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Holden2001–2018 Critical issues documented

Holden Barina: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Holden Barina (2001–2018) in New Zealand? We've documented 17 known faults for this model spanning transmission, engine, suspension, and electrical. 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 Barina

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

17

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$350–$700

Typical repair

15

Service milestones

Which Holden Barina 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.

1.4 petrol· 1.4 litre petrol1.6 petrol· 1.6 litre petrol

Start your free check on this Holden Barina

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 BarinaEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Barina came with 2, 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 Barina

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 Barina before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Ask the seller for recall paperwork or a dealer service record showing the Takata airbag recall was done.

    See why

    Takata airbag recall (TM Barina, 2012-2018)

    The TM Barina from 2012 to 2018 was recalled because its Takata airbag inflator can absorb moisture over time and burst in a crash, throwing metal fragments into the cabin. The fix is a free airbag replacement under recall PRA 2018/16856. An unrepaired car is dangerous to drive.

    What you would notice

    • No symptoms until a crash

    Typically $0 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Test drive at motorway speed with light throttle and feel for shudder, and from a standstill check Drive and Reverse engage within a second.

    See why

    6T40 six-speed auto slip, flare and torque converter shudder (TM)

    The TM Barina's GM 6T40 six-speed automatic is the same troubled unit fitted to the Cruze and Captiva: it can slip or flare between gears, hunt for ratios, shudder from the torque converter clutch and eventually lose drive. GM ran Special Coverage program 2022640 for slip/flare on 2011-12 builds, and the 6T40 family is covered by the Maurice Blackburn class action against GM Holden over defective torque converters. Out of any coverage today, a proper fix is a torque converter and valve-body overhaul or a full rebuild.

    What you would notice

    • Revs flare between gears without speed increasing
    • Shudder at light throttle around 60-100km/h
    • Harsh or delayed engagement of Drive or Reverse
    • Transmission warning light / limp mode

    Typically $1,800–$4,500 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Cold-start the engine and listen immediately for chain rattle at the front of the engine.

    See why

    A14NET 1.4 Turbo Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start

    The Opel-sourced A14NET 1.4-litre turbocharged engine fitted to the TM Barina shares its timing chain system with the wider GM/Opel small-engine family. The chain tensioner relies on oil pressure to maintain tension and on cold starts — particularly in cooler NZ climates — the tensioner takes a few seconds to pressurise, allowing the chain to rattle audibly against the guide. Prolonged cold-start rattles indicate tensioner wear or chain elongation and carry risk of the chain jumping timing on the interference engine.

    What you would notice

    • Metallic rattling or clattering from the front of the engine for 1–5 seconds on cold start
    • Rattle may be louder in winter or first start of the day
    • Check engine light with timing or camshaft position codes (P0016/P0017)
    • Rough running or misfires after chain has skipped a tooth

    Typically $1,000–$2,200 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Insist on receipts showing belt AND water pump changed within 60,000km.

    See why

    Short 60,000km timing belt interval with water-pump-tensioned belt (TK)

    The Korean-built (Daewoo Kalos-based) TK Barina's 1.6 uses a timing belt that must be changed every 60,000km — far more often than most rivals — and the water pump acts as the belt tensioner, so the pump must be replaced at the same time or it will leak and take the new belt out. Skipped belts are common on cheap examples and a snapped belt bends valves on this interference engine.

    What you would notice

    • No warning before belt failure
    • Coolant weep from the timing cover area (failing pump)
    • Squeal or rattle from the belt side of the engine

    Typically $550–$950 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Also check at 9 and 3 o'clock for horizontal play.

    See why

    Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

    The pressed-in lower ball joints on the front lower control arms of the TK Barina wear prematurely and are not serviceable separately in all variants; on some, the entire arm must be replaced. Worn ball joints introduce vague steering, clunking over bumps, and in severe cases the joint can separate causing complete loss of front-wheel steering control. A well-documented pattern across GM-platform small cars of this era.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking or knocking from front suspension over speed humps or when cornering
    • Vague or wandering steering feel
    • Uneven tyre wear on front axle
    • Vehicle pulls to one side under braking

    Typically $350–$900 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Run the VIN through the NZTA/ACCC Takata recall lookup or ask a Holden service agent to confirm the airbag recall status before paying a deposit.

