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Holden1999–2017 Critical issues documented

Holden Caprice: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Holden Caprice (1999–2017) in Australia? We've documented 6 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, suspension, and cooling. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Holden Caprice

  • Money owing
  • Written off
  • Accident claims
  • Odometer history

An Australian plate goes to the A$17.90 Vehicle Check: money owing, write-off, stolen and rego. Full History adds past kms, accident claims and market value from A$24.99. The free fault check for this model needs the generation and engine, pick them below.

6

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

≈A$1,100–2,760

Typical repair

27

Service milestones

Which Holden Caprice are you looking at?

3 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

3.6L V6· 3.6 litre5.7L V8· 5.7 litre6.0L V8· 6.0 litre6.2L V8· 6.2 litre

Start your free check on this Holden Caprice

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Holden CapriceEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Caprice came with 4, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Holden Caprice

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Holden Caprice before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.

    See why

    Hydraulic lifter ticking and collapse (6.0 L76/L77 V8, WM Caprice)

    The 6.0 L76 and L77 V8 in the WM Caprice (2009 on) uses Active Fuel Management, which relies on special hydraulic lifters to shut down four cylinders under light load. These lifters are known for ticking at start-up (GM bulletin 10-06-01-007B) and, in worse cases, collapsing. A collapsed lifter can shed metal through the oil system and damage the camshaft and bearings, and engines with metal in the sump usually need a rebuild. The common fix is solid lifters with a non AFM camshaft and a retune.

    What you would notice

    • Evidence of engine wear or deterioration
    • Warning light or abnormal behaviour noted during operation

    Typically ≈A$5,470–10,950 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    During test drive at highway speed, confirm smooth and positive 3-4 upshift.

    See why

    4L60E Automatic 3-4 Clutch Pack Failure

    The 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission used in WH, WK, and WL Statesman is prone to 3-4 clutch pack wear and failure. The 3-4 clutch pack engages third and fourth gear; when worn, the transmission slips between these gears or drops out of fourth entirely under load. Overheating from sustained highway driving or occasional towing accelerates failure. A full rebuild or replacement transmission is typically required.

    What you would notice

    • Slipping or flaring when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear at highway speeds
    • Transmission dropping out of 4th gear under moderate throttle
    • Delayed or harsh engagement from rest when cold
    • Burnt transmission fluid odour
    • Transmission fault codes P0732 or P0733

    Typically ≈A$2,300–4,600 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check rear ride height visually — should sit level or near-level with the front.

    See why

    Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Air Bag Failure

    WK and WL Statesman models fitted with optional rear self-levelling air suspension suffer from rubber air bag perishing and compressor motor burnout. The rubber bags crack at fold lines with age, causing the rear to sag. When the compressor runs continuously to compensate, the motor overheats and fails. Replacement is available but the proprietary system involves significant workshop time, and many owners convert to coilover springs.

    What you would notice

    • Rear of vehicle sitting visibly lower than the front
    • Vehicle rising slowly after start then sagging again within minutes
    • Air compressor motor running audibly and continuously from boot or underfloor
    • Rear suspension bottoming out over bumps
    • Ride height or suspension warning light on instrument cluster

    Typically ≈A$1,100–2,760 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Cold-start the engine and watch exhaust for blue smoke.

    See why

    Oil consumption (5.7 LS1 V8, early WH Caprice)

    The 5.7 LS1 V8 in early WH Caprice models is known to use oil; Holden treated up to 2.5 litres per 10,000 km as acceptable, and the piston and ring design was later changed. Oil use comes from the pistons and rings rather than the valve seals, so check the oil level before buying and ask whether the engine has been rebuilt. A blue haze from the exhaust under load, oily spark plugs or an oil level well below the full mark after a short run all point to an engine using more than it should.

    What you would notice

    • Blue-grey smoke from exhaust on overrun after sustained highway driving
    • Blue smoke on cold start that clears after warm-up
    • Oil consumption above 500ml per 1000km
    • Fouled spark plugs with oil deposits on inspection
    • Oil smell from exhaust at operating temperature

    Typically ≈A$740–1,840 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Inspect coolant colour and level.

    See why

    Plastic Radiator End-Tank Failure and Coolant Loss

    The WH and WK Statesman and Caprice radiators use aluminium core construction with crimped plastic end tanks. The plastic tanks are subject to long-term thermal cycling stress and become brittle with age, developing cracks at the crimp seams particularly at the lower tank. Failure results in rapid coolant loss and, if not caught immediately, engine overheating. The L76 6.0L in the WL is particularly intolerant of overheating due to its aluminium block and heads. Inspection of the tank-to-core crimp joint for weeping, staining, or visible cracking is recommended on any example over 130,000 km. Replacement with an all-aluminium radiator is preferred over OEM-specification plastic-tank units.

