Well my VZ Berlina is now 2 years and 10 months old and I have had all my services done at Heartland Holden. Now I don't do that many km a year about 10,000km.

A couple of weeks ago I received a letter from Heartland telling me that all my future services would only cost me $185 under the extended warranty, now that I thought was a good deal. That was until today when I again received another letter from Heartland telling me that now all my services must be done every 10,000km instead of the 15,000km service book.

This letter also said because I was such a loyal customer I was getting a reward from Heartland. What a joke so now I will have to get my car serviced every 5,000km or I would lose my extended warranty, and every 15,000km will cost me now $276 where before they gave it to me for $220.

Who said there was no money for dealers in extended warrantees?

Shane,

I had a very similar experience with Zupps Browns Plains in regards to my Holden Cruze. Being under new car warranty, I was of the impression that I could get my car serviced at any certified Holden dealer (which I did having one closer to work than Zupps). From day dot I had hassles, particularly with the gearbox. For 24 months and with every subsequent service I told them about the problems with the gearbox.

Eventually, on my way to work one morning my gearbox died. I found out the internal shaft was completely wrecked (it has actually twisted) internal on the bearings and apparently it was my fault for 'driving the car too hard' and they wanted to charge me $5000 to have it repaired (that was a minimum $2k Dearer than anywhere else I got quotes from)

I did a royal dummy spit and it eventually worked. So I definitely feel your pain! I think bottom line is, that the Cruze is a painful model and Holden simply don’t want to cough up for the warranties caused by it (hence it being no longer made).

Thanks said, do a dummy spit. Threaten legal action; threaten bad publicity, it’s amazing what those two things can accomplish.

Good luck!

Simon, our 2005 ST X-trail has delayed throttle response for last 12 months and has been kinda liveable, until last weekend when throttle control started to 'hunt' continuously from 1500 to 2000 rpm every 3secs. The throttle body is over and under compensating as if it is worn out!

This and the delayed throttle is a safety issue as car will drive through corners if throttle is not released in time. Re-application is needed to get one through corner. This leads to erratic driving, extra fuel etc. Be extra aware, you'll be amazed at car engine performing badly.

Local dealer was rung and after 2 hours could not diagnose faults. It appears the fly-by-wire systems is getting mixed signals from airflow and throttle unit and cannot be fixed with service unit (recalibration has no effect, only makes it worse). Nissan M Co has been contacted and so must wait for their reply. Will update with answer, if any.

Unbelievable that the thing can't be simply re-gassed. The whole compressor, receiver/dryer and hi/lo switch need replacing at $1000 - and just 78,000 - never again. This after replacing both rear window winder assemblies at $500 each and the engine mounts at 60,000km.

I've noticed that the fuel efficiency according to the trip meter computer has become much worse in the past few months, and the trip meter seems to be measuring a bit erratically. However I am not sure whether the problem is the trip meter or something in the engine. Just took it to a (non-Ford) mechanic who changed the oxygen sensor (they apparently go around 70,000km) and also downloaded a computer update to fix an error code, but it doesn't seem to have made any difference to what I am seeing on the trip meter. Have not tried a manual check yet (i.e. does it take more fuel to make the trips I normally make).

Has anyone come across this?

Hi guys - Just bought a second hand VY SS Crewman 3 weeks ago. Have been back to dealer 3 times already.

Front passenger door was dropping - Loud brake squeaking/grinding - after driving around 20min or so will experience loud clanking noise (diff?) during take off or slow speed like when your stuck in traffic.

After going thru few website and reading all the problems with the VY series I am really worried and very disappointed (I have owned Holden from a VN SS - VS SS - VT Clubsport - with no problems and then this).

The dealer fixed the door and machined the disc brake (still squeaking, specially turning left) - still clanking after driving for 'round about 20mins. Holden service says they can't find anything wrong with it? diff?. Also gear changed really annoying (automatic) - seems like it doesn't know which gear to put it especially when you put your foot down. They have adjusted it for me but now seems to consume more juice. and still drops down and up ... grrrr ... be back there again in 2 weeks time.

For a work vehicle very disappointed. It is costing me $$$ already just wasting time trying to get it fixed. Any advice/help would be much appreciated. Car is on the 3month + 3 year warranty. What can I do Holden? If the diff and other numerous problems are so common how come it is still un-resolved?

There's been a lot of talk about class actions here. Has anyone done anything? If so, I wanna join. If not, I am seriously going to start something rolling as I am not letting them get away with this.

Please email me your story (model, year, KIA's response, etc). I will catalog these and as soon as we get enough people (30 or so?) I will get the ball rolling.

I will be printing out leaflets and handing them out to anyone who even looks like they are purchasing a KIA in Sydney on Saturdays, probably at their main Homebush dealership. If you wanna join in, please reply!

At just on 100,000km my Vectra's clutch has let go and is slipping badly. A shame, as I only bought it (2nd hand, privately) 3,000km ago, and it's a real joy to drive.

The complaint is that Holden are quoting $1,100 for a clutch kit, and that's not including labour! WTF!