    See why

    Takata airbag inflator recalls (TM) — verify completion

    TM Barinas from 2012-2018 were caught in the Takata airbag recalls (2018-2019): the driver's airbag inflator housing can rupture with age and humidity, firing metal fragments into the cabin in a crash. Replacement is free at any Holden service agent, but with Holden gone from the market it is on the buyer to confirm the work was done — an outstanding Takata recall is a genuine safety risk and can block registration in some jurisdictions.

    What you would notice

    • No symptoms — the defect is invisible until deployment

    Typically $0 to put right.

Holden Barina service schedule

What falls due, and at what distance, for each generation of the Holden Barina. 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.

TM Holden Barina (Facelift) · 2016–2018 · 1.6L (Ecotec) - LS/LT

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 60,000 km

    Fresh transmission fluid service to maintain smooth gear changes.

  2. 100,000 km

    Review the cooling system components and confirm the engine mountings are still firm.

  3. 150,000 km

    Verify the status of suspension bushings and shock absorbers for continued NZ road comfort.

TM Holden Barina · 2011–2016 · 1.6L (Ecotec) - CD/CDX

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Confirm the condition of the suspension bushings and verify the service history for oil-related maintenance.

  2. 150,000 km

    Inspect cooling system components like the radiator hoses and thermostat housing.

  3. 200,000 km

    Check for potential oil leaks around the rocker cover gasket, a priority for engine health at this stage.

TK Holden Barina · 2005–2011 · 1.6L (F16D3) - Base/Classic

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Confirm the timing belt has been replaced, as these interference engines rely on a healthy belt for longevity.

  2. 150,000 km

    Look at suspension components like bushes and shock absorbers to maintain that smooth handling feel.

  3. 200,000 km

    Auxiliary components like the alternator or starter motor may start showing their age and need professional inspection.

XC Holden Barina · 2001–2005 · 1.8L (Z18XE) - SRi/CDX

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Significant point: the timing belt and water pump should have been addressed.

  2. 150,000 km

    Suspension bushes and engine mounts often start showing signs of fatigue by this stage.

  3. 200,000 km

    Full cooling system review, including hoses and the radiator, for age-related degradation.

XC Holden Barina · 2001–2005 · 1.4L (Z14XE) - City/Equipe

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Full cooling system flush and inspection of all rubber hoses.

  2. 200,000 km

    Good time to verify the condition of the alternator and starter motor performance.

  3. 250,000 km

    Deep inspection of suspension bushings and engine mounts recommended for continued driving comfort.

See all 17 documented issuesEverything researched for the Holden Barina, including 7 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Holden Barina has — 17Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling9

016T40 six-speed auto slip, flare and torque converter shudder (TM)

Test drive at motorway speed with light throttle and feel for shudder, and from a standstill check Drive and Reverse engage within a second.petrol2011–2018TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Camshaft retaining bolts working loose (1.4 Z14XE, XC)

Listen to the top of the engine at idle and 2,000rpm for tapping.petrol2001–2005Engine
OccasionalEngine $1,500–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

A batch of XC Barina 1.4 engines (engine numbers starting 19F) left the factory with camshaft retaining bolts not tightened to spec. The bolts can back out, causing top-end rattle, misfires and in the worst case major valvetrain damage. Vauxhall acknowledged the same fault on the identical Corsa C with a 'non-code action' in 2010, but there was never a formal Australasian recall, so unfixed engines are still out there.

Symptoms to notice

  • Metallic rattle or tapping from the top of the engine
  • Sudden misfire and loss of power
  • Engine light with cam/crank correlation codes

What to check

  1. Listen to the top of the engine at idle and 2,000rpm for tapping.
  2. Ask a mechanic to check the engine number prefix and whether the cam bolts have been checked or re-torqued.

