Used VE Series 1 Commodore (2006–2010): Problems and Which Years to Buy
What's reported on the Holden VE Commodore built from August 2006 to September 2010, which build dates matter, and what to check at the car.
Engines
- 3.6 Alloytec V6 LE0, LW2 LPG, LY7, to 2009
- 3.0 and 3.6 SIDI V6 LF1, LLT, from Sept 2009
- 6.0 V8 L98, plus L76 autos from Jan 2009
Gearboxes
- V6 automatics 4L60E, 5L40E or 6L50
- V8 automatics 6L80
Last updated
Common Problems on a Used VE Series 1 Commodore
The main reports on a VE Series 1 Commodore are stretched timing chains on V6 engines built up to 18 May 2007, 6L80 automatic faults on 2006–09 SS models, and a clutch and slave cylinder problem on early manual SS V8s. Automatic SS models from January 2009 can also use oil. This is the oldest VE, so condition and service history matter as much as the year.
Is a VE Series 1 Commodore reliable?
It depends on the engine and build date. Stretched timing chains are a well-reported V6 problem, but GM's chain bulletin stops at engines built on 18 May 2007, so later V6s fall outside it.
VE Series 1 Commodore Problems by Engine and Build Date
What's reported on cars built August 2006 to September 2010. It's what has been reported, not what every car has, and the number of items isn't a measure of reliability. Tap a problem to see which cars it covers and how to check it.
Source
- Manufacturer bulletin
- Automotive community
- Shufti vehicle database, owner feedback
Problem type
- Safety critical
- Negotiate
V6 engines
Stretched timing chains
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- LE0, LW2 and LY7 V6s with engines built up to 18 May 2007. Some, not all, were affected.
- What it means
- Cases are reported at higher kilometres too. Replacing them is a big job, so it's a reason to walk away or a big part of your offer.
- What to check
- Start the engine cold and listen for a rattle in the first few seconds. Watch for an engine light, and have a scan tool look for codes P0008, P0009 and P0016–P0019.
- Ask the seller
- When was the engine built, have the chains been replaced, and can I see the invoice?
Brief hesitation or flutter while driving
Manufacturer bulletinThe maker has written to its workshops about this fault, sometimes for the same car sold overseas.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- LY7 V6s here, and the later LF1 and LLT direct-injection V6s.
- What it means
- GM's bulletin PI0090E says a poor connection at a camshaft position sensor may cause it. The repair is to correct the connector, and to clean or replace the sensor if it's contaminated. No fault code is logged.
- What to check
- Hold a steady speed on the test drive and feel for a momentary loss of drive.
Carbon build-up on the intake valves of direct-injection V6s
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- LF1 and LLT V6s, from September 2009.
- What it means
- These 3.0-litre and 3.6-litre SIDI engines can start hard, misfire or lose power. The fix means removing the intake to clean the valves by hand.
- What to check
- Start the car and watch for a long crank, then feel for misfires at idle and under light throttle.
- Ask the seller
- Have the intake valves ever been cleaned?
V8 engines
Clutch pedal staying down, from a leaking plastic slave cylinder
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceSafety criticalAffects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy.
- Covers
- Early manual SS models with the L98 V8 and T56 gearbox. A stronger clutch and slave cylinder arrived with the TR6060 in September 2009.
- What it means
- The pedal can stay down after repeated hard driving, and the clutch can slip and wear early. Many cars had a stronger clutch fitted, often under warranty.
- What to check
- Press the clutch several times, and pull away firmly. The pedal should return every time and the clutch shouldn't slip.
- Ask the seller
- Has the clutch or slave cylinder been replaced, and with which parts?
6L80 automatic slipping, harsh 2–3 shifts or a delayed reverse
Manufacturer bulletinThe maker has written to its workshops about this fault, sometimes for the same car sold overseas.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- 2006–09 SS automatics. A cracked clutch housing is linked to 2006–08 cars, and leaking seal rings to 2006–09 cars. A revised seal ring arrived in December 2008.
- What it means
- Have any slip or harsh shift diagnosed before you make an offer, because neither cause is a small job.
- What to check
- Check reverse engages promptly, feel for harsh 2–3 changes, and accelerate as if overtaking to feel for slip.
- Ask the seller
- Has the gearbox been repaired or serviced, and are there records?
Slip or no fourth, fifth or sixth gear
Manufacturer bulletinThe maker has written to its workshops about this fault, sometimes for the same car sold overseas.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- SS automatics with the 6L80. Bulletin PI0773 lists the 2008–09 Pontiac G8.
- What it means
- GM's diagnostic tips cover a distressed clutch in the gearbox, with an engine light and code P0796.
- What to check
- Take the car through every gear at road speed and watch for an engine light.
Oil consumption on the L76 V8
Manufacturer bulletinThe maker has written to its workshops about this fault, sometimes for the same car sold overseas.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- L76 engines built before February 2011, fitted to SS automatics from January 2009.
- What it means
- GM's bulletin offers a repair above about 1 litre per 3,200–4,800 km. If use is still over 1 litre per 3,200 km afterwards, the pistons and rings are replaced.
