Recalls: Holden JS Vectra
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Holden JS Vectra
- In October 1998, a recall was issued for Holden JS Vectra sedan and station wagon models built between July 1998 and September 1998 and in the VIN range L314383 to L378443. In these vehicles, the brake fluid reservoir cap may allow water to enter the brake fluid reservoir, reducing braking efficacy (PRA 1998/3669).
- In March 1999, a recall was issued for Holden JS Vectra sedan and wagon models built between July 1998 and December 1998 and serial numbers in the range L314383 and L406948. In these vehicles, the specified torque setting for the upper and lower controls arm to rear suspension arm bolts may not have been achieved in production – this could result in poor and unpredictable vehicle handling (PRA 1999/3960).
- In April 1999, a recall was issued for Holden JS Vectra hatch/liftback models built within August 1998 and February 1999 and with vehicle tag numbers in the range Y067450 to Y076366. In these vehicles, there may be insufficient weld penetration of the spot weld that attached the child restraint anchorage bracket to the rear panel (PRA 1999/3915).
Problems and faults: Holden JS Vectra
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Holden JS Vectra
- For Holden JS Vectra models with 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, the timing belt drives the water pump. It is recommended that the water pump be changed at every second timing belt change – if the water pump fails, it can shed its impeller blades and seize, throwing off the belt.
- For Holden JS Vectra models with 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, rough running or stalling may be attributable to erratic timing ouput from the crank sensor.
- For Holden JS Vectra models with 2.0-litre petrol engines, if the idle speed is in the range of 1200-2000 rpm, the air intake control valve require cleaning (with fuel system cleaner) or replacement and modification with an oil separator.
- For JS Vectra models with 2.2-litre petrol engines, the timing chain may snap if the lubrication jet becomes blocked – this may be caused by running on dirty oil or extended oil change intervals. From March 2002 (engine number 11065400), a larger oil spray nozzle was introduced to alleviate this problem.
- Spark plug leads deteriorate over time and are costly to replace.
- Clutch failure may be due to failure of a no return valve rather than the master cylinder or slave cylinder.
- If the air conditioning does not work, the air conditioning compressor may have failed – this is a common fault that is not prevented by regular air conditioning use.