Where to look: Cylinder head / camshaft carrier, top of engine

Ask the seller

  • “Does the engine number start with 19F?”
  • “Has the top end ever been apart or the cam bolts checked?”

03A14NET 1.4 Turbo Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start

Cold-start the engine and listen immediately for chain rattle at the front of the engine.petrol2011–2018EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04Short 60,000km timing belt interval with water-pump-tensioned belt (TK)

Insist on receipts showing belt AND water pump changed within 60,000km.petrol2005–2011Engine
CommonEngine $550–$950 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Korean-built (Daewoo Kalos-based) TK Barina's 1.6 uses a timing belt that must be changed every 60,000km — far more often than most rivals — and the water pump acts as the belt tensioner, so the pump must be replaced at the same time or it will leak and take the new belt out. Skipped belts are common on cheap examples and a snapped belt bends valves on this interference engine.

Symptoms to notice

  • No warning before belt failure
  • Coolant weep from the timing cover area (failing pump)
  • Squeal or rattle from the belt side of the engine

What to check

Insist on receipts showing belt AND water pump changed within 60,000km. Look under the timing cover area for pink/orange coolant staining, which means the pump is going.

Where to look: Timing cover on the drive-belt end of the engine

Parts involved: Timing belt, Water pump.

Ask the seller

  • “When were the timing belt and water pump last done together?”
  • “Is there a receipt?”

056-Speed Dry DCT Clutch Judder and Engagement Jolt

Drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic conditions or simulate stop-start repeatedly at low speed.petrol2011–2018TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

06A14NET High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

Check for any hard-start history.petrol2011–2018Engine
OccasionalEngine $800–$2,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The A14NET 1.4 turbo engine uses a high-pressure direct-injection fuel pump driven off the camshaft. The pump cam follower (tappet) and pump internals wear prematurely, causing fuel pressure loss and poor starting. Symptoms can mimic other faults. The pump can also contaminate engine oil if the cam follower collapses into the oil gallery. A recognised pattern across GM 1.4T applications globally, including AU-market TM Barinas.

Symptoms to notice

  • Hard starting or extended cranking required to fire the engine
  • Rough idle or misfires under load
  • Loss of power especially at high engine speeds
  • Check engine light with fuel pressure or injector codes
  • Metallic contamination in engine oil if cam follower has disintegrated

What to check

  1. Check for any hard-start history.
  2. Pull oil filler cap and inspect oil for unusual contamination or metallic glitter.
  3. Check for any stored P0087 (fuel rail pressure low) or injector fault codes.
  4. If a workshop inspection is possible: Run a fuel pressure test if possible.

Where to look: High-pressure fuel pump mounted on top of the engine, driven by the exhaust camshaft — rear of the engine under the inlet manifold area

Parts involved: High-pressure fuel pump.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the car ever been hard to start or shown fuel-related fault codes?”
  • “Has the high-pressure fuel pump or its cam follower been inspected?”
  • “When was the last oil change, and has the oil ever shown metal contamination?”

07PCV failure built into the valve cover — rough idle and oil leaks (1.6 TM)

Listen for a whistle at idle and remove the oil cap — abnormal suction indicates a torn PCV diaphragm.petrol2011–2018Engine
CommonEngine $300–$650 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The TM's 1.6 integrates the PCV diaphragm into the plastic valve cover. When the diaphragm tears the engine develops a vacuum leak: whistling, rough idle, hard starts, lean codes and oil weeping from the cover. The whole valve cover must be replaced as the PCV isn't serviceable separately. Cheap and quick for a workshop, but a classic cause of 'mystery' rough running on these cars.

Symptoms to notice

  • Whistling or hissing from the engine
  • Rough, surging idle
  • Check-engine light with lean codes
  • Oil weeps around the valve cover

What to check

  1. Listen for a whistle at idle and remove the oil cap — abnormal suction indicates a torn PCV diaphragm.
  2. Look for oil residue around the valve cover edges.