My mechanic found a non-original kit for $680, still an awful lot for what is essentially a Camira engine/gearbox. Something like this should be no more than $300 new as a complete kit!

Hey how's it going? I have a VT S pack series 2. I recently installed a large sound system and and the car has coped but the lights used to dim. Then one day the battery light turned on and I quickly done a few tests and realised my alternator was gone. I went and bought a 100 amp Repco alternator and installed it correctly but now my battery light is still on. When I accelerate in drive the light turns off and when I back off it turns on but when in neutral it doesn’t.

Please help, going crazy, Holden want $95 dollars an hour and I am an apprentice thanks.

I have been having a problem the last couple of days when I accelerate the car jumps and the RPM's rev high and jump back down. I have brought it to Nissan and they could not find anything wrong with it. Can somebody explain what the problem is?

It doesn’t happen all the time but at least 3 to 5 times a day when I accelerate when I'm stopped at a light. It’s like the car kicks back. Or when I want to pass a car and step on the pedal the computer in the car doesn’t acknowledge that the car wants to change gears.

Owner of 2 Holden Jackaroo Diesels. Same ongoing problems with injector seals, poor cold starting, low oil pressure, blown turbo. Have replaced wiring looms, fuel pump, injectors and/or seals, currently again suffering low oil pressure 5 weeks after last work on injectors. When will Holden take responsibility for inherent faults? Would like to hear more.

Sorry to hear so many people having problems with the Kia Carnival. I was looking at buying one, but I'm glad I found this site, I will now look at the Tarago instead. Now I know why the Carnivals are so cheap.

Vehicle sporadically grabs when stopping, as if the handbrake was being applied. When starting again it feels like the handbrake is on. Able to drive through the obstruction. Once moving no difficulties are experienced.

Mechanic can find no problem due to the intermittent nature of the problem. Brakes have been checked at last service (60K) and are in good condition and showing no sign of abnormal wear.

Any similar problems or suggestions

Otherwise as the ad says it’s unbreakable.

Piret,

I don’t believe that your model Astra is from Opel Germany. Your model I think is the one made in UK. Big problems. Dump it quick.

Mark,

My current AH has done 45000k in just over 12 months. I am aware of the Astra faults but in the last 6 years I have had new Holdens and Falcons all of which have had a huge list of problems. What do you buy?

VX SS. Two new engines. Gearbox. Water pump. Rear tyres scrubbing out.
VY Berlina. Water pump, AC, Steering pump and hoses (twice).
BA Fairmont Ghia - don’t go there.

All these cars were new. It is the luck of the draw. The main issue is getting properly trained and competently run service departments. They are All rubbish and I don’t care what anyone says on that subject. Again they are All rubbish. They will sort out the minor easy stuff but God help you with the major problems.

I have had 5 Jaguars and the difference between the Jaguar workshops and the independents I found was massive. Absolutely no comparison. You will find the same with most experienced mechanics. Think about it. What self respecting good mechanic would work in a Holden or Ford service shop. I think none.

What we need in this country are lemon laws. That is what we should all be fighting for.

I emailed today Drive about my problem and they referred me to Today Tonight who emailed me about doing a possible story on this issue. I'm sure there will be plenty of willing participants in this forum.

Please email them with your story.

Hi,

I just wanted to register a complaint against both the Holden Vectra I own, and either the expertise of the Holden dealership's technicians, or perhaps just their willingness to rectify the issue.

For seven years now, this JR series Vectra has experienced engine management system errors, where upon removing your foot from the accelerator; the car will display the engine warning light then cut out. During a service, when the system is reset, the car drives "normally" anywhere from two weeks to approximately a month before the problem proceeds to return in a graduated fashion.

Typically, I work around this dangerous issue (and it has almost caused a few accidents already) by either roll-starting the car, or restarting the car on the fly at the ignition.

Holden's stance on the matter is that it's resolvable by a field service - which I had applied somewhere in the 2001 timeframe (the sticker's white now, so I can't confirm that), yet this made absolutely no difference whatsoever. I also called Holden's head office around 2002 as I was quite distressed, but they simply stated they couldn't help me (in the manner which really conveys, we don't want to know your story) and to keep working with the local dealership.

This morning the vehicle took at turn for the worse, where now when it stalls, upon restarting, it's like the computer shuts off again straight away (using the ignition). This fires off a rapid cycle of start-stop events, which cause the engine to shudder violently, which in turn is causing some kind of metallic pinging to occur (I couldn't make it out very well over the engine shuddering).

I've booked the car in for an ad-hoc service, but I don't honestly believe that it will prove any more productive that the previous seven years. So my simple advice to anyone looking to purchase a second-hand JR Series Vectra: look for something else, as if the vehicle is subject to the same issues as I'm experiencing, Holden won't be willing or able to help you, it seems.

As a closing side comment, I'd like to say that apart from this one *significant* issue, the car itself is still a pleasure to drive.

