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Holden LWH engine: known problems

Used in 2 guides · diesel · 8 known problems

Layout
I4
Fuel
diesel
Timing
Belt-driven, 150,000km / 7.5-year

Known problems8

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
Torque converter shudder
Aisin AW6 lockup clutch shudder. Transmission overheating when towing.
Fix: External trans cooler. Fresh fluid every 50-60k.
From 100k+ km · ~$2500-4500
Listed for: Holden Colorado RG · Holden Colorado 7 / Trailblazer RG
High
Alternator cable recall
Pre-MY15 had alternator cable routing issue causing engine bay fires. Recall issued.
Fix: Verify recall completed via VIN check.
Any · Recall fix
Listed for: Holden Colorado RG
High
Fuel injector failure
VM Motori injectors fail around 70-100k. Hard starts, smoke, rough running.
Fix: Injector set replacement.
From 70-100k km · ~$2500-4000 set
Listed for: Holden Colorado RG
High
DPF blockage
DPF clogs, limp mode, Service Engine Soon.
Fix: Highway runs. Manual regen via scan tool.
Short-trip use · ~$1500-3500
Listed for: Holden Colorado RG
Medium
Crankcase ventilation failure
PCV fails - oil consumption >1L/1000km.
Fix: PCV/breather replacement. Catch can helps.
From 100k+ km · ~$300-600
Listed for: Holden Colorado RG
Medium
Oil consumption / oil-spec change
Early 2.8 engines could consume oil and need topping up between services. Holden revised the specified oil from 5W-30 to 5W-40 and released an updated oil-cap design to address it. Persistent heavy consumption can point to deeper engine wear.
Fix: Use the updated 5W-40 spec, check oil regularly, and confirm consumption is normal during inspection; heavy users should investigate before purchase.
Any (early build) · ~$0-2500
Listed for: Holden Colorado 7 / Trailblazer RG
Medium
DPF clogging / failed regen on short trips
The Euro 5 DPF won't passively regenerate on short, low-speed urban driving, leading to DPF-blocked warnings, failed regen cycles and limp mode - worst on city-only or short-trip cars.
Fix: Regular sustained highway runs to allow regeneration; forced regen or DPF clean/replacement if blocked. Avoid as a pure city car.
Any · ~$300-2500
Listed for: Holden Colorado 7 / Trailblazer RG
Medium
Timing belt - mandatory interference-engine service
Unlike many rivals' chains, the 2.8 uses a timing belt. It is an interference engine, so an overdue or snapped belt destroys valves and pistons.
Fix: Replace belt (with tensioner/idlers and water pump) on schedule; demand belt history before buying.
From 150k km / 7.5 years · ~$700-1500
Listed for: Holden Colorado 7 / Trailblazer RG

Cars with the LWH2

Holden Colorado RG
2012-2020 · 2.5L LWN / 2.8L LWH (pre-MY16, 3000kg tow) / 2.8L LWH (MY16+, 3500kg tow)
Caution
Holden Colorado 7 / Trailblazer RG
2012-2020 · 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel (Series 1, 132kW)
Value

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