    What you would notice

    • Engine overheating under load
    • Coolant loss or steam from engine bay

    Typically ≈A$770–1,550 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Start the engine from cold and listen for rough idle or misfire.

    See why

    Fuel injector failure, rough running and limp mode (6.2 LS3 V8)

    Fuel injector failure is a known issue on the 6.2 litre LS3 V8 fitted to 2015 to 2017 WN Series II Caprice and VF Series II Commodore V8s. Injectors go open circuit, the engine runs lean and rough, warning lights come on and the car drops into limp-home mode. Holden blamed fuel quality and there was no recall, but dealers replaced faulty injectors under warranty. Ask whether injectors have been replaced and when.

    What you would notice

    • Rough running or misfire, often after a cold start
    • Engine, ESP or traction control warning lights
    • Limp-home mode with reduced power

    Typically ≈A$1,380–3,220 to put right.

All 6 documented issues

Everything researched for the Holden Caprice. Tap an area to open it.

2 rated critical
Depends on which engine this Holden Caprice has: 6 issuesEach of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling5

01Hydraulic lifter ticking and collapse (6.0 L76/L77 V8, WM Caprice)

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrol2009–2013Engine
CommonEngine ≈A$5,470–10,950 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 6.0 L76 and L77 V8 in the WM Caprice (2009 on) uses Active Fuel Management, which relies on special hydraulic lifters to shut down four cylinders under light load. These lifters are known for ticking at start-up (GM bulletin 10-06-01-007B) and, in worse cases, collapsing. A collapsed lifter can shed metal through the oil system and damage the camshaft and bearings, and engines with metal in the sump usually need a rebuild. The common fix is solid lifters with a non AFM camshaft and a retune.

Symptoms to notice

  • Evidence of engine wear or deterioration
  • Warning light or abnormal behaviour noted during operation

What to check

  1. Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
  2. Inspect coolant condition and level.

024L60E Automatic 3-4 Clutch Pack Failure

During test drive at highway speed, confirm smooth and positive 3-4 upshift.petrol2000–2006Transmission
CommonTransmission ≈A$2,300–4,600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission used in WH, WK, and WL Statesman is prone to 3-4 clutch pack wear and failure. The 3-4 clutch pack engages third and fourth gear; when worn, the transmission slips between these gears or drops out of fourth entirely under load. Overheating from sustained highway driving or occasional towing accelerates failure. A full rebuild or replacement transmission is typically required.

Symptoms to notice

  • Slipping or flaring when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear at highway speeds
  • Transmission dropping out of 4th gear under moderate throttle
  • Delayed or harsh engagement from rest when cold
  • Burnt transmission fluid odour
  • Transmission fault codes P0732 or P0733

What to check

  1. During test drive at highway speed, confirm smooth and positive 3-4 upshift.
  2. Check transmission fluid condition — burnt or dark brown fluid indicates heat damage and neglect.
  3. Look for fluid leaks around transmission pan gasket or cooler lines.
  4. Scan for stored transmission fault codes.

Where to look: Inside the 4L60E automatic transmission, 3-4 clutch pack assembly in the forward clutch drum

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the transmission ever been rebuilt or replaced?”
  • “Any slipping, flaring, or gear hunting at highway speed?”
  • “Has transmission fluid been changed at regular intervals?”

03Fuel injector failure, rough running and limp mode (6.2 LS3 V8)

Start the engine from cold and listen for rough idle or misfire.petrol2015–2017Engine
OccasionalEngine ≈A$1,380–3,220 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Fuel injector failure is a known issue on the 6.2 litre LS3 V8 fitted to 2015 to 2017 WN Series II Caprice and VF Series II Commodore V8s. Injectors go open circuit, the engine runs lean and rough, warning lights come on and the car drops into limp-home mode. Holden blamed fuel quality and there was no recall, but dealers replaced faulty injectors under warranty. Ask whether injectors have been replaced and when.

A single common-rail diesel fuel injector photographed against a plain background.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A common-rail diesel injector. Contamination damages the nozzle at the tip.

Panoha · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Rough running or misfire, often after a cold start
  • Engine, ESP or traction control warning lights
  • Limp-home mode with reduced power

What to check

  1. Start the engine from cold and listen for rough idle or misfire.
  2. Watch the dash for engine, ESP or traction control lights during the test drive and check the car pulls cleanly through the rev range.
  3. Ask for service records showing any injector replacement.
  4. If a workshop inspection is possible: ask for a scan for stored injector circuit or misfire codes.

