Battery dies after a couple of weeks. After a long run (2000km) the battery stays charged for months. Battery checks OK. Do I need to replace anything? Other than that the car runs flawlessly.

I have a RR Sport which has same tow hitch as Disco 3. I went to City Towbars and got after market HR high goose neck. I have been towing caravan for 2 months and all is nice and level.

If you found other solution I will be interested to hear.

My problem is quite a simple one, yet none of the management team seems to be able to make a decision to resolve this issue.

I purchased a new Ford SR BF on 5 March 2007 from Peter Warren Ford Warwick Farm Sydney. The vehicle was not in a fit or merchantable state to be sold to me, it has been back to service on at least 19 occasions, had a software program run through the gearbox, a new gearbox, a new K Bar, a new battery and various other replacements and services.

The car was, at Ford's request, left for a whole week with Sinclair Ford, supposedly for engineers from Melbourne to come up and look at the car. The car has a problem with the gearbox still and the car has creaked since new. Ford have not, since new, been able to find or rectify the creaking problem, which becomes quite loud when it is raining and underneath the vehicle becomes wet.

Margaret Horesh Customer Relations Centre Manager, was to contact me yesterday (30th Jan) with an offer to settle the matter Her offer made today (31st Jan) was to take the vehicle into service again so technical staff could look at it but I am sorry we have been there, done that! I do not consider this an offer at all but a “fob off” once again.

My husband and I have not been unreasonable in requesting either a replacement vehicle, which we are prepared to pay a little extra towards or perhaps a demonstration vehicle with a few kilometres on it. At this stage we are not prepared to once again take the vehicle in to service.

There is a point in time when enough is enough and I wonder how many more times the vehicle has to be "looked at" before someone can make a final decision. I am preparing to file an application with the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal seeking an order for a replacement vehicle or a fair and equitable compensatory award.

Ford buyer for 25 years but unfortunately no more!

Leanne

The cost of spare parts from Toyota is just a **** as I got a sunroof in my surf. During a very hot day it started to rain and one drop on the hot glass is all it took to shatter the sun roof and the replacement cost is going to be $981.50 and that’s after a discount and that’s only the glass then another $500 to fit.

It would be cheaper to buy whole new after market one as I worked for dealerships for many years and know the good and bad cars and what goes wrong with them. I might just go back to Subaru as I have seen them with 600000km on them and still drive like new.

I have a 2004 BA Falcon on dedicated gas which I have had no problems with up until recently. It has started mis-firing at speeds above 70km/hr when you put your foot on the accelerator. I have had it recently serviced, checked the coils and sparkplugs all which are fine, and they have no idea whets wrong now. I will be taking it to a dedicated LPG specialist. Any ideas?

Hi Guys

I have been very happy with my CZ CDX Vectra which I bought at one year old from a Sydney dealer. It had previously been registered to Holden and had 11000km on the clock. Only trouble I had was a failed battery in the first year. Warning signs for that are loss of cruise and occasional loss of power steering, followed shortly by non starting. New battery and everything came good.

Two months after my three year warranty ran out, the transmission went into failure mode. I booked it in to a local dealer for its 45K Km service and asked him to fix the failure mode problem. He did the service and advised the ECU had been recalibrated and the problem was fixed.

A week later I set off on holiday, a 700km trip. Guess what, failure mode again after 300Km. Anyway, I finished the trip and booked it into a dealer in Maclean NSW.

After some checking, they advised the following:-

1. The vehicle did not show on the VIN register and it had missed two important recalls. (Fault of the selling dealer and also the last dealer to service it). The vehicle had been off the service radar for over three years.

2. There is evidence of water in the gearbox. This has caused emulsification of the transmission fluid and degraded the clutch bands, thus the ECU sees to much slip and locks the drive into failure mode.

3. Further than that, the oil has been displaced in the bearings and the box is unrepairable.

4. The only solution is a new transmission.

I then requested the dealer to contact Holden and explain the situation as, the vehicle had only done 45000km even if just out of its three year warranty.

Holden came back and agreed to pay for everything. They advised that this water problem only effected a very few Vectras and is caused by pickup of condensate from the Aircon drain by the crankcase vent which in the original design is right next to it (rework of this was one of the missing recalls). It took ten days to locate and install the new transmission.

It cost me a couple of hundred bucks for the proper diagnosis, plus an extra week’s holiday accommodation.

Anyone with this model Vectra should do a check with your local dealer to ensure it is on the VIN register and has had all its recalls carried out.

The Bill was over five grand. I am still happy with the vehicle, but I have learnt a few lessons and I am currently looking around for a different local Holden dealer.

Bob

The transfer case is chain driven, and I stretched the chain to the point it was jumping off the cog making a big noise, Nissan replace it under warranty.

