Used VF Series 2 Commodore (2015–2017): Problems and Which Years to Buy
What's reported on the Holden VF Series 2 Commodore built from September 2015 to 2017, the last Australian-built Commodore, and what to check at the car.
Engines
- 3.0 SIDI V6 LFW
- 3.6 SIDI V6 LFX
- 6.2 V8 LS3
Last updated
Common Problems on a Used VF Series 2 Commodore
The main reports on a VF Series 2 Commodore are fuel injector failures on the 6.2-litre LS3 V8 and faulty inlet rocker arms on SS cars built from July to October 2017. V6s share the earlier VF's carbon build-up. These are the newest Commodores of the pair, with the fewest recalls.
Is a VF Series 2 Commodore reliable?
Many VF problems are reported more often as the cars age, so newer, lower-kilometre cars carry less of that risk. On an LS3, ask about injectors and, on a late 2017 car, rocker arms.
VF Series 2 Commodore Problems by Engine and Build Date
What's reported on cars built September 2015 to 2017. 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
V8 engines
Faulty inlet rocker arms
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
- SS cars built July to October 2017.
- What it means
- Reported symptoms run from misfires to total engine failure. Make sure the replacement was done.
- What to check
- Check the build date on the compliance plate, and feel for misfires.
- Ask the seller
- Were the inlet rocker arms replaced by Holden?
Fuel injector failure on the LS3
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
- 2015–17 SS models with the 6.2-litre LS3. Injector misfires are also listed on VF V8s generally.
- What it means
- Rough running and limp-home mode can follow. It wasn't a recall, so check whether the injectors have been replaced.
- What to check
- Feel for rough running, and watch for the ESP light or reduced power on the test drive.
- Ask the seller
- Have the fuel injectors been replaced, and can I see the invoice?
Hydraulic lifter noise or failure on the LS3 V8
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
- LS3 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.
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.
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.
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?
Found one of these? How to use it in your offer
Which VF Series 2 Commodore Years to Avoid?
No Series 2 year is one to avoid outright. On an SS built from July to October 2017, make sure the rocker arms were replaced, and on any LS3 ask about the injectors.
Our shortlist
On what's reported, a V6 avoids the two LS3 problems. Newer, lower-kilometre cars also carry less of the age-related risk.
What changed, by build date
- Good better for a buyer
- Mixed upsides and downsides
- Bad a problem to check
- Unknown effect not clear
Series 2 production starts: LS3 6.2 V8, no LPG, updated styling.
Airbag control module recall covers this short build window.
Vent smell software fix in production.
Faulty inlet rocker arms on SS cars built in this window.
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.
- 9–11 yrsAge
- 110,000–140,000 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[4] 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 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2016 | Built 8 to 13 October 2015 | Airbag control module may delay side and curtain airbags | PRA 2016/15220 |
The power steering recall is reported as ending at cars built on 30 April 2015, before the Series 2, but the register gives its year range as 2013–2018, so check the VIN anyway.
VF Series 2 Commodore Questions
Do all VF Series 2 SS models have injector problems?
No. Failures are widely reported on the LS3, but not every car has had them. Ask whether the injectors have been replaced, and feel for rough running on the test drive.
Is a VF Series 2 worth more than a VF?
It's newer, and it has the 6.2-litre V8 on SS models and fewer recalls. The LS3 has its own reports, so judge the car in front of you.
Does the VF Series 2 have the power steering recall?
It's reported as covering cars built before 30 April 2015, and the Series 2 started in September 2015. The register's year range runs to 2018, so check the VIN.
Inspecting a VF Series 2 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.
Scan to get the app
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.
- Vehicle Recalls. (2016). REC-000532: GM Holden Ltd - Holden COMMODORE AND CAPRICE, PRA 2016/15220.
- 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.