Where to look: Engine, fuel rails and injectors

Parts involved: Fuel injector.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the fuel injectors ever been replaced?”
  • “Has the car ever gone into limp mode or shown ESP and engine lights together?”
  • “What fuel do you use?”

04Oil consumption (5.7 LS1 V8, early WH Caprice)

Cold-start the engine and watch exhaust for blue smoke.petrol1999–2003Engine
CommonEngine ≈A$740–1,840 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 5.7 LS1 V8 in early WH Caprice models is known to use oil; Holden treated up to 2.5 litres per 10,000 km as acceptable, and the piston and ring design was later changed. Oil use comes from the pistons and rings rather than the valve seals, so check the oil level before buying and ask whether the engine has been rebuilt. A blue haze from the exhaust under load, oily spark plugs or an oil level well below the full mark after a short run all point to an engine using more than it should.

Symptoms to notice

  • Blue-grey smoke from exhaust on overrun after sustained highway driving
  • Blue smoke on cold start that clears after warm-up
  • Oil consumption above 500ml per 1000km
  • Fouled spark plugs with oil deposits on inspection
  • Oil smell from exhaust at operating temperature

What to check

Cold-start the engine and watch exhaust for blue smoke. After a highway run, lift off throttle and watch for puffing from exhaust. Check oil level and ask owner about consumption between services. Remove one or two spark plugs and inspect for oily black fouling on the tip.

Where to look: Engine cylinder heads, valve stem seals on all 16 valves across two banks

Ask the seller

  • “What is oil consumption between oil changes?”
  • “Any blue smoke from exhaust, especially on start-up or overrun?”
  • “Has the engine had a valve stem seal replacement?”

05Plastic Radiator End-Tank Failure and Coolant Loss

Inspect coolant colour and level.petrolCooling
CommonCooling ≈A$770–1,550 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The WH and WK Statesman and Caprice radiators use aluminium core construction with crimped plastic end tanks. The plastic tanks are subject to long-term thermal cycling stress and become brittle with age, developing cracks at the crimp seams particularly at the lower tank. Failure results in rapid coolant loss and, if not caught immediately, engine overheating. The L76 6.0L in the WL is particularly intolerant of overheating due to its aluminium block and heads. Inspection of the tank-to-core crimp joint for weeping, staining, or visible cracking is recommended on any example over 130,000 km. Replacement with an all-aluminium radiator is preferred over OEM-specification plastic-tank units.

Symptoms to notice

  • Engine overheating under load
  • Coolant loss or steam from engine bay

What to check

  1. Inspect coolant colour and level.
  2. Check for white exhaust smoke or sweet smell indicating coolant in combustion.
  3. If a workshop inspection is possible: Pressure test the system.

Parts involved: Radiator.

Body, brakes, suspension & interior1

01Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Air Bag Failure

Check rear ride height visually — should sit level or near-level with the front.petrol2000–2006Suspension
CommonSuspension ≈A$1,100–2,760 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

WK and WL Statesman models fitted with optional rear self-levelling air suspension suffer from rubber air bag perishing and compressor motor burnout. The rubber bags crack at fold lines with age, causing the rear to sag. When the compressor runs continuously to compensate, the motor overheats and fails. Replacement is available but the proprietary system involves significant workshop time, and many owners convert to coilover springs.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rear of vehicle sitting visibly lower than the front
  • Vehicle rising slowly after start then sagging again within minutes
  • Air compressor motor running audibly and continuously from boot or underfloor
  • Rear suspension bottoming out over bumps
  • Ride height or suspension warning light on instrument cluster

What to check

  1. Check rear ride height visually — should sit level or near-level with the front.
  2. Start engine and listen for compressor cycling.
  3. Inspect air bags at each rear corner for cracks or perishing at fold points.
  4. Check compressor for signs of overheating or wiring damage.

Where to look: Rear suspension, rubber air bags at each rear corner; compressor typically in boot or mounted under vehicle

Parts involved: Air suspension strut.

Ask the seller

  • “Does the car have air suspension? If so, has it failed or been repaired?”
  • “Does the rear sit level with the front?”
  • “Has the air suspension compressor or bags been replaced, or converted to springs?”

Holden Caprice service schedule

What falls due, and at what distance, for each generation of the Holden Caprice. These are the model’s intervals — the car’s own service book is the only thing that can tell you what has actually been done to it.

