# Used VE Series 2 Commodore (2010–2013): Problems and Which Years to Buy > What's reported on the Holden VE Commodore built from September 2010 to 2013, which build dates matter, and what to check at the car. Last updated: 6 November 2026. Web page: https://shufti.com.au/checklists/used-holden-commodore-inspection-checklist/ve-series-2. Engines: 3.0 SIDI V6 (LFW flex-fuel); 3.6 SIDI V6 (LLT, then LFX from Nov 2011); 3.6 LPG V6 (LW2 to 2011, LWR from Feb 2012); 6.0 V8 (L77). ## Common Problems on a Used VE Series 2 Commodore The main reports on a VE Series 2 Commodore are carbon build-up on the direct-injection V6s, 6L80 automatic slip and low oil pressure on the V8s, and a run of recalls on LPG cars. The early V6 timing-chain bulletin doesn't reach these cars, so their risks differ from a Series 1. ### Is a VE Series 2 Commodore reliable? Nothing reported on the Series 2 matches the early V6 chain problem, but that isn't proof of fewer faults. These cars are still 13 to 16 years old. An LPG car needs its recalls confirmed, and on any car the service history tells you more than the year. ## VE Series 2 Commodore Problems by Engine and Build Date ### V6 engines - **Carbon build-up on the intake valves of direct-injection V6s.** Covers: All petrol V6s in this range. These direct-injection V6s 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? - **Brief hesitation or flutter while driving.** Covers: LFW, LLT and LFX V6s, in bulletins covering cars up to 2012. 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. - **Torque converter shudder on the 3.0-litre.** Covers: About 500 cars with the 3.0-litre SIDI V6, built in 2013. The converter needed replacing on those cars. - What to check: At a steady 60–80 km/h on light throttle, feel for a shudder like driving over a rumble strip. - Ask the seller: Has the torque converter been replaced? ### V8 engines - **Low oil pressure from a sticking relief valve.** Covers: L77 V8s, in a bulletin covering 2007–13 model years. Symptoms can come and go as the engine cools. The fix is a new oil pump, so don't ignore an oil pressure warning. - What to check: Watch the oil pressure warning at idle once the engine is warm, and listen for engine noise. - Ask the seller: Has the oil pump been replaced? - **Slip or no fourth, fifth or sixth gear.** Covers: SS automatics with the 6L80. Bulletin PI0773 lists the 2008–09 Pontiac G8. 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. - **Hydraulic lifter noise or failure on the V8s.** Covers: L77 V8s. 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.** Covers: V8s, with no year limit given. You can't see this at a viewing, so service history and how the engine sounds are your best guide. ### All engines - **Radiators wearing at the plastic end tanks.** Covers: V6s and V8s, with no year limit given. 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.** Covers: All VEs, with V6s named most often. 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.** Covers: All VEs. 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.** Covers: All VEs. 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. ## Which VE Series 2 Commodore Years to Avoid? No Series 2 year stands out as one to avoid. Take most care with LPG cars, where several recalls apply, and with 2013 3.0-litre cars if you feel a shudder. Our shortlist: On what's reported, a petrol car with full service records is the simplest buy here. Between years, choose on condition and kilometres. ### What changed, by build date - Sept 2010: Series 2 on sale: new interior, facelift and flex-fuel 3.0 V6 and L77 V8. Safety equipment largely unchanged. - Feb 2011: LPG cars built after 10 February 2011 are covered by two recalls. - Nov 2011: LFX replaces LLT, 6L45 replaces 6L50, and the 3.0 gets a revised torque converter. - Feb 2012: Dedicated LPG LWR engine replaces the dual-fuel LW2, with an 84-litre tank and no spare wheel. - Feb–Oct 2013: Wiper motor recall covers cars built in this window. ## Recalls to Confirm - Aug 2013: LPG, built 12 December 2012 to 13 May 2013. Wrong vaporiser spring: engine may stall and not restart. [PRA 2013/13682](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-000478) - Jun 2014: Built 27 February to 31 October 2013. Wiper motor may fail. [PRA 2014/14168](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-000485) - Jul 2014: LPG, built after 10 February 2011. Excess flow valve may restrict fuel, so the engine won't rev. [PRA 2014/14189](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-000486) - Jul 2017: LPG, built after 10 February 2011. If the vaporiser was serviced, a loose ground could cause a fuel leak or fire. [PRA 2017/16205](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-000533) ### Do VE Series 2 V6s have timing chain problems? GM's chain bulletin stops at engines built on 18 May 2007, before the Series 2. Chains can still wear with poor servicing, so listen on a cold start anyway. ### Is the VE Series 2 LPG worth buying? Check it carefully. Three recalls cover LPG Series 2 cars, so confirm each by VIN. It also needs a current tank test, and the dedicated LPG car has no spare wheel. ### Is the Series 2 safer than the Series 1? Safety equipment was largely unchanged, but a Series 2 has the 5 out of 5 ratings that apply from September 2009, while early Series 1 cars rated lower. --- Shufti is an Australian used car inspection app for iPhone and Android that tailors the inspection to the exact car you're looking at. It is not affiliated with Shufti Pro, the identity verification (KYC) company. From the listing link, it builds every check around that car's make, model and year, odometer reading and the seller's description. It runs PPSR and government recall checks, crosschecks a database of more than 3 million recalls and owner complaints, flags problems from your photos and audio, plans a test drive, produces a shareable report with repair cost estimates, and coaches you through the negotiation. A Tailored check costs $24.99, or $49.99 for three, including PPSR and recall checks. A mechanic's pre-purchase inspection costs $250–350. To start, Shufti's General inspection guide is free: pick the car's make and model, and it takes you through the checks that matter for that model, on your phone. There's a guide for popular models, and one for every type of car. Made by Frontpoint Digital Pty Ltd (ABN 23 669 870 366), Melbourne, Australia. Contact: hello@shufti.com.au. 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