Holden Cruze Gearbox & Transmission Problems

It’s in the zone, so I would be very cautious about buying it. If you can, check its history to see if there has been any trouble with the automatic transmission, and consider having it checked by an automatic transmission specialist.

It is a common problem. Contact Holden’s customer service (1800 033 349) and lodge a claim to have the transmission replaced.

The offer you have been made is pretty standard one, and not a bad one given that your car is now eight years old. If you want to pursue Holden for the full amount it would be best to consult the state consumer affairs department in Perth and get their advice.

The problem with the Cruze transmission is well known.

You have done the right thing by registering your concern with Holden, and it has responded by telling you a diagnostic check is needed to assess the situation with your car.

Pay the $135 for the test, and providing it confirms the problem I would expect Holden to replace the transmission at its cost.

You’re right that lots of owners have had trouble with the automatic transmission in their Cruzes, but yours being a manual isn’t affected by that problem. I wouldn’t be taking the advice to get out of it.

 No, it’s not fair to ask you to undertake a diagnostic check at your expense. The transmission is known to be faulty, and as long as you haven’t abused it in any way, they should be replacing it free of charge without question.

The first point of contact after you’ve consulted the dealer is with Holden’s Customer Care (1800 4646 5336) to lodge a claim for a refund of the cost of repairs to your car.

The dual-clutch so-called ‘sports automatic’ transmission in the Cruze has a long and miserable history if trouble. From what you describe it seems trouble is coming your way.

You seem to have kept good records of the problems with your car, which will help when it comes to the crunch. It’s also good that you are pursuing Holden through VCAT. If you bought it new in 2015 the warranty must have only just expired, which should help you claim against Holden for the cost of repairs. I would pursue Holden to replace the transmission; the car has a long history of trouble with the transmission, which you can verify with the records you have kept. If that fails to move Holden I would again go to VCAT to get some satisfaction.

Your plan to go to court over the matter is the correct course of action. The auto transmission in your model has been very troublesome and many owners have had problems with them. The only way to fix it is to replace the transmission, which was done once before on your car, and you will potentially have to replace again some time in the future.