Released in 1962 as the successor to the EK, the EJ brought a cleaner, more modern body design and a noticeably improved driving experience for the time. It was still very much a product of early 60s engineering — simple, mechanical, and built to last — but it refined enough of the rough edges to feel like a genuine step forward.
For Australian families in the 1960s, the EJ was everywhere: Now more than 60 years on, the EJ has fully crossed into classic territory.
And like any vehicle of this age, time has done what time does best.
Here are the most common EJ Holden problems owners and buyers should be aware of.
1. Rust Problems
Rust is the biggest issue affecting EJ Holdens today.
These cars were built before modern rustproofing became standard, and many spent years exposed to weather, dirt roads, coastal air and basic storage conditions. Even cars that were well cared for often developed corrosion over time.
By now, very few EJ Holdens are completely rust-free unless they’ve had major restoration work.
Common rust areas include:
- lower doors
- rear quarter panels
- floor pans
- boot floors
- chassis rails
- windscreen surrounds
- sill panels and jacking points
Utes are particularly vulnerable due to constant workload and exposure.
Common symptoms
- Bubbling paint along lower body panels
- Soft or weak floors under carpet
- Water leaks into cabin or boot
- Rust hidden under trim or sealant
- Heavy filler masking previous repairs
A solid EJ shell is now highly sought after because proper rust repair is labour-intensive and often the biggest cost in restoration.
Related guide
- Early Holden Rust Problems
- How to Inspect an Early Holden Before Buying
- Best Rust Protection Products for Classic Holdens
2. Holden Grey Motor Wear
The EJ Holden was powered by Holden’s “Grey Motor,” a design that had already been in service for many years by the time this model arrived.
While simple and reliable in its day, it is now a very old engine design, and wear is almost guaranteed in most surviving examples.
Common issues include:
- oil leaks from hardened seals and gaskets
- worn piston rings leading to blow-by
- carburettor tuning difficulties
- overheating under load
- general loss of compression
Many EJ engines have lived long, hard lives with inconsistent maintenance, so condition varies dramatically.
Common symptoms
- Rough idle and poor throttle response
- Hard starting, especially cold
- Excessive oil consumption
- Low power and sluggish performance
- Engine noise from internal wear
Despite their age, these engines are still mechanically simple and can be rebuilt, though performance remains modest by modern standards.
Related guide
- Holden Grey Motor Issues Explained
- Best Oils for Classic Holden Engines
3. Cooling System Problems
Cooling issues are extremely common in EJ Holdens and often overlooked until overheating becomes a problem.
Radiators clog over time, hoses harden and split, thermostats fail, and water pumps wear out after decades of use. Once cooling efficiency drops, the engine becomes vulnerable to overheating damage.
Many EJ Holdens are still running original or very old cooling components.
Common symptoms
- Rising temperature in traffic
- Coolant leaks under vehicle
- Steam from engine bay
- Sweet smell of coolant
- Weak or inconsistent heater output
An overheating Grey Motor can suffer serious damage quickly if the issue is ignored.
Related guide
- Early Holden Cooling System Problems
- Early Holden Radiator Upgrade Guide
- Best Coolants for Classic Holdens
4. Transmission Wear (Manual & Automatic)
The EJ Holden was offered with both manual and early automatic transmission options depending on specification.
These systems were simple and durable for their era, but time and neglect take their toll.
Many EJ Holdens have seen decades of:
- stop-start urban driving
- highway cruising
- inconsistent servicing
- and general wear from age
As a result, transmission issues are now very common.
Common symptoms
- Slipping gears or poor engagement
- Difficult manual shifting
- Harsh or delayed automatic shifts
- Transmission fluid leaks
- General driveline shudder
A properly rebuilt gearbox or auto can significantly improve drivability.
Related guide
- Early Holden Transmission Problems
- Best Transmission Fluids for Classic Holdens
5. Suspension & Steering Wear
The EJ still delivers that classic early Holden driving feel — light, simple and floaty — but worn suspension components can make them feel loose and unpredictable.
After more than 60 years, most EJ Holdens now suffer from worn:
- shock absorbers
- kingpins and steering linkages
- control arm bushes
- front end components
Cars used for work or rough roads are usually in worse condition.
Common symptoms
- Wandering steering at speed
- Clunking noises over bumps
- Uneven tyre wear
- Excessive body roll
- Vague steering feel
A suspension refresh can completely transform how an EJ drives.
Related guide
- Early Holden Suspension Problems
- Best Suspension Upgrades for Early Holdens
- Early Holdens Steering Problems
6. Electrical Problems
Electrical systems in the EJ Holden are extremely basic, but age creates its own problems.
Wiring looms, switches and connectors are now far beyond their intended lifespan. Add decades of repairs and modifications, and electrical faults become common.
Common issues include:
- charging system faults
- faulty gauges or dash lighting
- intermittent starting issues
- blown fuses
- poor earth connections
Common symptoms
- Flickering headlights
- Flat batteries after sitting
- Gauges reading incorrectly
- Random electrical faults
- Starting inconsistencies
Often, restoring clean earths solves more issues than replacing components.
Related guide
- Early Holden Electrical Problems
- Best Battery Upgrades for Classic Holdens
7. Oil Leaks
Oil leaks are almost expected on engines of this age.
In the EJ Holden, hardened seals and ageing gaskets allow oil to slowly escape from multiple areas of the engine over time.
Common leak points include:
- rocker cover gasket
- sump gasket
- rear main seal
- timing cover seal
Common symptoms
- Oil spots under vehicle
- Burning oil smell after driving
- Dirty engine bay and underside
- Light smoke near exhaust
Small leaks are common, but larger leaks should always be addressed before they worsen.
Related guide
- Grey Motor Oil Leak Problems Explained
- Best Engine Oils for Classic Holdens
8. Interior Wear & Ageing Trim
EJ interiors were built for durability, not longevity over six decades.
After years of sun exposure and daily use, most interiors show significant wear unless restored.
Common issues include:
- cracked dashboards
- sagging roof lining
- faded or brittle plastics
- worn seat upholstery
- loose interior trim
Utes tend to be the most heavily worn, while sedans that were well cared for often survive in better condition.
Common symptoms
- Sun-cracked dash surfaces
- Interior rattles and loose panels
- Sagging headliner
- Torn or faded seats
- General cabin ageing
Original interior trim is becoming increasingly hard to source in good condition.
Related guide
- Early Holden Interior Restoration Guide
- Early Holden Roof Lining Repair Guide
- Best Interior Products for Classic Holdens
Is the EJ Holden Reliable?
For a vehicle built in 1962, the EJ Holden is still remarkably tough when properly maintained.
Its mechanical simplicity is its greatest strength. There’s less to go wrong compared to modern vehicles, and most issues are predictable, age-related and well understood within the classic Holden community.
Most EJ problems today are:
- rust-related
- age-related
- wear-related
- maintenance-related
A well-kept EJ can still be enjoyed as a weekend cruiser, restoration project or historic collector piece.
The EJ Holden represents an important step in Holden’s early evolution — a bridge between the post-war simplicity of the 1950s and the more refined classics that followed.
