34,000 Holden Utes Recalled

[mattnsw]

34,000 Holden Utes Recalled
Toby Hagon
July10, 2010


Owners of Holden’s popular Ute are being told to secure loads until a faulty tailgate latch is repaired as part of the largest local vehicle recall this year.

Holden has announced a massive recall of almost 35,000 of its Commodore Utes to repair a faulty tailgate that can spring open while the car is moving.

The recall of 34,432 Utes adds to four other recalls for General Motors Holden this year, meaning it has recalled almost as many cars as it has sold. All up it has recalled 65,790 Commodores, Captivas, Cruzes, Combos and Daewoos while for the first six months of the year Holden sold 68,657 vehicles.

A Holden spokesman told Drive that the latest Ute recall comes after two reported failures of the tailgate latch. The company is recommending Ute owners secure any load until the vehicle can be fixed.

The recall notice for the Holden Ute issued to the Federal Government says “the tailgate may unlatch when impacted rearward”, meaning that whatever was in the tray can fall on to the road while the car is moving, creating a hazard for other road users.

It continues: “A condition can occur under specific operating conditions where the tailgate may unlatch when impacted rearwards with sufficient energy by unsecured objects placed in the rear cargo tray”.

Holden in is the process of contacting the 34,432 ute owners and says the repair will take about half an hour.

“Until the fix can be made to each vehicle, we ask our customers to continue to secure loose items in the cargo tray as recommended in the owner’s manual and use a Holden tonneau cover where possible to prevent the condition from occurring,” said Craig Porritt, Holden’s director of warranty engineering, customer satisfaction and quality.

“If a vehicle does not have a tonneau cover, we recommend owners do not load items against the tailgate until the fix has been made.”

Holden says the chances of the tailgate opening on its own were slim.

“The results of our investigation tell us that the likelihood of a tailgate becoming unlatched is low, but we will always err on the side of caution and administer a recall to ensure customer satisfaction and safety,” said Porritt.

The recall of the Commodore Utes is the largest vehicle recall in Australia this year, following on from a string of global recalls from Toyota, which have turned the spotlight on vehicle quality and safety problems.

On average there are three vehicle recalls each week, although the one announced today for Holden’s Ute is the largest so far this year.

It is the sixth recall for the VE series Commodore, which is the best-selling vehicle on Australian roads.

http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/34000-holden-utes-recalled-20100710-104f3.html

[HOT_VYSS]

Good 'ole production line manufacturing strikes again hey....

[NuffNuff]

Always use caution and 'cover your load'.

[smokey777]

is this all VE utes or a certain yr model?

[Wonky]

Ooh!! Ooh!! Better get mine back ASAP!! Wait ...... I no longer use the normal latching system........... :doh: :lol:

[smokey777]

lol well to be honest i dont use it as a ute anyway :)

[vicarious]

never had an issue with mine, and have shit banging against it all day maybe it may have something to do with people not putting some force into closing it and only lightly click it in.

[Mix 6000]

Be interesting to see if the Maloo gets recalled, it does have a different tailgate, but I believe it has the same mechinism?

[boyley]

never had an issue with mine, and have shit banging against it all day maybe it may have something to do with people not putting some force into closing it and only lightly click it in.

Its says from impacts from behind that it unlatches, so unless youve been rear ended it wont be an issue

[Ls1346]

Its says from impacts from behind that it unlatches, so unless youve been rear ended it wont be an issue

Nah it says "the tailgate may unlatch when impacted rearwards".

I guess in a opening action.

[Spoolin]

Well if it wasn't a serious issue it wouldn't have a re-call.
Ouch, re-call more cars than sold in the first half of this year.

[vicarious]

^^^^^what ls1346 said

[moconn20]

Its says from impacts from behind that it unlatches, so unless youve been rear ended it wont be an issue

So they are recalling just incase it doesnt work after you have an accident?

Thats like saying they are recalling all sedans, because if you run into something theres a risk, if you keep driving, of the front bumper falling off.

[NuffNuff]

What it means is, if you have something unsecured in your tray and it slides backwards and impacts the tailgate, the tailgate may open and the object will fall out.

[Bingo BIlly]

some accountant somewhere thought it was a great idea to buy the latches from china on ebay. "whos gonna know" they thought.

