Holden Commodore ZB (Wagon) RS-V (2017-2026)

More problems than you would expect – I have a 2018 ZB wagon. It has all the gear needed and when I got it with 9K on the clock it was a very nice car to drive. I have it regularly serviced at the dealer. The issues I have had with it have been various. quite a few times it went into limp mode for no reason. Once I drove directly to the dealer, put it on the diagnosis, reset the error code which told them nothing and sent me on my way. I kept losing water and overheating. They kept it overnight to check the head gasket stripped it abck only to let me know that there was a leak in the drain plug. New plug problem fixed. Latest radiator issue was due to thermostat that was not working correctly. No read on the temp gauge, aircon would not work nor would the autostop function. When you topped the car and locked it the fan would run for up to 20 minutes later. I had to wait about 3 months for the new parts to arrive. Then there was a recall for a brake issue. An easy software upgrade fixed that. I am now suffering with transmission and diff problems. At times it sounds as if there is a bucket full of sand in the diff as you drive. When that goes away then you get the thumping and shudders when you take off. Technician had a drive with me and said that it is a common issue and he has replaced some diffs. first thing is to replace the Oil. This keeps it going for a bit longer while the warranty runs out. I will be looking for a replacement during 2023

Cheap rubbish with terrible support – Not sure what car people who rave about this have previously owned but we have a late model Merc as a comparison and the worst thing I ever did was trade my VF for a ZB. The car has all the bells and whistles, being an RS-V but nothing works very well. Lane keep is just annoying, cruise control plus or minus 7kph, collision alert is dangerous and distracting and can't be turned off (if someone turns off in front of you and you don't brake because you judged you wouldn't need to, the flashing red light and noise is distracting). The infotainment system is really low rent and seldom recognises the correct name when you speak. The GPS maps where around 3 years out of date when the car was built, of course Holden will remedy this for $150. The exhaust is noisy on the RSV and just tries to pretend it's something it isn't. Fuel economy is as bad as the VF V6 which unless on a trip is well over 10L/100. NOW, Holden say they will support you for at least 10 years this support has included charging me 160 to "analyse" that the battery needs replacing (car is 2 years old and 3 years warranty remaining), this came about because I told them the auto stop/start had ceased working a year ago and due to a serious health issue and then covid I couldn't take the car in before the 1 year warranty on the battery expired!!! Holden didn't give a you know what. Had a minor scrape in a shop car park, car needed new door (because its a new car), 3 months ex Germany, that's support for you, not commodore doors in the country. 9 speed transmission changes up gears when going up steep hills and is often in too low a gear when going around a slow corner (completely A about) this got fobbed off by the dealer as "adaptive transmission" LOL thanks for that, I've never owned a flash car before. Suffice to say the car was probably a lemon (was, it's gone) but the big takeaway here is the change in attitude and help from the Holden dealer post Holden closing down in Australia. They asked for feedback and I gave it, honestly, 2 weeks ago and they haven't even had the decency to contact me. Oh and lastly, it's the first car I've owned in 40 years that's worth less than earlier models, well done holden lol