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Holden LFX engine: known problems

Used in 3 guides · 3564cc petrol · 9 known problems

Displacement
3564cc
Fuel
petrol

Known problems9

Everything our guides list for the variants with this engine: the engine itself plus the gearbox and ancillaries it's paired with. Each shows which cars it's listed for.

High
Timing chain stretch
Although improved over the VZ/VE Alloytec, the LFX still uses primary and secondary timing chains that can stretch with age, poor oil maintenance or sludge. Symptoms are a rattle on cold start, rough idle, misfires, poor economy and timing-correlation engine lights.
Fix: Replace chains, tensioners, guides and cam actuators (water pump and thermostat usually done at the same time). Service strictly to schedule with the correct grade oil to prevent it.
From 120k-250k km · ~$1600-3500
Listed for: Holden Commodore VF · Holden Ute VE / VF
High
High-pressure fuel pump failure
HPFP wears causing rough running, hard starts, possible misfires.
Fix: Pump replacement. Use clean fuel and consider an inline fuel filter.
From 120k+ km · ~$800-1500
Listed for: Holden Commodore VE / VE II
Medium
Intake-valve carbon build-up (direct injection)
Because SIDI sprays fuel into the cylinder rather than over the back of the valves, carbon accumulates on the intake valves causing rough idle, misfires and lost power - typical of all DI engines.
Fix: Walnut-blast / chemical intake clean; a catch-can and quality fuel slow re-accumulation.
From 80k+ km · ~$400-1200
Listed for: Holden Commodore VF · Holden Ute VE / VF
Medium
Intake valve carbon buildup
Direct injection bypasses intake valves - carbon hardens on them over time. Causes rough idle, misfires, power loss.
Fix: Walnut blast service. Catch can fitment slows it down significantly.
From 100k+ km · ~$800-1500
Listed for: Holden Commodore VE / VE II
Medium
Timing chain (less common than LY7)
LFX has revised chain design but still requires good oil maintenance. Less common than LY7 chain issues.
Fix: Use quality oil at proper service intervals.
From 180k+ km · ~$2500-4500
Listed for: Holden Commodore VE / VE II
Medium
Water pump / thermostat failure
The V6 water pump and thermostat housing can leak or fail with age, risking overheating.
Fix: Replace pump and thermostat - commonly bundled with a timing-chain job.
From 100k+ km · ~$400-900
Listed for: Holden Commodore VF
Medium
High-km fleet wear
Many LPG cars were taxis/fleet and have very high mileage - expect tired suspension, brakes, interior trim and ancillaries.
Fix: Thorough pre-purchase inspection; budget a consumables refresh and check the gas system certification.
From 200k+ km · Varies
Listed for: Holden Commodore VF
Low
LPG system service items
The vapour LPG system has filters and components that require periodic service, and the gas tank has a legislated re-certification life.
Fix: Keep up LPG system servicing; confirm tank certification date pre-purchase.
Service intervals · ~$150-500
Listed for: Holden Commodore VF
Low
Cam phaser / VVT solenoid faults
VVT cam phasers and oil-control solenoids can play up at higher km, often related to oil condition.
Fix: Replace solenoid/phaser; maintain clean oil.
From 130k+ km · ~$300-800
Listed for: Holden Ute VE / VF

Cars with the LFX3

Holden Commodore VE / VE II
2006-2013 · 3.6L LFX 'SIDI' V6 (direct injection)
Value
Holden Commodore VF
2013-2017 · 3.6L LFX SIDI V6 petrol / 3.6L LPG V6 (dual-fuel)
Value
Holden Ute VE / VF
2007-2017 · 3.6L SIDI V6 (LFX)
Value

From the FlamingCars guides for these cars. Specs are shown only where the guides agree and the value is verified.