- What to check
- Check the dipstick, and look for a rough idle or an engine light.
- Ask the seller
- How often do you top up the oil?
Hydraulic lifter noise or failure on the V8s
Automotive communityReported by owners, mechanics and motoring reviewers.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- L98 and L76 V8s. GM's ticking-lifter bulletin names the L76.
- What it means
- A failed lifter can damage the pushrods, valves or camshaft. Replacing lifters means taking the cylinder heads off.
- What to check
- Listen for ticking or tapping from the top of the engine, from cold and at idle.
- Ask the seller
- Have the lifters been replaced, and how often was the oil changed?
Worn rocker bearings, leaving the valves damaged
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the source
- Covers
- V8s, with no year limit given.
- What it means
- You can't see this at a viewing, so service history and how the engine sounds are your best guide.
Air conditioning belt thrown off
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- V8s from before November 2009, when a revised bracket and pulley arrived.
- What it means
- A separated harmonic balancer can cause the same thing, so have it looked at.
- What to check
- Listen for belt squeal after a cold start.
All engines
Fuel pump failure on early cars
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Early V6 and V8 VEs.
- What it means
- The dash flashes an X and "Contact Dealer". It's a bigger job than it sounds, because the rear subframe has to be lowered to remove the tank.
- What to check
- Watch the dash at start-up for a flashing X or "Contact Dealer" message.
Failing alternators and flat batteries on early cars
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Early V6 and V8 VEs. Software updates were needed on some.
- What it means
- Usually a routine repair, but a tired battery can be a warning sign.
- What to check
- Check the battery light goes out after start-up, and that the headlights don't dim at idle.
Radiators wearing at the plastic end tanks
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- V6s and V8s, with no year limit given.
- What it means
- The tanks can turn brittle after many heat cycles, and the usual fix is a new radiator.
- What to check
- With the engine cold, look for coolant stains around the sides of the radiator.
Water pump and heater hose leaks, especially on V6s
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- All VEs, with V6s named most often.
- What it means
- Leaks from the front cover gasket are reported. A slow leak is easy to miss until the car overheats.
- What to check
- Look for coolant crust around the front of the engine, and check the coolant level in the overflow bottle.
Knocking from the front suspension
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- All VEs.
- What it means
- Usually worn sway-bar bushes or strut-top mounts, a routine repair to raise in your offer.
- What to check
- Drive slowly over a few bumps and listen for knocks from the front.
Damp or mouldy carpets from water leaks
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- All VEs.
- What it means
- Water can get through the firewall and a join in the plenum, or from cracked drain tubes at the air box.
- What to check
- Press the carpet in both front footwells and smell for mould.
Found one of these? How to use it in your offer
Which VE Series 1 Commodore Years to Avoid?
Take most care with V6s built up to mid-2007, and with 2009–10 L76 automatics that use oil. Before March 2008, check which airbags the car has. No single year is one to avoid outright, because the answer changes with the engine.
Our shortlist
On what's reported, a V6 built from about October 2008 to August 2009 sits after the chain bulletin, has side and curtain airbags as standard, and comes before direct injection. A manual SS from September 2009 has the stronger clutch.
What changed, by build date
- Good better for a buyer
- Mixed upsides and downsides
- Bad a problem to check
- Unknown effect not clear
VE on sale. Omega has front airbags only; SV6 and SS add side airbags, and SS V adds curtain airbags.
Last engine build date in GM's V6 timing-chain bulletin.
Front side and full-length curtain airbags standard across the range.
Omega sedan moves from 4 to 5 out of 5 on ANCAP.
L76 V8 with Active Fuel Management on SS automatics. Oil use and lifter bulletins start here.
SIDI direct-injection V6s replace the Alloytec. Stronger clutch arrives with the TR6060 manual.
Age, typical kilometres and warranty
Use these to judge whether a car's odometer looks normal for its age, and whether any new-car warranty is left.
- 16–20 yrsAge
- 200,000–250,000 kmTypical
- EndedNew-car warranty
Kilometres are at the Australian average of about 12,600 km a year. Well above that means harder use; well below, ask why.
Safety ratings
Crash ratings can differ by body style and build date, so match the rating to the car you're looking at.
- 4 out of 5, Used Car Safety Ratings 2025[14] VE, 2006–13, from real-world crashes
- ANCAP 4 out of 5 (2007) Omega sedan built June 2006 to September 2008
- ANCAP 5 out of 5 (2008) Omega sedan built October 2008 to August 2009
- ANCAP 5 out of 5 (2008) Omega Sportwagon built October 2008 to August 2009
- ANCAP 5 out of 5 (2009) All sedans built from September 2009
- ANCAP 5 out of 5 (2009) All Sportwagons built from September 2009
- ANCAP 4 out of 5 (2008) Omega ute built July 2007 to September 2008
- ANCAP 4 out of 5 (2008) Omega ute built October 2008 to August 2009
- ANCAP 5 out of 5 (2010) All utes built from September 2009
ANCAP has no separate rating for other grades, such as the SV6, SS and Berlina, built before September 2009.
