETTER TO: Ford Motor Company of Australia, Consumer Complaint Division "This letter is to notify you and follow up on numerous conversations with you customer complaints department (Tony) and Carmichael Ford Ayr about a dust problem I am having with a Ford Escape purchased at Carmichael Ford Ayr on the 18th of February 2005. I am very dissatisfied with your product the Ford Escape because of the excessive dust problem this vehicle has. I have already attempted to resolve this problem by having the vehicle returned to Ayr service department on numerous occasions. The vehicle was sold to me by Bruce Dwyer to travel daily on a dirt road. This road is far from rough or difficult. As stated in your brochure “The Ford Escape 4WD can handle the tough stuff”. The dust this vehicle draws in the rear doors makes it not suitable to travel on dirt roads at all let alone handle any tough stuff. This vehicle is a 4WD suitable to travel on bitumen roads only.
• The vehicle was involved in an accident prior to delivery and was resprayed completely down one side. I thought I was getting a new vehicle not a vehicle that had been resprayed. I would not have purchased this vehicle had I been notified of this prior to purchase. After having the vehicle for a few months and many people, including a qualified spray painter and panel beater questioning if indeed the car was new. I asked Carmichael Ford why the bumper appeared to have paint peeling off it. Only at this time I was informed of the respray. “That happens all the time and very rarely do vehicles reach us without needing some kind of touch up”. I would hardly call completely respraying the car from the rear to front bumper a touch up. I would call that a major problem. I Believe the transport company should be and probably was held responsible for the damage and probably had to pay for it, not me. I am paying for this now because I was not informed and have what I consider a second hand vehicle. This car was sold to me as a new vehicle not at a discounted rate of a resprayed one. I am a sixty year old widower and I thought a little old fashion upfront honesty could have been called for here, especially since my children have purchase a F250, Falcon XR6 and a Ute all from Carmichael Ford Ayr in the last two years ........
• The car has just returned from the third trip to Ayr in an attempt to fix the dust problem it. It has been driven to Townsville twice to have the paint job fixed. It had to be returned to the painter who resprayed it in the first place, the one who did the shonky work to begin with. He has now had a further two attempts at fixing it. Neither the dust nor the paint is fixed 8 months later and the vehicle now has a variety of rattles and squeaks. With the price of fuel increasing and the kms that I have driven to return the vehicle to Ayr: 3 X 1200 kms Clermont to Ayr ; 2 x 200 kms to Ayr to Townsville.
  This has added more than 4000kms to the car and has cost me a small fortune in fuel. I feel that both Malcolm and Bruce have done their best within their job limitations. I now ask that someone who can solve my problem for good should do so. I have run out of patience and cannot afford to keep running to Ayr all the time with this vehicle.
• Enclosed are copies of all the service invoices and photos of the car. A copy of the statement in Ford Escape Brochure stating “Your Ford is covered against any defects in factory materials or workmanship", also that your aim is to make me one of the most satisfied vehicle owners in Australia. I am far from satisfied."
  F Wood, Clermont QLD

SUBJECT: MAZDA RX-8 - deplorable situation with Mazda

• "I wish to convey this to all in the hope that other consumers may not be "bitten" by a deplorable situation with Mazda motor vehicles. In November 2004 my wife and I purchased a brand new Mazda RX-8 from West End Mazda in Blacktown for the premium price of $68,000. After accepting our trade-in we agreed on the figure of $53,000. In September 2005 we decided to sell the vehicle as my wife wishes to start a business of her own so we proceeded back to West End to value the vehicle with mind to purchasing a new Mazda 3 and perhaps a used second vehicle. After discussion with both a salesman and the assistant sales manager it appears the best value they could offer us was around $40,000. As you will note from my email I am employed within the motor industry and I know how it works however I believe this situation is unacceptable and I am sure other new vehicle purchasers would feel the same. I then proceeded to inform Mazda Motor Company of the situation and was all but shrugged off. They did not even offer to speak with the dealer to try and resolve. I have now sold the vehicle and purchased a FORD which I informed Mazda of three days ago and have had no reply. Please contact me if you require more information. "
  T Janicska

SUBJECT: HOLDEN CREWMAN - I expected a lot more that I have received - the biggest piece of junk I have ever bought

• "After finally having had a gutful of my lousy crewman ..." read in full

SUBJECT: NISSAN PULSAR - Very Frustrated - gear change squeaking noise

• " After 10 months of trying to get a squeaking noise which occurs at gear change in my automatic Nissan Pulsar, I am, to say the least, very angry and frustrated , both with Nissan (HEAD OFFICE) in Melbourne and the dealer service departments workshops. The car has spent numerous hours in ... to no avail. I'm still waiting for the cause of this problem to be found and rectified. The noise started occurring approximately 6 months after purchase.

  I initially took the car back to the dealer I purchased from .. a waste of time. After complaining to Nissan in Melbourne, another dealer service department was organised by Nissan Melbourne ... another waste of time ... problem unresolved. Now Nissan - Melbourne is telling me to be patient! After 10 months, my patience has well and truly run out!!! I've now placed a complaint with the N.S.W. Dept. of Fair Trading to get the problem resolved. Has anyone else had the same problem with their Pulsar? been given the run-around by Nissan dealers as I have have?" signed Very Frustrated Nissan Pulsar Owner M. Ehlefeldt N.S.W.