Holden Caprice (WN) · 2013–2017 · 3.6L LFX V6 - Caprice V

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Inspect suspension bushings and check for potential replacement of original coolant hoses.

  2. 150,000 km

    Transmission fluid service and potential differential oil change highly recommended for smooth shifts.

  3. 200,000 km

    Original engine mounts and auxiliary drive belt tensioners may need assessment for optimal vibration dampening.

Holden Caprice (WN) · 2013–2017 · 6.0L L77 V8 - Caprice V

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Replace the original spark plugs, leads, and transmission fluid to keep the V8's performance efficient.

  2. 150,000 km

    Inspect the suspension bushings and struts, as the heavy front end can cause natural wear in the control arm bushes.

  3. 200,000 km

    Comprehensive cooling system overhaul, including the water pump and thermostat, as these components typically near the end of their design lifespan.

Holden Caprice (WM) · 2006–2013 · 3.6L Alloytec V6 - Luxury Sedan

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Cooling system components, specifically the plastic radiator end tanks and water pump, are often due for a preventative check-over at this stage.

  2. 200,000 km

    Monitor the timing chain tensioners in the 3.6L Alloytec; listen for rattling sounds on cold startups, which may signal a professional assessment is due.

  3. 250,000 km

    Suspension bushes and control arms likely have reached the end of their optimal service life and may need replacing to maintain that trademark Caprice ride.

Holden Caprice (WM) · 2006–2013 · 6.0L L76/L98 V8 - Luxury Sedan

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Full cooling system refresh including the water pump and thermostat for optimal performance.

  2. 200,000 km

    Transmission fluid and filter typically benefit from a professional service at this stage if not already documented.

  3. 250,000 km

    Suspension bushes and engine mounts often ready for a refresh to maintain that signature smooth Caprice ride.

Holden Caprice (WL) · 2004–2006 · 6.0L Gen IV V8 - Luxury Sedan

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Evaluate suspension bushings and engine mounts for signs of perishing.

  2. 200,000 km

    Check the condition of the alternator and starter motor.

  3. 250,000 km

    Ideally, the cooling system components like the radiator and hoses have been refreshed to prevent overheating.

Holden Caprice (WL) · 2004–2006 · 3.6L Alloytec V6 - Luxury Sedan

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Full cooling system refresh including hoses and coolant flush.

  2. 200,000 km

    Suspension bushings and strut mounts commonly need replacing to maintain smooth ride quality.

  3. 250,000 km

    Evaluate the condition of the alternator and starter motor for wear.

Holden Caprice (WK) · 2003–2004 · 3.8L Ecotec V6 - Luxury Sedan

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Full transmission fluid and filter service worth considering if records are missing.

  2. 200,000 km

    Evaluate the health of the cooling system, including hoses and the radiator.

  3. 250,000 km

    Inspect suspension geometry and consider a damper refresh for that signature Caprice comfort.

Holden Caprice (WK) · 2003–2004 · 5.7L Gen III V8 - Luxury Sedan

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Consider a thorough cooling system refresh, including the radiator and hoses.

  2. 200,000 km

    Engine mounts and transmission seals may begin to show their age.

  3. 250,000 km

    Inspect the suspension components and possibly the timing chain health.

Holden Caprice (WH Series II) · 2000–2003 · 5.7L LS1 V8 - Luxury Sedan

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Evaluate the condition of the steering rack and fuel pump reliability.

  2. 200,000 km

    Alternator and starter motor may need a refresh to maintain daily dependability.

  3. 250,000 km

    Typical milestone: check internal engine components and timing chain slack to keep the LS1 running smoothly.

Other Holden models

Holden Commodore55 documented faultsHolden Captiva20 documented faultsHolden Astra18 documented faultsHolden Chevrolet Colorado6 documented faultsHolden Monaro6 documented faultsHolden Vectra6 documented faults

Holden Caprice buyer questions

Is the Holden Caprice reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 6 documented faults for the Holden Caprice, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and suspension. A Holden Caprice with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Holden Caprice?

We've catalogued 6 known faults for the Holden Caprice, covering engine, transmission, and suspension. All 6 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Holden Caprice?

Most single repairs on the Holden Caprice fall between ≈A$1,100–2,760 at independent-workshop rates (an approximate guide in Australian dollars). Some of the 6 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Holden Caprice?

Yes. A Holden Caprice inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection with AI photo analysis from A$28.90, far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page. For a big purchase, a mechanic's pre-purchase inspection on the car you settle on is still worth it.