[cnnonyx]

What it means is, if you have something unsecured in your tray and it slides backwards and impacts the tailgate, the tailgate may open and the object will fall out.

Youd think that would be easy enough to comprehend haha

[Blakrok]

Would be a good idea of dealers posted letters out to owners about these problems/recalls.

When I went in for my first 3,000km free service the guy was like "oh we need it for 4hrs to fix an AC recall/problem" and now this tailgate issue as well.

[boyley]

Nah it says "the tailgate may unlatch when impacted rearwards".

I guess in a opening action.

right you are :goodjob:

[moconn20]

Would be a good idea of dealers posted letters out to owners about these problems/recalls.

When I went in for my first 3,000km free service the guy was like "oh we need it for 4hrs to fix an AC recall/problem" and now this tailgate issue as well.

Letter are sent out to all impacted customers. maybe check your details they have on file.

[planetdavo]

Well if it wasn't a serious issue it wouldn't have a re-call.
Ouch, re-call more cars than sold in the first half of this year.

The serious issue is the risk of unrestrained objects falling onto the road "potentially" causing a separate issue, not the gate itself falling on it's straps. Since it takes a big hit from an unrestrained object to open these, it is potentially a big object that would fall on the road.
Recalls are unfortunately a part of life. Since this is retrospective to the very start of VE ute production it should be no surprise it's this quantity. Even Ford suffer them...:1peek:
Anyone want to volunteer to work for Holden in the future bashing ute endgates with a sledgehammer to test the latches??? :lmao:

[Micks]

The serious issue is the risk of unrestrained objects falling onto the road "potentially" causing a separate issue, not the gate itself falling on it's straps. Since it takes a big hit from an unrestrained object to open these, it is potentially a big object that would fall on the road.
Recalls are unfortunately a part of life. Since this is retrospective to the very start of VE ute production it should be no surprise it's this quantity. Even Ford suffer them...:1peek:
Anyone want to volunteer to work for Holden in the future bashing ute endgates with a sledgehammer to test the latches??? :lmao:

Your right Ford panel vans were renowned for there back doors to open @ will. The ones I drove for different Co. I used a strap to hold the release handle in a locked position that helped.

Cheers
VYT

[BLACKVE]

Would be a good idea of dealers posted letters out to owners about these problems/recalls.

When I went in for my first 3,000km free service the guy was like "oh we need it for 4hrs to fix an AC recall/problem" and now this tailgate issue as well.

What was the A/C recall never got a notice???? 12/08 SS

[moconn20]

What was the A/C recall never got a notice???? 12/08 SS

Probably didnt affect you then.

There were a couple of thread on it about 6 months ago.

[planetdavo]

Would be a good idea of dealers posted letters out to owners about these problems/recalls.

When I went in for my first 3,000km free service the guy was like "oh we need it for 4hrs to fix an AC recall/problem" and now this tailgate issue as well.

Just a bit of generalised info for everyone.
There are recalls, and there are reworks.
A recall is of a more serious nature where the manufacturer is obligated to make all efforts possible to contact the owner to correct the issue as a matter of importance.
A rework is usually more of a techline situation, where the car will be repaired next time it sees a Holden dealer for any reason. Owners are usually not notified as there are no safety implications, and since most owners cars are at the dealership for a reasonable portion of the day when in for a service or other warranty related issue, it rarely affects the owner timewise.

[rgmast]

Maybe while they are there they could do a joint recall with HSV and fix the sail planes properly(stuck on with double sided tape that comes off when u drive on an angle out of a driveway) and the remote lock that never unlocks but makes a clicking sound instead, have to use pull cord in cabin :soap:

[Nightrain]

I've had this issue from the get go. You can pull the tailgate open by force from the fully closed position to the initial catch. Any weight on it immediately does the same thing. I asked the dealer to look at it at the first service, but they were either unable to fix it or didn't try.

[eldan89]

pfft, most Holden utes never have the tray used anyway.

[EJVE]

Here are the affected ISOVINs if anyone's wondering:

6G1E#42###L100048 - 6G1E#42###L458251
6G1E#42###L923162 - 6G1E#42###L983869

I can't find the any threads for the A/C recall ? It's not on the gov't website either. Can anyone point me in the right direction please ?

