VE and VF Commodore Workshop Manual
The VF Commodore was Holden at the absolute top of its game. By the time the VF arrived in 2013, Holden had spent decades refining the Commodore formula. The result was a genuinely world-class Australian performance sedan — sharper, more refined, more comfortable, and more reliable than almost anything Holden had produced before it.
Whether it’s an Evoke, SV6, SS, Redline or HSV variant, the VF still feels modern today. That’s exactly why prices remain strong and enthusiasts continue chasing clean examples.
But like any ageing performance car, the VF Commodore has its weak spots.
Here are the most common VF Commodore problems owners should know about before buying, modifying or daily driving one.
1. Transmission Shudder (6-Speed & 8-Speed Auto)
One of the biggest complaints among VF owners is transmission shudder.
The issue mostly affects automatic models, particularly vehicles fitted with GM’s 6L45, 6L50 and later 8-speed automatic transmissions. Under light throttle, the car can develop a noticeable vibration or “shudder” that feels almost like driving over rumble strips.
Some cars only show mild symptoms. Others become genuinely unpleasant to drive.
Common symptoms
- Shudder under acceleration
- Jerking between gears
- Harsh shifting
- Delayed engagement
- Vibrations at highway speeds
In many cases, degraded transmission fluid is the main culprit. Earlier servicing often solves the issue before major damage occurs.
Related guide
- VF Commodore Transmission Problems
- Best Transmission Fluids for VF Commodore
2. Air Conditioning Compressor Failure
Australian summers are brutal, and VF air conditioning systems work hard.
Unfortunately, AC compressor failures have become increasingly common across the VF range, especially on higher kilometre daily drivers. Some owners notice weak cooling first, while others suddenly lose cold air altogether.
Replacing compressors can become expensive if metal contamination spreads through the system.
Common symptoms
- Warm air from vents
- Clicking noises
- AC not engaging
- Weak cooling performance
- Intermittent cold air
This is one problem worth fixing early before it damages additional components.
Related guide
- VE, VF Commodore Air Conditioning Problems
- VE, VF HVAC problems
- Common Holden Climate Control Faults
3. Battery Drain & Electrical Gremlins
Modern Commodores are packed with electronics, and as VF models age, electrical issues are becoming more common.
Battery drain is one of the biggest frustrations for owners. Some cars sit overnight and suddenly won’t start the next morning.
Other owners report strange intermittent faults:
- infotainment glitches
- warning lights
- parking sensor issues
- faulty door locking
- touchscreen freezing
Weak batteries themselves can also trigger a surprising number of electrical problems.
Common symptoms
- Flat battery overnight
- Random warning messages
- Infotainment rebooting
- Keyless entry problems
- Start-stop system faults
Electrical diagnosis on VFs can sometimes become time-consuming due to the number of modules involved.
Related guide
- VE, VF Commodore Battery Drain Problems
- VE, VF Commodore Electrical Fault Guide
- Best OBD2 Scanners for Holden Owners
4. Cooling System Leaks
While generally more reliable than earlier Commodores, the VF still suffers from cooling system wear as the years pile on.
Radiators, thermostat housings and coolant hoses are all common leak points. Plastic fittings and tanks become brittle with heat cycling and age.
On V8-powered SS and HSV models, cooling system maintenance becomes even more important, especially on modified cars.
Common symptoms
- Coolant smell
- Low coolant warnings
- Overheating
- Visible coolant leaks
- Rising temperature gauge
Ignoring cooling issues can quickly lead to major engine damage.
Related guide
- VE, VF Commodore Cooling System Problems
- VE, VF Commodore Radiator Replacement
- Best Coolants for LS Engines
5. Suspension Bush Wear
The VF handles brilliantly for a large rear-wheel-drive sedan, but suspension wear becomes noticeable once kilometres climb.
Front control arm bushes, sway bar links and rear suspension bushes are all known wear items, especially on cars driven hard or fitted with lowering springs.
The VF chassis is sensitive to worn suspension components, and even minor wear can affect how the car feels on the road.
Common symptoms
- Clunking noises
- Steering vibration
- Uneven tyre wear
- Wandering steering feel
- Reduced handling precision
Performance models with larger wheels often accelerate suspension wear further.
Related guide
- VE, VF Commodore Suspension Problems
- Best Suspension Upgrades for VE, VF Commodore
- VE, VF Commodore Lowering Guide
6. Infotainment System Problems
The VF’s MyLink infotainment system was impressive when new, but it hasn’t aged perfectly.
Screen freezing, Bluetooth issues and touchscreen failures are becoming increasingly common, particularly in earlier VF models.
Some owners also experience:
- navigation glitches
- reversing camera failures
- audio dropouts
- system lag
Software updates can sometimes improve reliability, but failing hardware is also becoming more common as these cars age.
Common symptoms
- Frozen touchscreen
- Bluetooth not connecting
- Black screen
- Reverse camera not working
- Audio cutting out
Because the infotainment system controls so many functions, faults can become frustrating quickly.
Related guide
- VF Commodore MyLink Problems
- VF Infotainment Upgrade Guide
- Common VF Electrical Issues
7. Differential Noise
Like many rear-wheel-drive performance cars, VF Commodores can develop differential noise over time.
This is particularly common in:
- SS models
- Redlines
- HSV variants
- modified vehicles
Hard launches, burnouts and aggressive driving naturally accelerate wear.
Common symptoms
- Whining under acceleration
- Clunking noises
- Vibration at speed
- Diff oil leaks
Many owners ignore early differential noise until repairs become significantly more expensive.
Related guide
- VE, VF Commodore Differential Problems
- Best LSD Upgrades for VE, VF Commodore
8. LS Engine Oil Consumption
Some LS-powered VF V8s develop higher-than-normal oil consumption as kilometres increase.
This is usually not catastrophic, but it’s something owners should monitor carefully — particularly on modified or aggressively driven vehicles.
Oil consumption can increase due to:
- PCV system issues
- worn seals
- spirited driving
- tuning modifications
Common symptoms
- Frequent oil top-ups
- Oil smell
- Smoke during hard acceleration
- Carbon buildup
Regular oil checks are essential on LS-powered Commodores.
Related guide
- VF Commodore Oil Consumption Guide
- Best Oils for LS Engines
- Common LS Engine Problems
9. Brake Wear on Performance Models
VF SS, Redline and HSV variants are heavy, fast cars that can chew through brakes surprisingly quickly.
Factory Brembo-equipped models stop brilliantly, but replacement costs can shock new owners.
Warped rotors and uneven pad wear are common on cars driven hard.
Common symptoms
- Brake vibration
- Squealing brakes
- Reduced braking performance
- Steering shake under braking
Cheap brake components usually perform poorly on heavier V8 models.
Related guide
- Best Brake Pads for VF Commodore
- VF Commodore Brake Upgrade Guide
- Common VF Brake Problems
Is the VF Commodore Reliable?
Absolutely.
In fact, the VF is widely regarded as one of the most reliable Commodores Holden ever built. Compared to earlier generations, the VF avoids many major engine problems and feels noticeably more refined overall.
A properly maintained VF Commodore is still an outstanding car.
The VF Commodore represents the end of Australian manufacturing at its absolute peak. It’s comfortable, fast, practical and still one of the best all-round cars Holden ever produced.
