Just posting in response to the the FORD FOCUS Transmission problem (see below).

I had this car since new, and in the early thousands of km's it came up with a transmission problem.

Now it's only done 57,000kms and it can last a week without going back into repairs (apparently a new transmission wont fix the fault). Transmission fault light goes on, gets locked in third gear. The gears did jerk prior to this as well. It is a pain, would not recommend Ford or a Focus to potential buyers. Does anyone that owns a Focus have a same problem?

Four wheel SUV started wandering. Had tie rod joint replaced. No fix. Had front end aligned to GM spec. no fix. I am now told the steering box bearing has failed. Steering column has a "clunking" sound on rough terrain.

I have been driving for 54 years and never heard of such a thing, even before power steering. Vehicle has 85,000 miles, all by me. No off road usage.

Although my RAV4 (2002) had the oil changed frequently, I was told that sludge in my engine was my fault and that I should pay $8000 to replace the engine on a leased vehicle. Since I refused, I have not had the use of my vehicle since 2005.

I have been driving Toyota cars and SUVs over 25 years and I cannot understand this hostile treatment. I hope this never happens to anyone else.

Hurt in Kentucky

I decided to bite the bullet ... I got rid of my Astra.

At 150,000kms - just 5 years old the cars was going to cost me around $3.5k in parts - power steering pump, steering rack and also the clutch.

Enough is enough Holden - test the design properly before you buy them. In Australia some of us like to own our cars for longer than 5 years and some of us can't afford to upgrade every 3 years.

My car was fine, fantastic and I loved it and then it hit 100,000 kms and it was all down hill from there. Plus Holden's customer service is most frustrating!

Good luck to all the other Astra owners.

I purchased my Holden CV8-Z Monaro brand new in March 2006. I have had a wide variety of concerns since I purchased the vehicle. However the problem that continually causes me concern is the gear shift stick in the 6-speed manual transmission.

In the past 11 months I have had the gear shift stick replaced 3 times. The first at 4000km on the odometer, the second at 11,000km's and the third recently at 16,000km's. My Holden dealer have told me this is an ongoing concern with all 6-speed manual transmissions and it is caused by the plastic inside becoming weak over time as the drive train moves and hence it rattles against the metal. Causing the gearbox to give off a loud rattling sound as you change gears. Mine mainly occurs between changes in 2nd and 3rd gear. Apparently Holden just keep telling their dealers to fix the problem rather than them come up with a way to solve the issue.

Every time my car goes back I am without it for 2 days. This is not good enough for a car that cost me $65,000, less than a year ago. It only has 16,000 on the odometer it is virtually brand new still. My dealer said they have had some results by gluing the plastic inside to the actual metal hopefully stopping this movement and rattling from occurring in the future. Is it just me or does it seem stupid for everybody to hand out so much money for a car just to have bits glued together in the hope of solving a problem that is apparently causing concerns across the country.

My dealer tells me they are constantly filing reports with Holden management about the issue and are repeatedly told just to keep fixing the problem to original Holden specifications, perhaps they shouldn't be fixing it to specifications and looking outside the box at other alternatives that could help achieve a better outcome and hopefully stop customers from complaining and feeling as though nothing is being done.

I can't be without my car for 2 days every couple of months. It is affecting my day to day living and my job, with me having to take time out to drop the car off at the dealer and then find transportation for the rest of the two days. It's not good enough!

Has anyone had an experience with the Astra 2.2l engine and the oil warning lamp not working? My car was on 22000 km after its last service (yes I admit it was overdue) and the timing chain tensioner seized allowing the chain to jump and the engine destroy itself. Holden said the problem was lack of oil to the oil pressured tensioner.

Although I understand the engine might have consumed 2.2l of its 4l, the dealer only found 1 litre in the sump (3l missing?) and no sign of any leak. Furthermore the oil warning lamp never came and Holden could not demonstrate it working (not just the test at startup) and it didn't work even after the engine had destroyed itself.

They refused warranty and claiming final checks are the once a week manual oil they expect everyone to do. Evidently there is no reason to assume the oil warning lamp actually works. This cost me $6000 for the replacement engine.