Rgds,
Andrew.

[planetdavo]

I can't find the any threads for the A/C recall ? It's not on the gov't website either. Can anyone point me in the right direction please ?

Rgds,
Andrew.

It's not actually a "recall" Andrew, it's a "field rework" for affected vehicles.
09-CS-07 26/10/2009 Customer Satisfaction Program - 09-CS-07 - VE WM - A/C TX Valve Seals - Replace
Note the coding and wording difference in the ute latch campaign below...
10-H-04 09/07/2010 Vehicle Recall Campaign - 10-H-04 - VE Ute - Tailgate Latches

[Cool Daddy]

The Holden VE commodore has being the most successful car released so far by Holden in terms of popularity,reliability and sales.All the recalls so far have been for minor issues unlike other manufacturers such as Toyota in the US who have mass recalls for braking issues etc.

[BLACKVE]

It's not actually a "recall" Andrew, it's a "field rework" for affected vehicles.
09-CS-07 26/10/2009 Customer Satisfaction Program - 09-CS-07 - VE WM - A/C TX Valve Seals - Replace
Note the coding and wording difference in the ute latch campaign below...
10-H-04 09/07/2010 Vehicle Recall Campaign - 10-H-04 - VE Ute - Tailgate Latches

Davo this field rework is it common???? My VE got the 3000km check and then has never seen a holden dealer since, only 9000km's but with cam/heads etc i service it myself as i guess a few would do here/ie take cars to Chevs etc not holden dealers for servicing.

[vicarious]

paul as for the aircon i think it was for unsuitable oil in the compressor which destroyed the rubber seal prematurely.As with the tailgate i have never had an issue with it at all. Davo it it certain batches that are causing the tailgate problems?

[Ls1346]

I got the 3,000k service check yesterday and nothing was mentioned so when are they meant to fix this problem if i have it? 15,000k service? :vpo:

[rgmast]

paul as for the aircon i think it was for unsuitable oil in the compressor which destroyed the rubber seal prematurely.As with the tailgate i have never had an issue with it at all. Davo it it certain batches that are causing the tailgate problems?

The tailgate is for all VE utes

The air con was for VE models sedan ute wagon hsv etc but was for a certain build date(def mid last year builds)

[Blakrok]

Sorry "recall" probably wasnt the right choice of words regarding the AC problem.

Still though, rocked up to a 15min "3000km service" only to be told they need it for 4hrs to fix the AC I was not happy and told them I had a busy day and it couldnt be done then. Had they have sent me a letter about this fault I could have planned the service for another day with extra time available.

[6Sixes6]

I was helping my parents move a couple months back and had mine loaded up and there was a fair amount of pressure on the tailgate and when I went to unload it I opened the hard top and the tailgate fell open aswell. Thought at the time it must not have latched properly when I shut it. Luckily with the hard top down it stops it from opening anyway.

Just checked those VIN ranges and mine falls within the first ones:
6G1E#42###L100048 - 6G1E#42####L458251

Waiting for a reply from my dealer at the moment...

[Mix 6000]

Got my letter today (looks as though Maloo's are affected as well) stating it is a Vehicle Safety Recall 10-H-04 - VE Ute Tailgate. It also stated that Holden will write again in due course to outline the process for arranging a free of charge rework with your dealer. So untill that time make sure you have a tonneau cover or ensure item are firmly restrained & not loaded against the tailgate. That just about covers everything now we just wait...cheers....

[shep]

Here are the affected ISOVINs if anyone's wondering:

6G1E#42###L100048 - 6G1E#42###L458251
6G1E#42###L923162 - 6G1E#42###L983869

I can't find the any threads for the A/C recall ? It's not on the gov't website either. Can anyone point me in the right direction please ?

Rgds,
Andrew.
Hmm mine is 6G1E#4E###L40####, so I'm thinkin mines ok.

Oh no, I checked the mail and I'm infected too :bawl:

[peterss273]

Got my letter today!!
Now I don't feel left out!!! :jester:

[moconn20]

pretty sure it will be all utes sold since launch.

[jezza85]

pretty sure it will be all utes sold since launch.

