VH Commodore Common Issues

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VH Commodore

VB VC VH VK Commodore Repair Manual

Released in 1981, the VH refined the original VB/VC formula and gave Holden buyers a cleaner, more polished version of the early Commodore platform. It wasn’t revolutionary, but it was a significant improvement in comfort, styling and drivability — and Australians responded well to it.

Today, surviving VH Commodores are becoming genuinely collectible.

Here are the most common VH Commodore problems owners and buyers should know about.

1. Rust Problems

Rust is easily the biggest issue facing VH Commodores today.

The early Commodores were never famous for exceptional rust protection, and decades of Australian weather have destroyed many cars completely. Finding a genuinely rust-free VH is becoming increasingly difficult — especially at realistic prices.

Common rust areas include:

  • lower doors
  • rear quarter panels
  • window surrounds
  • boot floors
  • plenum chambers
  • chassis rails

Many cars have already had multiple rust repairs over the years, and not all were done properly.

Common symptoms

  • Bubbling paint
  • Rust around windows
  • Water leaks
  • Soft floor sections
  • Cracked filler repairs

A clean body shell is worth serious money because rust restoration can become incredibly expensive.

Related guide

2. Holden Six-Cylinder Engine Problems

Most VH Commodores were fitted with Holden’s trusty straight-six engines, including the famous Blue Motor.

These engines are simple and durable, but after 40-plus years they inevitably develop issues related to wear, neglect and age.

Common problems include:

  • oil leaks
  • carburettor tuning issues
  • overheating
  • worn timing chains
  • poor fuel economy

The good news is that parts availability remains strong, and they’re still relatively easy to work on.

Common symptoms

  • Rough idle
  • Hard starting
  • Oil leaks
  • Excessive fuel use
  • Engine hesitation

Cars that have sat unused for long periods often develop fuel system issues as well.

Related guide

  • Best Engine Oils for Classic Holden Engines

3. Cooling System Problems

Cooling system problems are extremely common on ageing VH Commodores.

Old radiators clog internally, hoses perish, thermostats fail and water pumps eventually wear out after decades of use. Overheating is one of the quickest ways to damage an old Holden engine.

Many surviving VHs are still running ancient cooling system components.

Common symptoms

  • Overheating
  • Coolant leaks
  • Sweet coolant smell
  • Steam from engine bay
  • Heater problems

Australian summers are especially tough on old cooling systems.

Related guide

4. Automatic Transmission Wear

The automatic transmissions fitted to VH Commodores were fairly durable for their time, but decades of use eventually take their toll.

Many surviving cars have spent years:

  • towing trailers
  • sitting in traffic
  • getting modified
  • running without proper servicing

By now, transmission wear is extremely common.

Common symptoms

  • Slipping gears
  • Harsh shifting
  • Delayed engagement
  • Fluid leaks
  • Transmission shudder

Manual conversions are also fairly common in modified VH builds today.

Related guide

5. Suspension & Steering Wear

The VH Commodore still has that classic old-school Holden ride quality, but worn suspension can make them feel vague and floaty by modern standards.

After more than four decades, most VHs now have worn:

  • control arm bushes
  • shock absorbers
  • steering joints
  • sway bar links

Lowered cars and old burnout cars are usually worse again.

Common symptoms

  • Loose steering feel
  • Clunking noises
  • Uneven tyre wear
  • Steering vibration
  • Poor ride quality

A proper suspension rebuild can dramatically improve how these cars drive.

Related guide

6. Electrical Problems

Old Holden wiring always develops character eventually.

VH Commodores are now old enough that wiring looms, switches and connectors are becoming increasingly fragile. Years of aftermarket stereos, alarms and backyard modifications only add to the problem.

Common electrical issues include:

  • faulty dashboard lights
  • intermittent starting problems
  • blown fuses
  • charging system faults
  • poor earth connections

Common symptoms

  • Flickering lights
  • Flat batteries
  • Random electrical failures
  • Starting issues
  • Gauges behaving strangely

Many electrical gremlins trace back to poor grounding or ageing connectors.

Related guide

7. Oil Leaks

If an old Holden isn’t leaking oil, it’s probably empty.

VH Commodores commonly develop oil leaks as seals and gaskets age. While most leaks start small, decades of neglect can leave engines permanently coated underneath.

Common leak areas include:

  • rocker cover gaskets
  • sump gaskets
  • rear main seals
  • timing covers

Common symptoms

  • Oil spots under the car
  • Burning oil smell
  • Dirty engine bay
  • Smoke near exhaust components

Most owners simply accept some level of oil leakage as part of classic Holden ownership.

Related guide

  • Best Oils for Classic Holden Engines

8. Interior Wear & Cracked Trim

VH interiors rarely survive untouched after four decades in the Australian sun.

Dashboards crack, roof linings sag, plastics fade and seat trims wear heavily — especially on high-kilometre cars.

Good-condition factory trim is becoming increasingly difficult to source.

Common symptoms

  • Sagging roof lining
  • Cracked dashboards
  • Loose trim pieces
  • Interior rattles
  • Sun-damaged plastics

A clean original interior can massively improve both value and driving experience.

Related guide

Is the VH Commodore Reliable?

For a car built in the early 1980s, the VH Commodore is still surprisingly durable when maintained properly

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VB VC VH VK Commodore Repair Manual