Where to look: Plastic valve/rocker cover on top of the engine

Parts involved: Rocker / valve cover, PCV / oil separator.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the valve cover (PCV) been replaced?”
  • “Any history of rough idle or lean fault codes?”

08PCV valve failure and rocker cover gasket leaking oil onto spark plugs (TK)

Pull the engine cover and look for oil pooled around the spark plug tubes and wet edges on the rocker cover.petrol2005–2011Engine
CommonEngine $250–$600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

TK Barinas commonly suffer failed crankcase ventilation (PCV) valves, creating a vacuum leak that causes rough running, hard starting and a check-engine light. The fault is often paired with a failed rocker cover gasket that leaks oil into the spark plug wells, soaking the plugs and coils and making the misfire worse. Both are cheap to fix but frequently misdiagnosed as bigger problems.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rough idle and hard starting
  • Misfire that worsens over weeks
  • Oil visible around spark plug wells or a burning oil smell

What to check

  1. Pull the engine cover and look for oil pooled around the spark plug tubes and wet edges on the rocker cover.
  2. Listen for hissing (vacuum leak) at idle.

Where to look: Rocker cover and spark plug wells, top of engine

Parts involved: Rocker / valve cover, PCV / oil separator.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the PCV valve and rocker cover gasket been replaced?”
  • “Any recurring misfire history?”

09Cracked plastic thermostat housing causing coolant leaks and overheating (TM)

With the engine cold, check the coolant reservoir level and look for crusty residue around the thermostat housing on the side of the engine.petrol2011–2018Cooling
CommonCooling $250–$600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Like its Cruze sibling, the TM Barina uses a plastic thermostat housing and plastic coolant fittings that crack with heat cycles and leak. Left alone the car loses coolant and overheats, which on this small alloy engine quickly means a warped head or blown head gasket. It is a known repeat failure — some cars are on their second or third housing.

An annotated photograph of an automotive engine thermostat identifying the wax capsule and both disc valves.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A double-valve engine thermostat, labelled: the wax capsule is what sticks.

Dougsim · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Coolant smell after driving
  • Low coolant warnings or falling reservoir level
  • Temperature gauge creeping up
  • Dried pink/white coolant residue on the engine

What to check

With the engine cold, check the coolant reservoir level and look for crusty residue around the thermostat housing on the side of the engine. After the test drive, sniff for coolant and look underneath for drips.

Where to look: Thermostat housing on the transmission side of the engine, plus plastic hose fittings

Parts involved: Thermostat.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the thermostat housing been replaced, and how many times?”
  • “Has the car ever overheated?”
Electrical4

01Takata airbag inflator recalls (TM) — verify completion

Run the VIN through the NZTA/ACCC Takata recall lookup or ask a Holden service agent to confirm the airbag recall status before paying a deposit.petrol2012–2018Electrical
CommonElectrical $0 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

TM Barinas from 2012-2018 were caught in the Takata airbag recalls (2018-2019): the driver's airbag inflator housing can rupture with age and humidity, firing metal fragments into the cabin in a crash. Replacement is free at any Holden service agent, but with Holden gone from the market it is on the buyer to confirm the work was done — an outstanding Takata recall is a genuine safety risk and can block registration in some jurisdictions.

Symptoms to notice

  • No symptoms — the defect is invisible until deployment

What to check

Run the VIN through the NZTA/ACCC Takata recall lookup or ask a Holden service agent to confirm the airbag recall status before paying a deposit.

Where to look: Driver's airbag in the steering wheel

Ask the seller

  • “Has the Takata airbag recall been completed on this VIN?”
  • “Is there dealer paperwork for it?”

02Takata airbag recall (TM Barina, 2012-2018)

Ask the seller for recall paperwork or a dealer service record showing the Takata airbag recall was done.2012–2018Electrical
Very commonElectrical $0 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The TM Barina from 2012 to 2018 was recalled because its Takata airbag inflator can absorb moisture over time and burst in a crash, throwing metal fragments into the cabin. The fix is a free airbag replacement under recall PRA 2018/16856. An unrepaired car is dangerous to drive.

