VS Commodore Common Issues

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VS Commodore

VN VP VR VS Commodore Repair Manual

More than 25 years after Holden stopped building them, VS Commodores are still everywhere.

The VS kept the tough simplicity Australians loved from the VN-VR era, but refined things enough to make it feel more modern and reliable. The Ecotec V6 was smoother and more efficient than the old Buick motor, the chassis was sorted, and the whole package just worked.

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

1. Cooling System Problems

If there’s one thing that kills VS Commodores faster than anything else, it’s overheating.

The Ecotec V6 is a strong engine, but it absolutely hates being cooked. Unfortunately, ageing cooling systems are one of the most common issues on older VS models.

Radiators crack, heater hoses split, thermostat housings leak, and water pumps eventually give up after decades of heat cycles.

Most VS owners have dealt with at least one overheating scare.

Common symptoms

  • Rising temperature gauge
  • Coolant leaks
  • Sweet coolant smell
  • Heater not working properly
  • Steam from engine bay

Many surviving cars are still running ancient cooling components that should’ve been replaced years ago.

Related guide

2. Automatic Transmission Wear

The 4L60E automatic transmission fitted to many VS Commodores is generally solid, but by now most have seen a hard life.

Towing, burnouts, neglected servicing and years of stop-start driving eventually wear them out. Plenty of VSs also spent years as taxis or fleet cars, which doesn’t help.

A healthy VS auto should shift smoothly and predictably.

Common symptoms

  • Slipping gears
  • Delayed shifting
  • Harsh gear changes
  • Transmission shudder
  • Fluid leaks

Fresh fluid and filter changes can make a huge difference on tired transmissions.

Related guide

3. Oil Leaks

Old Holdens leaking oil is practically part of Australian culture at this point.

The Ecotec V6 is tough, but oil leaks are incredibly common on ageing VS Commodores. Most leaks aren’t catastrophic, but they can become messy and annoying over time.

Common leak areas include:

  • rocker cover gaskets
  • rear main seals
  • sump gaskets
  • oil pressure switches

Many owners simply live with small leaks for years.

Common symptoms

  • Oil spots under the car
  • Burning oil smell
  • Dirty engine bay
  • Smoke from engine area

Regular oil checks are important because older Ecotecs often consume oil slowly as well.

Related guide

4. Power Steering Leaks

Power steering leaks are another classic VS Commodore issue.

As hoses and seals age, leaks begin appearing around the steering rack, pump and pressure lines. Many owners first notice fluid spots on the driveway or whining noises while parking.

Common symptoms

  • Heavy steering
  • Whining steering pump
  • Fluid leaks
  • Groaning noises during turns

Ignoring low fluid levels can eventually damage the steering pump completely.

Related guide

5. Suspension Wear

The VS still rides surprisingly well today, but worn suspension can make them feel loose and tired.

After decades on rough roads, most VS Commodores have worn:

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

Lowered cars often wear components even faster.

Common symptoms

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

A fresh suspension setup can completely transform how a VS drives.

Related guide

6. Electrical Gremlins

Old Holden wiring has a personality of its own.

Electrical problems become more common as VS Commodores age, especially on cars that have had:

  • alarm systems fitted
  • stereo wiring hacked
  • cheap modifications installed

The Body Control Module can also develop faults over time.

Common symptoms

  • Central locking issues
  • Power windows not working
  • Flat batteries
  • Random warning lights
  • Intermittent electrical faults

Poor earth connections are responsible for a surprising number of strange VS problems.

Related guide

7. Sagging Roof Lining & Interior Wear

If you find a VS Commodore without a sagging roof lining, buy a lottery ticket immediately.

Australian heat destroys old adhesive, and eventually the roof fabric starts hanging down like a hammock.

Other common interior issues include:

  • cracked plastics
  • faded trim
  • worn seat bolsters
  • broken door handles
  • dashboard rattles

Most surviving VS interiors have definitely seen better days.

Common symptoms

  • Roof lining sagging
  • Loose trim pieces
  • Interior rattles
  • Sun-damaged plastics

The good news is that retrim kits and replacement parts are still fairly easy to find.

Related guide

8. Fuel Pump Failures

Fuel pumps are another common weak point in older VS Commodores.

Many owners first experience problems during hot weather or after the car has been sitting for extended periods.

When the pump starts failing, the car can become unreliable very quickly.

Common symptoms

  • Hard starting
  • Sudden stalling
  • Loss of power
  • Fuel pump whining noise
  • No-start condition

High-kilometre cars are especially vulnerable if the original pump is still fitted.

Related guide

Is the VS Commodore Reliable?

Absolutely — and that’s why so many are still alive today.

The VS Commodore earned a reputation for being simple, durable and cheap to repair.

The Ecotec V6 in particular is known for surviving huge kilometres if maintained properly.

An OBD2 scanner is a great way to correctly diagnose issues and faults in newer model cars (mid 90’s onwards).

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VN VP VR VS Commodore Repair Manual