First one Nissan have had happen!

I have owned a 2003 Mazda Bravo 2600 since new and from day one we have always experienced pinging under hard acceleration, particularly so in 3rd gear above 3500 revs. Numerous fuel filter changes and tanks of premium fuel have had on effect on the problem in the 90,000kms we have had the vehicle. Have resigned ourselves to living with the problem and make sure we back off the throttle when it occurs. Other than that it has provided very reliable travel.

In Short: 2006 CDX Astra (Same probs).

Stereo console not working on hot days, very frustrating. Stereo controls on steering wheel affected as well on and off when the console controls not working- drives us all crazy!

Other probs you may relate to or watch out for:
- Left mirror - not rotating properly
- Car engine sounds like a diesel! Start up in the morning and the fan belt screams in agony! Left car for a week without starting and it Backfired on start up!
- Roof rails on top of the car require replacing as they have developed a worn out appearance!
- Windows when wound up (electronically) continue to emit a clicking noise like they still have not completely closed?
- Leather seat (Driver side) already showing worn out marks and leather coming apart from driver’s side air bag cover etc..etc..etc...

Disgraceful effort for an import, Japanese cars here I come!

Hey Joy, maybe you should change your name or maybe your car. I didn't even read your complaint but I posted my Astra complaint on here almost a year ago now. My friend had one too and we both got rid of our Astras because if either of our cars had a problem, the other got the same problem soon after. And the more I spoke to other Astra owners, the more I realised they're just lemons.

My mechanic said they're okay until about 60000km and then get rid of them. My friend was having problems at 45000 and I had more than enough with mine. I am now the proud owner of a Mazda6 and I couldn't recommend them enough.

My advice? Get rid of it quick, before it only gets worse. And believe me, it will. Good luck.

Has anyone thought of doing a Class Action Suite against Holden Australia.

I bought a Cewmen Cross 8 from Holden and it spent more time in their workshop at Suttons Holden Arncliffe then it ever did on the road. There was an issue with rear brakes that in the end they just flatly refused to fix and admitted they couldn't. They effectively sold me a faulty product for $70,000 plus and 3.5 years later with 72,000ks on the clock from hwy driving I got $16,000 for it. Yet every other ute of this same type and model and in most cases more ks on the clock, and no where near close to the accessories I had installed in this vehicle at time of purchase ... sold at the time of sale for $42,000 plus.

At the time of selling it I had up it for sale originally for $38,000. The best offer I could get was $16,000 because every time you came to a stop the back brakes would scratch so much that if you were in peak hour in the middle of Sydney you would stop all traffic and the place would go as quiet as a mouse as people would stare and you could see the looks on their faces as they where thinking **** and they say only beautiful woman can only do that.

As for Holden service, what is that? In Holden’s Head Office Customer Service, they wouldn't know what service is or even how to tell the truth if it bit them fair in the ****. They constantly **** to me, never returned calls … I would Never buy a Holden if it was the last mode of transport on the face of this earth!

I stay with Ford or Japanese made cars now. At least with the Japanese, they remember what service is all about and will go to the ends of the earth to achieve excellence. The only thing I dislike about their cars, **** forgot we don't all have hands as small as them. Many a time have I have to call for help cause I have got both me hands stuck somewhere in a Jap engine, but hey if that’s all I got for a complaint, then they ain't doing too bad.

Hello, I too have a lemon Kia Carnival. We purchased this car in 2006 with 62,000km on it. It now has only 78,000km and has major engine trouble.

Water is leaking into the engine as all the other complaints I have read about. I have contacted the place of purchase and they have fobbed me off to KIA. I have also spoken to consumer affairs person about this problem; they gave me all the advice and basically said good luck with that.

Why do we have these government departments (that tax payers pay for) when they won’t help you without going through so much stress and hardship to get results? This is only a new case so I would like some advice/encouragement in what to do. I have 5 children 3 attend school and youngest is only12 months old. Walking and bussing everywhere is hard and expensive.

Is this claim worth pursuing, or should I cut my losses and run, go buy a Ford or Holden?

Regards Julie

I have had the same level of service from Trivett Paramatta (must be a company thing!). I believe that when the cars get older and the mechanics have to do more than simply read codes and replace what the computers tell them, it becomes either too hard or the company feels they are not making enough money out of you. I too am looking for a good mechanic for my 306. I still like the car and want to keep it.

Keep reading about the 3 Amigos, well I have 4, Handbrake, Traction Control, Hill Decent and ABS ... not sure where to start. I only have 79,000 on the clock. Landrover must have an idea on the cause that does not warrant a $1000 or more to fix.

Re fuel cap leak Holden Crewman VZ.