As an aside 2 weeks later the drive shaft came apart due to incorrect assembly of a cir-clip (or faulty clip) and another 2 weeks later the starter motor burnt out whilst driving along, killing the electrics, cutting the engine and nearly torching the car.

All I can assume from this is that the error diagnostics in this car do not work or there is some sort of defect with the oil system.

I have a Ford Focus 2002 - went up street for drive, got back home about 1 or 2 hours later - just would not start. It winds over, has spark and nobody seems to know why it wont start. Everyone stumped, told it could be immobiliser, another thought not, told could be fuel pump, another looking at it tomorrow. Hope they have an idea.

Rang Ford dealer, said I had to get it to dealer. How - it's stuck in my drive way. Has anyone any ideas?

Never Buy a Vectra! I have been the (not proud) owner of a 98 Vectra for just over a year now. I am in the unenviable position of having purchased it from a family member in good faith, but it is the biggest joke of a car I have ever owned.

I have the incredible luck of having a friend who is a parts manager for Holden, which means that I get parts for cost price, and boy have I tested our friendship in the last year. My brother has done all of my mechanical work, saving me a huge amount of money. Unfortunately for him, Vectras are European and needlessly complicated under the hood, making the simplest of repairs a huge job. Being European also means that parts cost a lot more than for normal cars. It has always leaked coolant and oil, and the muffler sounds awful.

In the last year, we have spent over $1000 on cost price parts for this lemon. The first problem occurred after about a month when we needed to replace a cam shaft sensor at the cost price of about $190. The engine light is pretty much always on, with problems with the CO2 sensor, with a replacement cost of about $300. The water pump came loose and was basically jumping around under the bonnet, with a replacement cost of over $100 (cost). Funnily enough, Holden water pumps were in short supply at the time and there was a waiting list - we had to have ours custom made by somebody hoping to get a contract with Holden, as they would have made for steady reliable business!

My partner was leaving work one day when the key wouldn't go in - turned out to be a jammed ignition barrel. $200 (cost price part) and 3 hours' labour later it was going again, but the disconnection of the battery had interfered with the radio, and we have only now got it working again (3 months later). This involved leaving the key turned to 'on' for enough hours to make our battery flat! When we took it out to put it on the charger, the plastic hosing for wires around it just disintegrated in our hands.

Last week as my partner and I were preparing to go on holiday to the Gold Coast, we had replaced aforementioned flat battery, took it for a drive around and when we got back we noticed a large pool of coolant on the ground. Surprise surprise, the radiator had given up. New radiator, $230 cost, new expansion chamber, $40, tools and fluids to complete the job - $200, time 2 people spent trying to pull the radiator out and putting it back in - 5.

And the piece de resistance, 2 nights ago we went out to pick up takeaway for dinner, stopped at traffic lights - and the car conked out. A hose that was untouched by the radiator repair had burst, apparently because it could not handle the pressure of a fully functioning radiator after the so-so performance of the last one. This simple hose, made of plastic and rubber, is about to cost us $300 cost price because it has to be specially clamped on, and not just attached by a clamp. The work required just to get at this hose will be ridiculous and time-consuming.

This car has been nothing but heartache, all we wanted was a good, neat car that was reliable. Unfortunately, my Holden employee friend tells me that Vectras are renowned for being pieces of **** - when my car went in there for the water pump replacement etc, the mechanics laughed and said it was the leakiest newer model car they had ever seen. They see them all the time, even the new ones being brought out now are known to be lemons. It's just not good enough, how can Holden get away with producing more and more lemons?

I have had enough of this car, but I really don't have the heart to sell it to anyone knowing that it is so terrible. I think just to get a safety certificate, only a year after it was legitimately issued with one, will cost us about $1000. I've had enough!

Never Buy a Vectra!

PS. For all the Astra owners posting, my Holden friend tells me that they have the same parts as Vectras, absolutely rubbish he says.

While travelling at 100k's on the Western Freeway - some looseness felt and then bang - the wheel is off travelling past us and into the Lederderg River. Some bolts sheered. Tyres rotated 2 months ago

For 3 months, have had intermittent start problem. Had it to the experts, however, faults do not show on computer diagnosis. Hard to fix? Engine fires, but then dies. After any where from one to 15 start attempts, it will fire. Once started, no problems.

Has anyone come across this fault? Please help, I am at the end of my tether. Good car otherwise.