Could be right, I've had my ute since launch and I got a letter today about the recall:bawl:.

[amckiwi]

got mine today as well

[vessute08]

+1 For letter received today

[Wonky]

Got my letter today!!
Now I don't feel left out!!! :jester:

Me too! :D

[BLACKVE]

Me too! :D

I'm left out again maybe they know it hasn't moved for 5 months:bawl:

[vicarious]

havent seen anything yet

[BLACKVE]

havent seen anything yet

Hey remember thay only build them down the road we will be last:soap:

[vicarious]

haha most likely

[rgmast]

Hey remember thay only build them down the road we will be last:soap:

Looks like Adelaide was last on the postal list, havent got mine yet either

Mine has the opposite problem cant open the bloody thing

[moconn20]

well i just got my letter... traded my ute in 9 months ago.

[BLACKVE]

well i just got my letter... traded my ute in 9 months ago.

Might affect wagons too:rofl:

[SUX350]

yeah got the letter notice thing from Holden today as well.

[Raptor6L]

Got my letter yesterday as well.

[moconn20]

Might affect wagons too:rofl:

dont joke about it, ive already had 2 tailgate mechanism failures

[rgmast]

SA isnt forgotten got my letter today :goodjob:

[smokey777]

got my letter today lol

[planetdavo]

Davo this field rework is it common???? My VE got the 3000km check and then has never seen a holden dealer since, only 9000km's but with cam/heads etc i service it myself as i guess a few would do here/ie take cars to Chevs etc not holden dealers for servicing.

"Reworks" of some form aren't rare. It can be for anything from a quick reflash for a poor auto shift or a BCM function that doesn't work like the owners manual says, to a major job like the A/C.
It's extremely rare for any car not to see the dealer for some reason at least a couple of times within a 3 year period.

[vicarious]

SA isnt forgotten got my letter today :goodjob:

got mine today aswell

[BLACKVE]

SA isnt forgotten got my letter today :goodjob:

Me too didn't really help much.

[theblueweapon]

Got my letter today in WA.

[rgmast]

Me too didn't really help much.

I got it but didnt read it :)

[6Sixes6]

Been on the phone to my helpful guys at the dealership. They told me that mine is one of those affected and I'll be getting a letter soon, might already have it. They also got onto Holden and were told that the replacement parts aren't currently available but will be later in the year, when I will receive another letter telling me to book it in at the dealer.

Just another thing they mentioned that there was an outstanding "recall" on mine for the instrument cluster software to be updated. They weren't sure if it was the case as the instruments were changed and software updated a few months back but were told it was still required.

[GEN4LS2]

got my letter today telling me that my ute is affected, they will send another letter telling me when to book it in to get fixed!

[Devil CV8]

got my letter today telling me that my ute is affected, they will send another letter telling me when to book it in to get fixed!same,although mine arrived yesterday...

[moconn20]

Pretty sure ALL VE utes are affected

[steve101]

got mine yesterday same thin saying i will get another letter when i can book it in

[bigdogdazza]

I to have been struck with the tailgate virus! Doesnt really matter considering it spends all its life collecting dust in my garage though:bawl::bawl::bawl:

[steve101]

Well not sure if anyone has actually had there tailgate open on them but mine did last night I had 2 ss rims and Tyres in the back and i grabbed 2nd and when the wheels hit the tailgate it flew open with a loud bang scared the crap out of me didn't no what happened lucky I didn't lose the wheels out of the back

[steve101]

Alright there must be some really wrong with mine cause it happened again this morning and nothing hit the tailgate

[BLACKVE]

has anyone had this fix done yet or are the holden boffins still trying to work it out:confused:

[vicarious]

still trying to get the parts together me thinks, havent had the following letter yet. Probably the won't need it the ute is going by the end of the year.

[steve101]

i went to my dealer after losing one of my 22s out of the back last week just reversing out of my driveway smashed the wheel up need i need a new one...they said you got no chance on gettin holden to pay for a wheel but we will try and get it soughted as quick as possible for me cause i actually do have a problem with my car and they rang me back that day saying we can get the parts to fix it and its going in next week to fix it

[Provoked]

So even after you had it come open twice, you still left a rim in the back unsecured? Not real smart...