Symptoms to notice

  • No symptoms until a crash

What to check

Ask the seller for recall paperwork or a dealer service record showing the Takata airbag recall was done. Phone a Holden or GM dealer with the VIN and ask whether recall PRA 2018/16856 is shown as completed. Check the airbag warning light comes on at key on and then goes out. If a workshop inspection is possible: a dealer can confirm the replacement inflator part number on the airbag module.

Where to look: Front airbag module

Ask the seller

  • “Has the Takata airbag recall been done?”
  • “Do you have the recall completion paperwork?”

03ECU and coil pack failure from engine-bay heat (XC)

Test drive from cold to fully hot, including idling in traffic.petrol2001–2005Electrical
CommonElectrical $500–$1,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The XC Barina mounts its ECU close to the engine and its catalytic converter sits near the head, so heat kills electronics: ECUs and coil packs both have high failure rates. Owners also report ignition lock barrel and air-conditioning compressor failures. A dead ECU on a 20-year-old Barina often costs more than the car is worth to replace new, so second-hand units and coding are the usual fix.

A four-cylinder ignition coil rail removed from an engine, beside a steel rule for scale.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A coil-on-plug ignition rail, removed. One coil per cylinder.

Cschirp · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Misfires or rough running when hot
  • Intermittent no-start
  • Engine light that comes and goes with temperature

What to check

  1. Test drive from cold to fully hot, including idling in traffic.
  2. Check the aircon blows cold.
  3. Try the key in the ignition barrel several times for stickiness.

Where to look: ECU in the engine bay beside the engine; coil pack on top of the engine

Parts involved: Ignition coil.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the ECU or coil pack ever been replaced?”
  • “Does it ever refuse to start when hot?”

04ABS wiring water ingress — short circuit and fire risk (recall, late XC)

Check the ABS light comes on with ignition and goes out after start.petrol2004–2005Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $200–$600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

XC Barinas built from 2004 with ABS were recalled in August 2006 because water can enter the ABS wiring connector via the earth lead, short-circuit and potentially ignite the wiring to the ABS module. The fix was free under recall, but on a car this old you must confirm it was actually done — an unrepaired car can suffer ABS failure or an electrical fire.

Symptoms to notice

  • ABS warning light on
  • Blown ABS fuses
  • Melted or burnt smell near the ABS unit

What to check

  1. Check the ABS light comes on with ignition and goes out after start.
  2. Ask a Holden service agent to confirm the August 2006 recall was completed against the VIN.
  3. Look at the ABS module connector for corrosion or heat damage.

Where to look: ABS hydraulic unit and wiring connector in the engine bay

Ask the seller

  • “Was the 2006 ABS wiring recall completed?”
  • “Is the ABS light behaving normally?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior3

01Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Also check at 9 and 3 o'clock for horizontal play.petrol2005–2011Suspension
CommonSuspension $350–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The pressed-in lower ball joints on the front lower control arms of the TK Barina wear prematurely and are not serviceable separately in all variants; on some, the entire arm must be replaced. Worn ball joints introduce vague steering, clunking over bumps, and in severe cases the joint can separate causing complete loss of front-wheel steering control. A well-documented pattern across GM-platform small cars of this era.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking or knocking from front suspension over speed humps or when cornering
  • Vague or wandering steering feel
  • Uneven tyre wear on front axle
  • Vehicle pulls to one side under braking

What to check

Also check at 9 and 3 o'clock for horizontal play. Inspect rubber boot for cracking or grease contamination. If a workshop inspection is possible: With vehicle on a hoist, grasp the front tyre at 6 and 12 o'clock and apply force — any vertical play indicates a worn ball joint.

Where to look: Front lower control arm, one per side, at the outer end where arm connects to the steering knuckle

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the front suspension been inspected or had any work done recently?”
  • “Any knocking or clunking noises from the front end?”
  • “When were the front lower control arms or ball joints last replaced?”