I purchased a BA XR6 (24/12/2005) which had a high frequency vibration. They balanced the tail shaft at the 3000km check up. This did not fix the problem. I took it back and told them that at 110km the diff is howling and vibrating and at 140kmh it is that bad you can't see out of the rear vision mirror. Their answer to that was, "it is illegal to drive at that speed so they can't check it".

At 15000km service I noticed black crud around the fan belt pullies. I thought a pulley may be chewing out the belt. I spoke to their warranty clerk (Reef City Ford Gladstone) who told me that the black stuff all over the front of the engine is "wear and tear". Fortunately a young mechanic noticed an oil leak from around the timing cover which they fixed. I also spoke to them about the vibrations, same response; "it is illegal to drive at that speed so we can't check it".

Over the next 6 months the noise became louder to the point where my old Mum (73 and half deaf) asked what the noise was. Ford's response, "what noise".

On a recent trip to Brisbane it bothered me that much I traded it in on a new XR8.
They have a different diff.

I am looking for feedback from other people who have bought Astra's. I have had nothing but problems with mine since I bought it and am now in the position of wondering whether to get rid of it or if this latest problem will be the last.

I bought it in 2002; it had 1 owner and was still under new car warranty. First 2 years were ok but nearing the end of the warranty the ignition jammed up. I actually had to get RAA out to tow my car to a dealership. Luckily I was just in warranty and this was replaced. RAA man said it was a common problem that he had seen with the Astra's.

I am now in my 6th year of this car and in the last 12 months have had to have timing belt down at 60,000km which cost over $1000. I have had to get front and back brakes down, another $1000. And now the latest is that the compressor has gone for the air conditioner which is going to be another $1000.

Is this going to be the last of my problems? or are there others out there I am yet to have the joy of discovering?

Hello there, I too have a Holden Astra 2002 model that has twice now left me stranded in 35 degree heat because of a faulty ignition barrell. After talking to a dealer about it, it became apparent that this must have been a common problem and if so why should I have to pay for the replacement of faulty components.

My car is now stranded in not the best suburb waiting to be towed on Monday to a dealer repair center.

RE: DR Newbolds, Perth - BA Falcon Brake Shudder(see below)

In reply to DR Newbolds comment regarding BA brake shudder. Mention was made on Ford Mechanics "only" knowing of over tensioning of wheel nuts. I have been in the automotive trade for over thirty years and many years back, during my apprenticeship I was taught not to overtighten wheel nuts.

When I started working for a Mercedes dealer many years later, we "always" used a tension wrench on wheel nuts (and frowned on people who used impact wrenches in this situation). When I started at a Ford dealership many years after that I was originally scoffed at when I suggested to use a tension wrench on wheel nuts. If you would like to check, I am sure you will find most dealerships (and non dealerships) use torque bars in conjunction with impact wrenches on all wheel nuts.

*Note to drivers: Check with your mechanic if they tension the nuts.

I have a problem with the car. Bought second hand from Hong Kong at 45,000km. The panels on the doors are breaking up. Oil leaks on the tappets and gear box. Now it is showing "Service" on the dash board. What could be the problem? Any one with an answer?

Ernest

RE: A MCGRATH - PERTH, KIA CARNIVAL ENGINE RECALL / KNOWN FAULT - HELP NEEDED (see below)

Sorry to hear about your troubles but the engines in the old Kia Carnivals are really prone to overheating and then head gasket, heads, engines need overhauling.

I would try the consumer affairs in your state and push the warranty claim. Get rid of this car as soon as you can. It will be a bottomless pit where you throw your money in.

Be sure to post the outcome of your saga on this site to help others in the same boat. Good luck, Mark.

For S. McLay "hot Subi in the sunshine" lucky you! The Subaru Shop at Southpine is right on your doorstep. I couldn't speak more highly of their brand of service and knowledge. I have driven 1700km and back to Cairns confident that above all the other "service pretenders" the guys at the Subaru Shop know what they're doing.
So, Lucky You!

Hi there, I need some help re my KIA Carnival please.

It has been over heating for 5 months. Took it in to the workshop as per my warranty agreement and was told radiator needed flushing and a new thermostat. A few months later, told new radiator cap. On Monday I had it towed back in and told they "think" that the head gasket has gone and that as it was left for so long the water has leaked through and warped the head.