[steve101]

So even after you had it come open twice, you still left a rim in the back unsecured? Not real smart...

had nothing to tie it down with and only had to go 1 min up the road so was just goin to take it easy no need to turn this into a forum bashing on me mate just letting people no that it can happen and if need be holden can get the parts in extreme cases

[Tangles]

wow, so I WAS right.

My maloo went in 3 days after i picked it up last week...faulty latch. They tried it but did a shoddy job....surprise surprise.

On mine, when you closed the tailgate, the right latch would catch, the left one would not unless you really slammed it. So, hopefully they have a quick fix for it so it closes evenly soon. I'm not putting any of my film equipment in there unsecured until they fix it.

[planetdavo]

Holden now have latches for approx 15% of the cars. Owners will be advised if parts are ready for theirs.

[CunningStunter]

Holden now have latches for approx 15% of the cars. Owners will be advised if parts are ready for theirs.

Thanks for the update. I received a letter advising I will be contacted again and hadn't heard anything for last few weeks, car went in for 30,000km service and hoped it'd be sorted then but appears not....

I won't bother chasing it up just yet in that case.....

Thanks again PD.

[aedeau]

would somebody mind posting some pics of a dodgy vs good latch? I'm suppose to be picking up my ute next month and want to make sure it's all sussed out before I take delivery.

[Wonky]

would somebody mind posting some pics of a dodgy vs good latch? I'm suppose to be picking up my ute next month and want to make sure it's all sussed out before I take delivery.

New? If so you can be sure it's OK (to the best of Holden's knowledge) because I'm sure the reason the reworks are taking so long to commence is they firstly start using the new parts on cars being built, so have to build up stock for reworks.

[Mix 6000]

Have read quiet a few reports on latches even worse off after they have so called been repaired?....I haven't been told to bring mine in yet?...Mine has never given me any trouble, maybe because it's a Maloo & the hard cover keeps it shut??? Would like to hear of more comments before i receive my letter to bring it in!...cheers...:).

[blu ute]

Mine went in last week to have the latch fixed. The tongue is longer but I have noticed that I have to check that both side lock in properly. I have shut the tail gate a few times and only one side lock is properly
cheers
damo.

[bigjohnno]

I would have to agree with Damo, got mine back yesterday and the samething latch fixed, but I found that every couple of closes one latch does not grab. It's going back later this week, take three.

[Wonky]

Sorry, I can't be stuffed reading through the whole thread to see if the info I want is in there, so can anybody explain exactly what they have to do please?

The reason for asking is that as some of you know due to my disabilities I have remote operated actuators on both my hardlid and tailgate and due to the way the tailgate actuator works the latching mechanism has been completely removed i.e. only the actuator holds the tailgate closed, plus of course the hardlid. As far as I can tell the rework therefore does not apply to me.

However, Holden keep hassling me (firstly by letter and now email) to get it done. I showed the dealer service advisor ages ago before they hard the parts to do the rework and he agreed I had no need for it, but maybe he misunderstood, hence I'm now double checking.

9p481W1esb4

[blu ute]

Wonks if you have had the latch removed for your actuators you won't need them. All they do is put a longer tongue in the the latch.

[Wonky]

Thanks Damo - that just confirms what I thought. I can understand Holden being concerned from a legal point of view, but I wonder if they reckon they're going to put them in and then remove them :weirdo: or worse still, put them in and leave them meaning I can't get my walker out any more? :eek:

[Phizzle]

Thanks Damo - that just confirms what I thought. I can understand Holden being concerned from a legal point of view, but I wonder if they reckon they're going to put them in and then remove them :weirdo: or worse still, put them in and leave them meaning I can't get my walker out any more? :eek:

Sounds like something the government would do :doh:

[Raptor6L]

Mine went in last week to have the latch fixed. The tongue is longer but I have noticed that I have to check that both side lock in properly. I have shut the tail gate a few times and only one side lock is properly
cheers
damo.

Hi all
Yep, same with mine but i thought mine was due to my tailgate being a little out of whack. Drivers side locks first time everytime but i need to give the passenger side a second shove and it locks into place. Tried adjusting the catches but it made no diff. I'll get it fixed when the tailgate gets fixed and alligned back up.

