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Holden Commodore: Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging and limp mode

Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging and limp mode is a common engine fault on the Holden Commodore on the 2018–2020 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs ≈A$280 to ≈A$3,220 at independent workshop rates, shown as an approximate guide in Australian dollars. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 55 documented faults on the Holden Commodore.

Vehicle
Holden Commodore
Engine
2.0L
Years
2018–2020
Fuel
diesel
System
Engine

This page covers the Holden Commodore as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Holden Commodore faults55 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Diesel particulate filter yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (shared with the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia B) is a strong open-road engine but is prone to DPF trouble when used mainly for short, stop-start trips that never let it complete a regeneration. Owners report frequent 'cleaning exhaust / continue driving' messages, an 'exhaust filter full' warning, dropping into limp mode, and fault codes such as P2002 (DPF low efficiency). In some cases faulty DPF pressure or temperature sensors trigger it; in others the filter genuinely loads up and needs a forced regen or clean, and a badly blocked filter that has been repeatedly force-regenerated can need replacing. Buyers who only do city driving should treat this as a real risk on the diesel.

What you would notice

  • Exhaust filter full or cleaning exhaust dashboard message
  • Limp mode / reduced power
  • DPF or engine warning light
  • Increased fuel use
  • Fault code P2002

How to check it

Where to look. Diesel particulate filter in the exhaust downstream of the turbo; DPF differential-pressure and exhaust temperature sensors

Ask how the car is driven (short trips are a red flag), scan for stored DPF-related codes such as P2002, and check for warning messages on start-up; ideally take it for a sustained highway drive to confirm it does not fall into limp mode.

Parts involved: Diesel particulate filter.

What it costs to put right

≈A$280 to ≈A$3,220 at independent workshop rates, shown as an approximate guide in Australian dollars. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, converted to Australian dollars, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

  • “Is the car used mostly for short city trips or regular highway runs?”
  • “Has the DPF ever been cleaned, force-regenerated or replaced?”
  • “Do any exhaust-filter or limp-mode warnings ever appear?”

Now check the Holden Commodore you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car still has money owing on it, has been written off or reported stolen, what kms it showed in past sale ads, whether it has had accident repair claims and what it is worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate and its state for the A$17.90 Vehicle Check, or the full history from A$24.99.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in the sources below. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them.

Holden Commodore buyer questions

Is diesel particulate filter (dpf) clogging and limp mode serious on a Holden Commodore?

We rate it major and common on the Holden Commodore. The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (shared with the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia B) is a strong open-road engine but is prone to DPF trouble when used mainly for short, stop-start trips that never let it complete a regeneration. Owners report frequent 'cleaning exhaust / continue driving' messages, an 'exhaust filter full' warning, dropping into limp mode, and fault codes such as P2002 (DPF low efficiency). In some cases faulty DPF pressure or temperature sensors trigger it; in others the filter genuinely loads up and needs a forced regen or clean, and a badly blocked filter that has been repeatedly force-regenerated can need replacing. Buyers who only do city driving should treat this as a real risk on the diesel.

How much does it cost to fix on a Holden Commodore?

≈A$280 to ≈A$3,220 at independent workshop rates, shown as an approximate guide in Australian dollars. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Holden Commodore years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2018–2020 Holden Commodore. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Ask how the car is driven (short trips are a red flag), scan for stored DPF-related codes such as P2002, and check for warning messages on start-up; ideally take it for a sustained highway drive to confirm it does not fall into limp mode. Look here: Diesel particulate filter in the exhaust downstream of the turbo; DPF differential-pressure and exhaust temperature sensors