VE Series 1 Commodore Recalls to Confirm
Enter the VIN on vehiclerecalls.gov.au and ask for proof the work was done. The car in front of you may not be in every group. Also see our vehicle checks and PPSR guides.
| Issued | Covers | Problem | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2006 | 6.0 V8s built July to August 2006 | Incorrectly made fuel hose in the engine bay | PRA 2006/8821 |
| Nov 2006 | Built before 11 September 2006 | Faulty rear seat belt buckle | PRA 2006/8869 |
| Apr 2007 | Factory LPG, built November 2006 to April 2007 | Undersized O-rings in the LPG service valve hand tap | PRA 2007/9185 |
| Jan 2008 | 3.6 V6s, by VIN | A fuel line could rub on a vapour hose clip | PRA 2008/9759 |
| Apr 2008 | Former police and emergency cars built before 12 March 2008 | Surveillance Mode could turn the headlights off | PRA 2008/9988 |
| Dec 2009 | 3.0 Omega, VIN 6G1EK##F#AL400777 to AL420262 | Brake booster assistance may be missing after a cold start | PRA 2009/11279 |
VE Series 1 Commodore Questions
Which VE Series 1 years have the timing chain problem?
GM's bulletin covers Alloytec V6s with engines built from January 2006 to 18 May 2007. VEs went on sale in August 2006, so that's roughly the first 10 months of VE V6s, and only some chains were affected.
Is a 2008 VE safer than a 2006 VE?
Usually yes. Side and curtain airbags became standard across the range from March 2008, and the Omega sedan moved to an ANCAP rating of 5 out of 5 from October 2008.
Does the V8 avoid the chain problem?
Yes. The bulletin is for Alloytec V6s only, though V8s have their own reports, including lifters, the 6L80 automatic and the early manual clutch.
Inspecting a VE Series 1 Commodore?
We know that's a lot of information to keep track of at an inspection. That's why there's Shufti.
All you have to do is run a Tailored check. It builds the checks for the exact car, looks up its recalls and PPSR, analyses your photos, estimates repair costs, and gives you a negotiation coach that makes the most of your leverage. Or start with the free Holden Commodore General inspection guide: work through it on your phone at the car, capturing images and audio and noting what you find.
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Own a Holden Commodore? Tell Us What You've Found
Had a fault, a repair or a good run with yours? Your report helps other buyers know what to check. We use what you tell us as facts in our own words, and never publish your name or email.
Own a Holden Commodore? Tell Us What You've Found
Had a fault, a repair or a good run with yours? Your report helps other buyers know what to check. We use what you tell us as facts in our own words, and never publish your name or email.
Sources
Each icon shows how a fault is supported: a manufacturer bulletin, the automotive community, or Shufti's vehicle database and owner feedback. Facts come from Shufti's own database, and we cite known external sources. GM's bulletins are written for US models, so they name the Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet SS and Caprice, the export versions of these cars, not Holden.
- Shufti. (2026). Shufti vehicle database: Holden Commodore, 2006–2017.
- Shufti. (2026). Shufti analysis of owner complaints lodged with vehicle safety regulators.
- General Motors. (2012). PI0090E: Intermittent engine hesitation or flutter without DTC.
- General Motors. (2014). 09-07-30-004J: Slips in reverse or third, delayed reverse or drive engagement, harsh 2-3 shifts.
- General Motors. (2012). PI0773: Diagnostic tips for DTC P0796, slip or no 4th, 5th or 6th gear.
- General Motors. (2012). 10-06-01-008F: Engine oil consumption on engines with Active Fuel Management.
- General Motors. (2016). PIP4568S: Tick noise and/or misfires on AFM cylinders.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2006). REC-000450: GM Holden Ltd - Holden VE, WM Series 2006, PRA 2006/8821.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2006). REC-000451: GM Holden Ltd - Holden VE/WM, PRA 2006/8869.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2007). REC-000455: GM Holden Ltd - Holden VE, VZ series 2006 - 2007, PRA 2007/9185.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2008). REC-000457: Holden - Holden VE and WM, PRA 2008/9759.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2009). REC-000462: Holden - Holden Omega, Berlina 2009 - 2010, PRA 2009/11279.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2008). REC-000459: Holden VE Commodore 2006-2008, PRA 2008/9988.
- Transport for NSW. (2025). Used Car Safety Ratings 2025.
Disclaimer. Shufti is not affiliated with or endorsed by Holden or General Motors; Holden and Commodore are trademarks of General Motors LLC. Figures are counts from Shufti's analysis of official records and published reports, not a statement that any particular vehicle is affected. This checklist is general information only and is not professional, mechanical, legal or financial advice. It covers common checks, not every possible fault, and a car can pass every item here and still have problems. It is not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, which is worth considering before you buy, especially if anything tagged Safety critical turns up. Repair costs vary widely; get your own quotes. Roadworthy, registration and transfer rules differ by state, so check with your state road authority. Private sales generally don't come with the consumer guarantees that apply when you buy from a dealer. You use this checklist at your own risk and, to the extent permitted by law, Shufti accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from its use.