Cheers
Chris

[68premier]

Just had mine done today. In all my years of Holden ownership this is the first dealings I've had with Holden Dealer service.
Pleasantly surprised it only took an hour when I was quoted 1.5 - 2 hours which was good since I was waiting.

Got home and thought I better give it the once over. After opening I tried to close it 4 times.... had to give it a very hard shunt to get it to latch and then only the passenger side latched!!!!!!!!!!! Several more attempts saw about 1 in ten times it wont latch on the drivers side. I also firmly believe the panel alignment has changed on the passenger side. The tailgate looks too far in and therefore not flush with rear quarter panel. Also the inside liner of the tailgate is badly marked up and I have NEVER had anything in the back of it other than a box of boots and a carton of beer or 12. I have a rubber mat on the floor and nothing has ever slid around in the back. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!

Went back to dealer. Girl at counter says "Oh no, what have we done wrong?" almost like she was expecting something wrong. Told her the problem, and she and the mechanic came and had a look. Of course the latching issue didn't happen while they looked at it. She told me to come back when the service manager was available as he was in a meeting. Mechanic didn't have much to say about it. Judging from marks on the latch bolts it looks clear to me they have been shifted. Mechanic denies this.

I should add that I've never had a problem with it opening or closing or coming open. I do have a hard lid fitted. Will be going back this arvo and take it from there. From what I've read here this looks like a common problem after recall done. To me it is worse than before. It is very possible to think it's closed when it isn't properly closed.

[keith reed]

I had no problem with my utes tailgate before it was fixed and have had no problem since. Having said that I very seldom open the tailgate. With the exception of my tool bag most things are put in without opening it.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

had mine fixed about six months ago never had an isue before
but after you do have to close the tail gate very hard compaired to before the fix
and now the gate is bubbing on the rear panel when its down looks good gap wise when its up ??

[68premier]

Ute went back for take two this afternoon. Came back with panel alignment out of whack in opposite direction????? I hadn't even told them to fix it as I was going to do it myself. However the girl from service dept could see it was bad and called the mechanic back to get it right. It's good now.
Unfortunately the problem still exists where sometimes it doesn't latch on the RHS / drivers side. Service manager is going to talk to Holden about it on Monday and get back to me.
The tailgate closes fairly normally now. It doesn't have to be slammed to close it.
I sometimes wonder is it just me? I seem to have probs with many purchases of late.

[Devil CV8]

I had no problem with my utes tailgate .

one of the reasons I cant be bothered dealing with Holden to have the recall done.

[68premier]

one of the reasons I cant be bothered dealing with Holden to have the recall done.

Now wishing I'd done the same. I thought as I would be one of the last ones to get done, all the bugs would be ironed out.

[Smashfist]

one of the reasons I cant be bothered dealing with Holden to have the recall done.

Despite the issues, I'd have it done personally - there will always be that doubt when you put a load in it if you haven't had it fixed.

[Kuzman89]

Hey guys. Holden have sent the third recall letter to my address (this time registered!!)

I wasn't going to bother with it as I heard about the panels being out of alignment. I have a OEM fitted hardtop on my ute that holds down the tailgate even more. So my question is... should I bother with the recall? Don't really want to risk them screwing the tailgate but at the same time I dont want to void my insurance.

[68premier]

Ute went back for take three today and so far so good. Panel alignment is good. Tailgate doesn't have to be slammed, pretty much the same as the original latches. It will actually close just by pushing it gently closed. It also opens much easier. With the first two attempts it almost felt like the lever was gonna break off before it would unlatch.
I had to actually check they had not put old latches in lol. One thing I did notice was a different type of grease on the latch pins. Last time there was this grey stuff like anti sieze compound. Now it is a clear type grease. Can't see that making any difference. The first time I didn't see any lube what so ever which probably contributed to the slamming situation.
It also feels more secure. After prior attempts it felt loose when it was closed, mow it's much better.
So far I have tried to get it not to latch like it did before about 20 times and so far it hasn't been a problem. I'm crossing my fingers it is all fixed now. Regardless, I won't be going back as I feel it could only get worse.

[SAMCRO]

Trouble free motoring... :dancenana: