Used VF Commodore (2013–2015): Problems and Which Years to Buy
What's reported on the Holden VF Commodore built from May 2013 to September 2015, which build dates matter, and what to check at the car.
Engines
- 3.0 SIDI V6 LFW
- 3.6 SIDI V6 LFX
- 3.6 LPG V6 LWR, Evoke only
- 6.0 V8 L77
Last updated
Common Problems on a Used VF Series 1 Commodore
The main concern on a VF Commodore is the loss of power steering assistance, recalled on cars built before 30 April 2015, so confirm that work was done. Owners and reviewers also report lifter failures on the V8s, carbon build-up on the V6s, and a musty smell from the vents. 2013–14 builds have the longest recall list.
Is a VF Commodore reliable?
Problems are reported more often as these cars age, and gearbox trouble more often on V6 models. Recall work and service records count for a lot here.
VF Commodore Problems by Engine and Build Date
What's reported on cars built May 2013 to September 2015. 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
All engines
Buttons failing, from breakdown of wiring insulation
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
- VF and VF Series 2.
- What it means
- Severe cases have reportedly caused complete vehicle failure.
- What to check
- Try every button on the wheel, dash and doors.
- Ask the seller
- Have you had any electrical faults or warning lights?
Clunk or rattle from loose front ball joint nuts
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
- 2014–15 cars. GM's March 2015 bulletin re-torques these nuts on the Chevrolet Caprice and SS, the export VF.
- What it means
- A simple fix if that's the cause, but have any front-end clunk diagnosed.
- What to check
- Drive slowly over a few bumps and listen for clunks or rattles from the front.
A clunk or ping when shifting between Drive and Reverse
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
- 2015 cars with the 6L45 six-speed automatic.
- What it means
- GM bulletins for other cars with this gearbox point to movement at the output flange.
- What to check
- At a standstill, shift between Drive and Reverse a few times and listen from the rear.
A musty smell from the vents after starting
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
- Cars before 2016 model-year production, when a software fix went in.
- What it means
- A comfort problem, and a dealer could switch on an afterblow function to fix it.
- What to check
- Start the car, turn on the air con and smell the air from the vents.
Faded or peeling paint
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
- Earlier VFs.
- What it means
- Cosmetic, but a proper fix is a respray of each affected panel, so raise it in your offer.
- What to check
- In daylight, look along the roof, bonnet and boot at a low angle for dull or peeling patches.
V6 engines
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
- LFW and LFX V6s.
- What it means
- 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?
Gearbox trouble and worn engine mounts
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
- Reported more often on V6 models.
- What it means
- Have a harsh shift diagnosed. Worn mounts are a routine repair.
- What to check
- Feel for harsh shifts, and for vibration through the cabin at idle in Drive.
V8 engines
Hydraulic lifter noise or failure on the L77 V8
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
- L77 V8s.
- 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.
Active Fuel Management trouble
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
- L77 V8 automatics, which have the cylinder-shutdown system.
- What it means
- Lifter failure can reportedly damage the camshaft, and many owners delete the system. Ask how that was done.
- What to check
- Listen for ticking on a light-throttle cruise.
- Ask the seller
- Has the Active Fuel Management been deleted or modified?
Oil leaks at the rear main seal and sump
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.
- What it means
- Worth a look underneath, and common as these cars age.
- What to check
- Look under the back of the engine, and at the ground where the car is parked.
Found one of these? How to use it in your offer
Which VF Commodore Years to Avoid?
Avoid any VF built before 30 April 2015 unless the power steering recall is confirmed done. 2013–14 builds have the most recalls to confirm, so later is simpler, but a car with its recalls done isn't worse for them.
Our shortlist
On what's reported, a car built after 30 April 2015 has the shortest recall list in this range. If you buy earlier, ask for proof of each recall.
What changed, by build date
- Good better for a buyer
- Mixed upsides and downsides
- Bad a problem to check
- Unknown effect not clear
VF on sale with electric power steering, side and curtain airbags and an ANCAP rating of 5 out of 5.
Last build date in the wiper motor recall.
Last build date in the seat weld and seatbelt wiring recalls.
MY15 update: flex-fuel dropped and steering recalibrated.
Last build date for the power steering recall, as reported.
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.
- 11–13 yrsAge
- 140,000–160,000 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.
- 5 out of 5, Used Car Safety Ratings 2025[13] VF, 2013–17, from real-world crashes
- ANCAP 5 out of 5 (2013) All sedans and Sportwagons built 2013 to January 2018
- ANCAP 5 out of 5 (2013) All utes built 2013 to 2017
VF 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2018 | Built before 30 April 2015, by VIN | Loss of power steering assistance | PRA 2018/17201 |
| Jul 2017 | LPG, built before 9 September 2015 | If the vaporiser was serviced, a loose ground could cause a fuel leak or fire | PRA 2017/16205 |
| Oct 2015 | Built 8 April to 17 September 2014 | If the driver's seat base was replaced, the seat position sensor may not work | PRA 2015/14941 |
| Jul 2014 | Built 7 February 2013 to 22 May 2014 | Incomplete weld on a front seat bracket | PRA 2014/14226 |
| Jul 2014 | LPG, built 25 June 2013 to 8 April 2014 | Fuel feed hose may leak | PRA 2014/14190 |
| Jul 2014 | LPG, built up to 19 June 2014 | Excess flow valve may restrict fuel, so the engine won't rev | PRA 2014/14189 |
| Jun 2014 | Built 27 February to 31 October 2013 | Wiper motor may fail | PRA 2014/14168 |
| May 2014 | Built 8 March 2013 to 22 May 2014 | Seatbelt pretensioner wiring may wear | PRA 2014/14127 |
LPG cars are Evokes only. They carry three more recalls and need a current tank test.
VF Series 1 Commodore Questions
Which VF Commodores have the power steering recall?
Reports put the cut-off at cars built before 30 April 2015. The register lists 66,336 Commodore, HSV and Caprice vehicles by VIN, so check the exact car there.
Is the VF safer than a VE?
Yes on the ratings. The VF has 5 out of 5 in the 2025 Used Car Safety Ratings, against 4 for the VE, and it had an ANCAP rating of 5 out of 5 from launch.
Is the 3.6 or the V8 the better VF?
Reports point to different risks. V6s have carbon build-up and more gearbox reports, and V8s have lifter reports. Service history matters on both.
Inspecting a VF 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. (2015). 15019: Front lower control arm rear link ball joint re-torque.
- General Motors. (2016). PIP4568S: Tick noise and/or misfires on AFM cylinders.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2018). REC-000535: Holden Commodore, HSV & Caprice 2013-2018, PRA 2018/17201.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2014). REC-000486: Holden VE/VF Commodore & WM/WN Caprice 2011-2014, PRA 2014/14189.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2015). REC-000528: Holden VF Commodore/WN Caprice 2013-2014, PRA 2015/14941.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2014). REC-000484: GM Holden Ltd - Holden VF Commodore and WN Caprice, PRA 2014/14127.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2014). REC-000485: GENERAL MOTORS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND PTY LTD - Holden COMMODORE AND CAPRICE 2011 - 2014, PRA 2014/14168.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2014). REC-000488: GM Holden Ltd - Holden COMMODORE AND CAPRICE 2013 - 2014, PRA 2014/14190.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2014). REC-000489: GM Holden Ltd. - Holden VF Commodore, WN Caprice, PRA 2014/14226.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2017). REC-000533: GM Holden Ltd - Holden Commodore, Ute, Wagon & Caprice 2011 - 2015, PRA 2017/16205.
- 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.