# 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. Last updated: 6 November 2026. Web page: https://shufti.com.au/checklists/used-holden-commodore-inspection-checklist/vf-series-1. Engines: 3.0 SIDI V6 (LFW); 3.6 SIDI V6 (LFX); 3.6 LPG V6 (LWR, Evoke only); 6.0 V8 (L77). ## 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 ### All engines - **Buttons failing, from breakdown of wiring insulation.** Covers: VF and VF Series 2. 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.** Covers: 2014–15 cars. GM's March 2015 bulletin re-torques these nuts on the Chevrolet Caprice and SS, the export VF. 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.** Covers: 2015 cars with the 6L45 six-speed automatic. 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.** Covers: Cars before 2016 model-year production, when a software fix went in. 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.** Covers: Earlier VFs. 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.** Covers: LFW and LFX V6s. 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.** Covers: Reported more often on V6 models. 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.** 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. - **Active Fuel Management trouble.** Covers: L77 V8 automatics, which have the cylinder-shutdown system. 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.** Covers: V8s. 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. ## 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 - May 2013: VF on sale with electric power steering, side and curtain airbags and an ANCAP rating of 5 out of 5. - Oct 2013: Last build date in the wiper motor recall. - 22 May 2014: Last build date in the seat weld and seatbelt wiring recalls. - Oct 2014: MY15 update: flex-fuel dropped and steering recalibrated. - 30 Apr 2015: Last build date for the power steering recall, as reported. ## Recalls to Confirm - Dec 2018: Built before 30 April 2015, by VIN. Loss of power steering assistance. [PRA 2018/17201](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-000535) - 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](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-000533) - 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](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-000528) - Jul 2014: Built 7 February 2013 to 22 May 2014. Incomplete weld on a front seat bracket. [PRA 2014/14226](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-000489) - Jul 2014: LPG, built 25 June 2013 to 8 April 2014. Fuel feed hose may leak. [PRA 2014/14190](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-000488) - Jul 2014: LPG, built up to 19 June 2014. Excess flow valve may restrict fuel, so the engine won't rev. [PRA 2014/14189](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-000486) - Jun 2014: Built 27 February to 31 October 2013. Wiper motor may fail. [PRA 2014/14168](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-000485) - May 2014: Built 8 March 2013 to 22 May 2014. Seatbelt pretensioner wiring may wear. [PRA 2014/14127](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-000484) ### 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. --- 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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