Brian,

Good luck trying to fix your leak. I have a 3 yo VZ and had a fuel leak from day 1. Holden 'service' initially told me that it was a breather problem, removed the whole tray, and couldn’t rectify it. Went through 4 caps then they told me I was putting too much petrol in it. I replied 'politely' that I only fill it to the 1st click, no response.

I was pretty frustrated because I have signage that has been replaced 3 times at a cost of $150 a throw. Holden wouldn't come to the party so I went to my usual mechanic which voided my extended warranty, I told them you guys can't fix anything anyway so no loss. This was amongst some other minor issues also.

I will be getting my panel beater to sort it out. If you go to spare parts and get the service/parts drawings it’s not an issue with the cap. You do it up and it works itself loose. It seems to have a support bracket off the chassis which either becomes loose or inadequate for the job, as the filler hose is only a rubber hose like a radiator hose.

Previously I had a Ford which had solid metal and wasn't attached to the body and didn't vibrate or twist off, I feel it’s a poor design. I hope this helps. I'll get my car serviced in the next couple of weeks and hopefully it can be sorted.

Hi All,

I have a 97 commodore ute automatic that when I drive I hear noises coming from the rear. I think it maybe the diff. When I slow down the noise is much louder. Can somebody offer advice, is it the diff or something else?

A very annoying noise sounding like a vibration/rattling sound coming from somewhere in the dash area. The sound only occurs between 90km and 100km and then stops after this speed. I don’t believe there is a problem with the wheels being out of alignment as this has been fixed. The steering is good. I do not know what is causing this rattling noise, and have taken the glove box out but there is nothing loose. I would appreciate any advice.

Regards
Ian

I have a 25th Anniversary VY Commodore with factory installed LPG. It has a fault with the Check Engine Warning Light coming on due to the O2 sensor.

I have had the vehicle in to a Holden dealer for repair nine times under warranty and they can’t fix it.

I would like to hear from any one else who has this fault.

Hi all, last night I was treated to the 5th gear failure after carrying out a towing stint of at least 600km. I know this is a common issue. Mine happened at 96,500km. Let’s hope it’s not too expensive!

What I am interested in is the overheating/cylinder head issue. Due to the fact I tow trailers (often on beaches and always in low ratio), I have been interested in seeing if I could add to the capacity, or do anything to help the existing cooling system. My interest has been flamed by the fact that I overheated the engine once after concentrating so much on the RPM and whether I was going to get bogged that I didn’t look across at the temp gauge.

Has anyone got any suggestions or comments on the cooling system? Thank you.

First it was the barrel lock when the car refused to start so ... this was in the second year and then came the major one the following year just a month after the warranty expired. The engine lights turned on and the car refused to pick up speed. After taking the car in for two checks to Zupps Holden, the lights still came on. I was told that the computer chip had to be replaced, cost me $2500. My car travels less than 100 kms every week, current mileage is 70000kms.

Would appreciate feedback. Has this just happened to me or is this just my luck!

I have a 25th Anniversary VY Commodore. I have a fault with the driver’s seat. The seat frame is protruding through the seat cushion. The seat cushion has been replaced twice under warranty and it has now happen again.

I would like to hear from anyone else who has this fault.

Mate, all experience I have had with disc grinds can cure immediate or short term problems. Firstly what caused the warped discs in the first place? over braking? heavy braking? heavy load carrying? Usually the first hypothesis is the problem, however taking material off the disc only exaggerates the issue further i.e. less material the disc heats quicker!

Purchase some slotted discs this will cure it for you, and then you don’t have to change your driving technique. My kids were the worst ones for it on our family XR6 I now have no probs at all.

Regards

What engine? The fault hasn't a thing to do with the dual cab bit, however those who use this site for research ARE interested in what combination/s of vehicle / drive train are known to be unreliable.

I am very interested to know more about your problem. I have a 25th Anniversary 2004 VY Commodore, I have had the Drivers Seat Cushion replaced twice under warranty and it has now collapsed again.

Have you owned your car from new?

Hi all

If you have had this same problem let me know, or take it as a little warning when buying an Astra.

My 03 model the other day started to default the automatic gear box to 3rd gear even when starting from 0km/h (A light came up on the dash with a spanner and car on it). This was very inconvenient for me as the car would have no drive from 0-30km/h. I took it to the Automatic transmission specialists and they said that the problem was faulty codes and a bad wire connection.

That cost $300 AUD. That isn't the best part. I came back from holidays and it started doing it again. Took it to the same place.

I am now writing this to say that my bank balance is now $1800 worse off as the whole electronic computer system needed to be replaced. Could have had an after market computer for $200 but the mechanic strongly advised me against it.

And the car only has done 48000km, and has been serviced every 5000-10000km.

Hope Holden goes broke.