02Rapid front brake wear — rotors and pads before 50,000km (TM)

Look through the front wheel spokes at the rotor face for scoring and a pronounced wear lip.petrol2011–2018Brakes
CommonBrakes $350–$700 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

TM Barinas chew through front brakes unusually fast: buyer's guides note some cars needing new front rotors and a second set of pads before 50,000km. The rotors are small and soft, and they warp or wear undersize quickly. It's a consumable-cost issue rather than a safety defect if maintained, but budget for it on any example.

Symptoms to notice

  • Steering wheel shudder when braking from speed
  • Grinding or squealing from the front
  • Deep lip on the rotor edge

What to check

Look through the front wheel spokes at the rotor face for scoring and a pronounced wear lip. Brake firmly from 100km/h (safely) and feel for pulsing through the pedal or wheel.

Where to look: Front brake discs and pads, behind the front wheels

Ask the seller

  • “When were the front pads and rotors last replaced?”
  • “Any brake shudder at motorway speeds?”

03Budget build quality — window regulators, central locking and trim failures (TK)

Operate every window fully up and down, lock and unlock with the remote and key, and try every door handle inside and out.petrol2005–2011Interior
CommonInterior $150–$500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The TK generation was built to a low price in Korea and it shows with age: electric window regulators fail (windows drop into the door or stop moving), central locking actuators die door by door, and interior trim rattles and breaks. None of it is dangerous, but on a cheap car multiple small failures add up quickly and windows stuck open are a WoF/security problem.

Symptoms to notice

  • Window slow, crooked or stuck in the door
  • One or more doors not responding to central locking
  • Persistent dash and door rattles

What to check

Operate every window fully up and down, lock and unlock with the remote and key, and try every door handle inside and out. Listen for rattles on a rough-road test drive.

Where to look: Door internals (regulators and lock actuators), dash and door trims

Ask the seller

  • “Do all four windows and door locks work?”
  • “Have any regulators been replaced?”
Fluid leaks1

01Fuel pump O-ring recall, fuel leak fire risk (TM Barina built 2011-2013)

Ask for paperwork showing recall PRA 2016/15156 was done, or phone a Holden or GM service agent with the VIN.2011–2013Fluid Leaks
CommonFluid Leaks $0–$400 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

TM Barinas built from August 2011 to December 2013 were recalled because the fuel pump seal on top of the tank was the wrong size, so fuel can leak and catch fire if the car rolls over. The fix is a free seal replacement under recall PRA 2016/15156. Check it was done.

Symptoms to notice

  • Fuel smell inside or around the car
  • Damp patch around the fuel tank

What to check

Ask for paperwork showing recall PRA 2016/15156 was done, or phone a Holden or GM service agent with the VIN. Sniff for a fuel smell in the cabin and around the rear of the car after it has been parked in the sun. If a workshop inspection is possible: the fuel pump access cover can be lifted to check the seal for weeping.

Where to look: Top of the fuel tank

Ask the seller

  • “Has the fuel pump seal recall been done?”
  • “Have you ever smelt fuel inside the car?”

Holden Barina faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

6-Speed Dry DCT Clutch Judder and Engagement JoltMajor · Transmission6T40 six-speed auto slip, flare and torque converter shudder (TM)Critical · TransmissionA14NET 1.4 Turbo Timing Chain Rattle on Cold StartCritical · Engine

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Holden Barina’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Holden models

Holden Commodore51 documented faultsHolden Captiva18 documented faultsHolden Astra16 documented faultsHolden Cruze13 documented faultsHolden Rodeo12 documented faultsHolden Colorado11 documented faults

Holden Barina buyer questions

Is the Holden Barina reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 17 documented faults for the Holden Barina, the recurring problem areas are transmission, engine, and suspension. A Holden Barina 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 Barina?

We've catalogued 17 known faults for the Holden Barina, covering transmission, engine, and suspension. All 17 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 Barina?

Most single repairs on the Holden Barina fall between $350–$700 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 17 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 Barina?

Yes. A Holden Barina 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 plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.