Holden

Cruze JG / JH inspection checklist

2009-2016 · 15 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

high6T40 / 6T45 automatic - slip, flare and limp mode

Look for: 2011-13 JH Cruzes with the GF6/6T40 six-speed auto may slip or flare in forward or reverse, illuminate the MIL, or lose forward drive entirely. It is one of the most-reported Cruze faults.

If you find it: TCM software updates address some cases; valve-body or full transmission rebuild/replacement for mechanical failures. Check for clean, regular ATF service.

Any (2011-2013 worst) · ~$1500-4500

highCooling system - thermostat, water pump, overheating

Look for: Coolant leaks, thermostat-housing and water-pump failures plague the whole range; if ignored they can cause overheating and head-gasket damage. The wrong coolant accelerates the problem.

If you find it: Use only the correct red OAT coolant; replace thermostat housing and water pump preventively; pressure-test and inspect the overflow bottle for oil.

From 60k+ km · ~$300-1500

mediumElectrical gremlins / warning lights

Look for: Owners report a range of electrical niggles - random warning lights, sensor faults (PCV, thermostat), audio/infotainment and central-locking quirks - across both the JG and JH.

If you find it: Proper diagnosis with a Tech2/compatible scan tool; address PCV/thermostat sensor root causes rather than clearing codes.

Any · ~$150-1000

mediumOil leaks (cam cover, oil cooler)

Look for: Oil weeps from cam-cover gaskets, the oil-cooler area and seals are common as the cars age, sometimes confused with more serious failures.

If you find it: Replace gaskets and the oil cooler/seals; clean and re-check; rule out head-gasket if oil is found in coolant.

From 100k+ km · ~$200-1500

1.8L F18D4 petrol

highOil cooler failure (oil in coolant)

Look for: The F18D4's oil cooler is a known weak point; when it fails it lets engine oil into the cooling system (mayonnaise in the coolant, oily overflow bottle), which can mimic or contribute to head-gasket symptoms.

If you find it: Replace the oil cooler and seals, flush the cooling system, confirm head gasket is intact before assuming the worst.

From 100k+ km · ~$600-2000

mediumCamshaft / VVT oil-feed problems

Look for: Owners report engine light and loss of power from variable-valve-timing oil-feed faults, frequently after head or timing work where a small plastic oil-feed tube is omitted or a cam/VVT actuator is worn.

If you find it: Correct reassembly with all oil-feed components; inspect camshafts and VVT actuators; use a specialist for timing/head work.

Any (often post-repair) · ~$300-1500

1.4L Turbo petrol (LUJ / A14NET)

highTiming chain stretch / tensioner failure

Look for: The 1.4 turbo's timing chain stretches and its tensioner wears, giving a rattle (especially on cold start) and rough running; because it is an interference engine, a failed chain can bend valves and wreck the engine. Fuel dilution and soot in the oil from short trips and skipped services accelerate it.

If you find it: Replace chain, guides and tensioner at the first sign of rattle; keep to short oil-change intervals with the correct dexos oil. Walk away from any car with a startup rattle.

Can be under 150k km · ~$1500-4000 (far more if it lets go)

highOil line / oil gallery / PCV clogging - oil starvation

Look for: These engines are notorious for clogging oil feed lines, the oil pick-up and oil galleries, and for PCV/crankcase-ventilation faults; restricted oil flow can starve the turbo and top end and lead to engine damage.

If you find it: Strict short-interval oil changes, clean/replace the oil feed line and PCV components, verify oil pressure; a clogged pick-up means sump-off cleaning.

Any (service-dependent) · ~$500-2500

highEngine fire / brake-vacuum recalls

Look for: June 2012 recall: oil could spill onto the lower air deflector and, on hot components, cause a fire. A separate recall covered a supplementary electric vacuum pump that may not operate during warm-up, reducing braking.

If you find it: Confirm both recalls have been carried out with Holden/GMSV records before purchase.

Any · ~$0 (recall) if outstanding

mediumCoolant leaks / thermostat housing / overheating

Look for: Coolant leaks, failing thermostats and water-pump issues are widely reported and gave the Cruze some of the worst cooling-related reliability scores in its class; overheating can in turn cause head-gasket damage.

If you find it: Replace thermostat housing, water pump and any weeping hoses; use the correct red OAT coolant; pressure-test.

From 60k+ km · ~$300-1200

2.0L Turbo Diesel (Z20S1 / CDi)

highDPF blockage / failed regeneration / limp mode

Look for: Cars used for short trips, urban stop-start or towing can't complete DPF regeneration, leading to DPF-blocked warnings, repeated failed regens, reduced power and limp mode.

If you find it: Regular highway runs to allow regen; forced regen or DPF clean/replacement; rule out a faulty diff-pressure sensor or EGR feeding soot.

Any (short-trip use) · ~$800-3000

mediumEGR sticking / intake carbon build-up

Look for: The EGR valve sticks and the intake manifold cokes up with carbon, causing rough idle, lost power and contributing to DPF loading.

If you find it: Clean or replace the EGR valve, de-coke the intake; quality fuel and regular use help.

From 100k+ km · ~$300-1000

mediumVGT turbo sticking / failure

Look for: The variable-geometry Garrett turbo (GTB1549VK) vanes can stick from soot/oil, giving over- or under-boost, lost power and noise.

If you find it: Clean or replace the VGT/turbo, service the EGR and check actuator operation.

From 120k+ km · ~$1500-3000

1.6L Turbo petrol (A16LET) - SRi / SRi-V

mediumCoolant / thermostat / oil leaks

Look for: Like the rest of the range, the 1.6T suffers coolant leaks, thermostat/water-pump failures and assorted oil leaks (cam cover, oil cooler area) with age.

If you find it: Replace cooling components and seals as needed; use correct red OAT coolant; keep an eye on the overflow bottle.

From 80k+ km · ~$300-1200

mediumTurbo / PCV and oil-related wear

Look for: Turbocharger wear and PCV/oil-control issues develop on neglected examples, leading to oil consumption, smoke and boost faults.

If you find it: Short-interval oil changes with correct-spec oil, service the PCV, check turbo shaft play and boost control.

From 120k+ km · ~$800-2500

1 minor thing (low severity)

lowFront suspension / steering wear

Look for: Front control-arm bushes, ball joints, links and steering components wear with age and Australian roads, giving clunks and vague steering.

If you find it: Standard front-end refresh - bushes, ball joints, links; wheel alignment afterward.

From 100k+ km · ~$300-900

From FlamingCars' Holden Cruze guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.