Recalls

Recalls & faults: Holden RA Rodeo utility (2003-08)

Recalls: Holden RA Rodeo utility

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 RA Rodeo utility

2003 Holden RA Rodeo: incorrect compliance plate

In November 2003, a recall was issued for Holden RA Rodeo utilities manufactured prior to 1 September 2003 for incorrect seating capacity information on the compliance plates (PRA 2003/6608).

Holden RA Rodeo: vapour flame flashes

In June 2005, a recall was issued for Holden RA Rodeo utility vehicles with petrol engines due to possible fuel vapour flame flashes when refueling. The fuel filler pipes for some models of the Holden RA Rodeo were designed and manufactured from a non-conductive material such that an electrostatic charge could accumulate in the pipe during refueling and cause fuel vapour flame flashes (PRA 2005/7850).

2007 model year Holden RA Rodeo: incorrect brake master cylinder assembly

In September 2007, a recall was issued for 2007 model year Holden RA Rodeo utilities due to potentially incorrect assembly of the brake master cylinder (PRA 2007/9507). The recalled vehicles – identified by VIN – were as follows:

  • Four-cylinder petrol engines: MPATF####7H512893 to MPATF####7H561907;
  • V6 petrol engines: MPATF####7H512894 to MPATF####7H561892; and,
  • Diesel engines: MPATF####7H512570 to MPATF####7H561912.


Problems and faults: Holden RA Rodeo utility

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.

Alloytec V6 engines: stretched timing chains

InJanuary 2006, 7.7 mm inverted tooth timing chains were introduced for the Alloytec V6 engines, replacing 9.5 mm pitch roller chains. For some – but not all – of these timing chains, the chain links were not manufactured in accordance with design specifications and the chains could become elongated (also known as ‘stretched timing chains’). According to GM Bulletin H08-0601-01, chain elongation was expected to occur in early engine life (i.e. 10,000 kms to 20,000 kms). There have, however, been reports of timing chain elongation occurring at significantly higher kilometres.

Elongation of the timing chains would cause,

  • the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL or ‘Check Engine’ light) to illuminate; and
  • the ECU to log fault codes P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018 and P0019 which indicated that camshafts on either bank of the engine were misaligned with the crankshaft.

The engines with timing chains susceptible to elongation were produced from January 2006 to engine build date 18 May 2007 (18/5/2007); for the RA Rodeo, the engine numbers were greater than H051580001.

The typical chain elongation observed was a minimum of 3 mm on a doubled-up chain. Where the timing chains had become elongated, they had to be replaced. The idlers, guiders and tensioners, however, did not require replacement, though the guides should be inspected for any abnormal wear.

3.5L V6: oil consumption

  • For Holden RA Rodeo utilities with the 3.5-litre V6 engine, there have been reports of high oil consumption and deteriorating oil quality resulting in the bearings and piston rings wearing out and causing engine failure. The ‘check engine’ light should not be relied upon to provide a warning as tar can contaminate the oil pressure switch and stop it from working.

Turbo-diesel engines

  • For Holden RA Rodeo utilities with turbo-diesel engines, the turbocharger may be slow to provide boost and power may be down due to the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve staying open.
  • The diesel fuel cooler is mounted low and vulnerable to damage if off-roading. For off-road use, it may be worthwhile fitting a guard or plate over the cooler.


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