When we bought the car (2nd hand from New Ford Wangarra Perth WA) we purchased an extended warranty for $1400. The warranty says they will cover replacement of the cylinder heads but they will not agree to this, plus the warranty says they will cover the first $2500 but they will not agree to this either. They are asking for the $ upfront for 15 hours labour to investigate the problem, the estimated cost for a new engine is $7,000 - $9,000.

So where to go from here? I have had the car towed back to me; I do not have that sort of money. I have read up on the KIA faults and the engine recalls but how do I go about this? Will this help me? Should I contact a KIA service centre directly rather then Newford? If work is done then my warranty is null and void. Do I need to seek legal advice? Consumer Affairs?

Any tips or help greatly appreciated. Please!

Few days ago my stereo display panel stopped working but the stereo a/c everything works as normal. But cannot see as the display screen is gone. According to some comments of some accord owners in USA, American Honda replace the full stereo free of charge though it is something to do with the stereo manufacturer (though the warranty is expired).

Has anyone come across this problem? I tried to talk to someone from Honda Australia. But they said to take the car to a dealer and they will have a look at it. I haven't done that yet but I'm sure they will charge me for it. If anyone has any comments of this would like to hear. Sam

This car has gone back for Warranty repairs ever since it was purchased as a new car. It has more than 10 warranty repairs on it. From ECU at 66,000 kms to ignition barrels (multiple times), electric window motors, air conditioning compressors etc...

Holden will not take any responsibility for their faulty product and will not admit that they have issues with any of its range. Trying to locate someone within Holden to take responsibility is impossible. Do Not Buy a Holden. If you have one already - Sell It.

RE: HOLDEN VY SII COMMODORE SS, 2002 - VY Series 2 - Suspected Tailshaft Vibration (see below)

I have a similar issue on my 2002 Chevrolet Lumina SS in Dubai which is the same vehicle branded under Chevrolet in our region and was hoping to get more information on this complaint.
I am trying to determine what causes the noise in the rear as the local Chevrolet service teams cannot isolate the issue.

I am a mechanic and service different models on a regular basis. I always advise the customer to replace the timing belt at the 80 - 100k km interval. I experienced the Astra broken belt costing (for a customer) which came to $3500.00.

It completely ruined the head.

DON'T BUY ASTRA - YOU CAN'T AFFORD ITS PROBLEMS (30/01/2007) - Further to my post ...

I traded the car in and bought a Mazda. Additional to the list of problems I listed here previously I am certain the clutch was on the way out.

The dealership offered me $5k trade in, given the black metallic paint and added on Talon kit were immaculate along with the interior (all but the mechanical parts were good). I told them 'not to insult me'. They ended up giving me $8k. It is now advertised for $13k at the same dealership although they told me they wouldn't put it back in their yard. It's a Holden yard - how ironic.

This Astra City is a 3 door stock lemon located in VIC. If anyone comes across it, believe me the only thing it has going for it is its good looks so stay away.

Good luck to the next owner. I couldn't sell it privately cos I didn't want to sell someone all of my problems. On the upside being sold at Holden it should be sold as a certified vehicle - ha ha, whoever checked the car over would have to be lying!

I have to agree with John from Harrington Park NSW.

I bought a near new 1996 WB Festiva for my wife 10 years ago and it has been an absolutely fabulous little car. It is on its 3rd set of disc pads since we have had it and has now done over 200,000Km. We have not done another thing to this car mechanically. Every thing is still original and working fine. We haven't even replaced the timing belt although this is scheduled for the next service just to be on the safe side.

I wish I could say the same for my 2003 BA XR6 utility (7 years further down the track in technology), and it will never be as good a car as the Festiva. We intend keeping this great little car until it stops.

So after having been told by Chateau that the noise from the air-conditioning was 'series standard' and that 'there is no further action' I followed up with another complaint to DaimerChrysler who suggested a comparison test.

Today I attended BEA Motors (clean, modern, professional, and friendly, efficient) and a comparison test was conducted. As a result the technician reported - 'a distinct noise level difference between the two vehicles...' I am now again waiting for a response from DaimlerChrysler themselves.