• FURTHER NEWS: After much recent protesting on my part to Nissan (Aust.) it looks like I might be getting somewhere in getting the problem resolved. Recent contact with the service dept. dealing with the problem revealed they had had another Pulsar in with the same fault and, in consultation with engineers at Nissan, had come to the conclusion, the fault was actually a solenoid associated with the Transmission. Consequently the other Pulsar is currently having this part replaced and HOPEFULLY... problem solved and the same part replacement can then be carried out on my car with the same positive outcome! Fingers crossed. After 10 months of trying to get this problem fixed, I can only say ... IT'S ABOUT TIME NISSAN!" M. Ehlefeldt N.S.W.
  

SUBJECT: LAND ROVER FREELANDER - should be called Junklanders!

• "When reading both T Edwards email and D & C Olsen complaint about their Freelander problems, I thought I was dreaming as I’ve just lived the nightmare. We have had exactly the same problem, same car, model, engine, the mechanical explanation for the engine failure has been word for word identical. In out case we reached almost 70,000km and needed a brand new engine. Landrover Australia was completely uninterested with the dealership quoting a $7000 repair bill for a new engine. I have also now contacted the ACCC to see if they can intervene. What a choice, trade a 5 year old car in for $4k or spend $7k to repair it. They really should be called Junklanders!" S Edwards, VIC

SUBJECT: LAND ROVER FREELANDER, 1998 - this car has broken me financially!

• "I purchased my car from Land rover Southside - Logan road Buranda In Brisbane in 2001 for $28,000. The car had done 40,000 Kms. At around 90,000Kms the head gasket blew without warning - 2 weeks after a routine service. Almost $4,000 later the head gasket was repaired. Only 7 months later the head gasket blew again without warning. I took it back to the original mechanic who said it was only warranted for 6 months. I took it back to Land Rover - Buranda. They replaced the engine at a cost of $6,000. It is under a spare parts warranty at present. I spoke with Techno British mechanics in Moorooka who say they see this as a regular occurrence and that it is a design fault of the engine. I have tried selling my car and have been offered as a trade only $10,000. No one wants the car. and I don't blame him or her!!! This is a Design fault!!! And Land Rover Australia is laughing in the faces of its customers about it!!!
• I am a part-time nurse working for a non-government not for profit organisation, and this car has broken me financially! I have had to re-mortgage my home to
  help pay for this disaster. It is only a matter of time before this engine packs it in! What are we consumers to do!" C Pollard

SUBJECT: NISSAN GU TI 4.8 - gas conversion - think again

• "Having owned a GQ 1991 Nissan for 10 years and 230,000kms on gas, without any issues, my natural assumptions on updating to the new GU TI 4.8 ltr was to repeat the process and reap the savings in reduced gas prices for the next 10 years.
• Think again all who are considering!
• The gas unit was installed through a reputable gas conversion company, referred to by Nissan and in fact formed part of the total end price paid for the car.
  Fact 1) Once converted, Nissan wipes it’s hands of any warranty claims on the engine, the warranty in fact flows to the Gas Conversion Company. Good luck on getting a claim through if there is an issue!
  Fact 2) Nissan recommends the valves be adjusted every 80,000 kms, The Gas Company every 20,000kms and as they are shim adjustments, it becomes a very expensive exercise. As the car was a leased agreement, Nissan serviced the car every 10,000 kms without fail. The first adjustment was at 50,000 after having to request it be done.
  Fact 3) After 130,000kms the valves have no clearance to make any another adjustments, so the head has to be removed and rebuilt….and guess what…not on you life by Nissan.
  Fact 4) No after market valves are available in Australia, and it takes 2 weeks to import from Japan. Back to Nissan specifications with the same inferior quality valves again…and the same issue looming in the next 130,000kms!
  Fact 5) $3,600 worth of repair bills and the car is off the road for 4 weeks.
• Put all of that into your economy calculations, and find out where the bottom line ends up!" Rod

SUBJECT: FORD COURIER 4X4 DIESEL TURBO - I am glad I bought this Ute

• "Having read your complaints corner I wish to give credit where credit is due. In June this year 05, I bought a Ford Courier 4X4 diesel turbo Ute. I can honestly say that I have had no complaints with this Ute, though the service dept is a bit hard to get along with. It is a bit heavy on fuel when towing. It handles good but not easy to park, has lousy seats, but I am glad I bought this Ute and not its Australian counter part" R Spinks, Biggenden, QLD

SUBJECT: NISSAN PULSAR N15 LX, 1997 - Fuel gauge accuracy

• "I am the owner of a 1997 Nissan Pulsar N15 LX Manual Sedan. I would like to know what Nissan are going to do about fuel gauge problems not only in earlier models, but N14s and N13s as well. Nissan say this problem is not serious, but just a inconvenience, but to me it is a problem that should be fixed by Nissan wiithout any charge as the problem appears to be inbuilt. I would like to make this complaint public as in the near future i am going to draft a letter to Nissan and i would appreciate feedback from any one who has or is experiencing the same problem. Your support would be appreciated and i look forward to hearing from interested persons." Y Skidmore