Regards,
Lain Robertson

I have a Landrover Discovery series 2a 2003 Model TD5 motor Auto tran and have had a lot of problems with it most of them minor, the unit only had 56K on it when I bought it.

The main issue has been an ongoing problem with the Timpken (I hope that is how it is spelt) tapered bearings that seem to take most of the stress imposed by the drive shaft to the front wheels. The bearings are literally being destroyed in a very short time. I am just about to get my fourth bearing installed in 4 months. The shortest period I have had from a bearing is three weeks.

I am told I have a lot to look forward too if I keep it, $3000 to do the head gasket at about 130,000 kms and a myriad of other items that will fail as I go deeper into it's life.

My first TD5 a 2000 manual model I had no significant problems with.

My father has a 04 V8 and has used it very hard in the bush and has had very few problems.

I love the car and the way it drives (when going) and I am gutted to think I will have to get rid of it.

Anyone else had problems with the front bearings?

Regards,

I had this problem for quite some time; the cause on my Disco was that the brake pads were changed without changing the disks.

The disks are designed to be changed when the pads are changed, they are not expensive. If you do not change the disks the pads ride up on the ridges on the disks for a long time and confuses the braking system, this may get better as the pads wear in to match the disks but it will generally still happen intermittently.

Change your disks and pads and I am sure you will see the end of it.

Yeah - the Kia 2.5 motor is the same one that was in the Landrover Freelander and had the same problem ... Also in the rover 75 and MG ZT.

I've got one of each and the Rover is fine (2001) and the MG cooked 18 months ago and cost $7k to fix (the same rebuild you're talking about). It is about to cook again, and the quote is $6.5K through McCarroll's MG Citroen in Chatswood. Try them.

I had a BA Fairmont Ghia which would cut out at speed or standing still. Ford service could not fix the defect and because it was dangerous I got rid of the vehicle to a Ford dealer. It is a common defect with that model. It is so bad that the NSW Police Service were refusing to take the vehicles out of the stations for fear of causing an accident.

To all the people who have this problem good luck. My advice is to write a legal letter to Ford or the place you purchased the vehicle and notify them that you will hold them responsible if the defect results in an accident.

To all the people who are thinking of buying this model vehicle be very careful and get a specific warranty to cover this defect before you buy. Don’t be fooled by salesmen scoffing at the issue. The defect is Real.

Please note that the problem may not occur for some weeks after purchase and does not happen in all vehicle models.

As for the rest of the vehicle it steered and rode like a Jaguar (1975 model) and was about as reliable. Suspension and steering problems which I tried to fix after market without luck. It has a good engine generally but very thirsty. Watch the tire wears especially in the Fairmont Ghana’s and XR models.

Good luck buyers and owners.

I've had the "3 amigos" problem on my 2003 LR Discovery II with 45,000 miles for about 2 months now. Took it to the dealer last week and they suggested a new ABS modulator for $3200. This included $500 for a new switch of some sort for the right front wheel.

They showed me the diagnosis which pointed to some shuttle valves in the ABS switch. I've done some research and in 2006 LR provided a shuttle valve repair kit SWO500030. I'm still trying to find out if this was to address the ABS modulator problem.

I have to believe that the problem is NOT life threatening if LR hasn't issued a recall. I also have to believe that if someone has an accident and the modulator is shown to be the culprit there will be a rapid recall.

Research on the internet shows a lot of people like us in the same circumstances with lack of a concise resolution to the problem. I'll be happy to help in any way I can. I'm still looking for a resolution and my try a few inexpensive things on my own 1st. Keep you posted.

Mark

I bought the car from a Dealer (not Holden) when it had only 80000kms on the clock. First service I had was OK (from Holden dealer). Then the Check Engine light came on - service station told me some expensive gizmo (sorry, I'm female) needed replacing and that cost me $500+. Also, the rotors were too worn and had to be replaced. Another $500.

Week later, light came on again. "No, it's not related" - something new - computer check shows air conditioning. Car has none. So they disconnected whatever.

This happened again a year later - another service station, another disconnection. Some months later the car became hard to start - asked them to look at that next service. They replaced the battery (faulty they said). In replacing the battery the radio code was lost and couldn't be recovered from anywhere because of age of car - I had to replace the radio/CD player.

Soon after the car sat for a week without use. When I went to drive it the battery was completely flat. They examined everything (so they said) and couldn't find anything. Drive it or start it every day they said. Now the battery is flat again and they are going to have another look at it.

Ever since I bought the car, some of the dash doesn't light up (entire component would have to be removed to replace the bulb or something). I will never buy another Holden, and certainly not an Astra (this one was built in Germany). The 1980 Astras were all great - not any more.

Started missing badly while driving, top speed of about 45km/h. Then after 60 seconds smoothed out too purring like a kitten again. Next day it just wouldn’t start. Plugs are dry, No sign of oil or water. No water in oil. No oil in water.
Suggestions please.

Despite the ignition being turned-off and the off switch on the radio being used - the radio and CD attempts to turn itself back on. By that I mean the light on the console (where the clock is keeps flashing). Thanks.