Recalls: Holden TS Astra
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 TS Astra
- In November 2001, a recall was issued for Holden TS Astra vehicles that were fitted with towbar tongues manufactured by Frontline after 1 April 2000 with a 2000 kg. Due to the brittle condition of the material, the towbar tongue could break (PRA 2001/5042).
Problems and faults: Holden TS Astra
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 TS Astra
- For TS Astra models with the 1.8-litre petrol engine:
- The timing belt, tensioner, pulleys and water pump should be replaced every 60,000 kilometres. The water pump could also break its impeller blades and seize, causing the belt to dislodge; the tensioner bolt which passed through the oil pump was also susceptible to failure.
- The exhaust manifold was susceptible to cracking and was expensive to replace because it contained the catalytic converter.
- Hesitation or sluggish performance from 1500-2000rpm may be fixed by reprogramming the ECU.
- For early Astra SRi variants, the timing chain for the 2.2-litre engine could snap due to the lubrication nozzle becoming blocked – this could be due to dirty engine oil and/or irregular servicing. From March 2002 (engine no. 11065400), the nozzle design was modified.
- The ignition barrel could overheat and make it difficult to remove the ignition key – damage to the ignition key assembly could cause the starter motor to short-circuit and require replacement.
- An electrical fault which turns the radio on and off can drain the battery.
- False alarms may require the ECU to be reprogrammed or replaced.
- Some models manufactured in 1999 were susceptible to condensation inside the head and fog lights.
