Holden2001–2018 Critical issues documented

Holden Barina TK: common faults & what to check

The TK is the Holden Barina built 2005–2011. It was sold here with the 1.6 petrol. Of the 17 faults documented for the Barina, 4 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

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Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$350–$700

Typical repair

Service milestones

You're looking at the TK · 1.6 petrol

Everything below is narrowed to this variant. Pick a different one to change it.

2005–2011TK Selected2005–2011TK1.6 petrolPetrolDocumented issues4 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: Ben Gertzfield from Palo Alto, United States via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.

Choose a different generation

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?

1.6 petrol· 1.6 litre petrol

A 2006 Holden Barina is the TK generation (2005 to 2011).

Start your free check on this Holden Barina

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Holden Barina TK

Can't confirm for this car

Holden Barina · 2006

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

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

No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

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
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.
Costly issue
Pull the engine cover and look for oil pooled around the spark plug tubes and wet edges on the rocker cover.
See why
PCV valve failure and rocker cover gasket leaking oil onto spark plugs (TK)
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.
What you would notice
- Rough idle and hard starting
- Misfire that worsens over weeks
- Oil visible around spark plug wells or a burning oil smell
Typically $250–$600 to put right.
Common issue
Operate every window fully up and down, lock and unlock with the remote and key, and try every door handle inside and out.
See why
Budget build quality — window regulators, central locking and trim failures (TK)
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.
What you would notice
- Window slow, crooked or stuck in the door
- One or more doors not responding to central locking
- Persistent dash and door rattles
Typically $150–$500 to put right.

A 2006 Holden Barina: what is due, and when

Servicing

Nothing left on the schedule

Every milestone is behind this car. The ones below are the receipts worth asking for.

Placed by the car’s age, not read from the dash — 138,000–322,000 km after 20 years.

Cambelt

Due every 100,000 km, and usually on a time limit as well, whichever comes first. Ask for the invoice rather than the answer: it should show the date, the reading at the time, and whether the water pump went in with it.

Behind it

100,000 kmConfirm the timing belt has been replaced, as these interference engines rely on a healthy belt for longevity.
150,000 kmLook at suspension components like bushes and shock absorbers to maintain that smooth handling feel.
200,000 kmAuxiliary components like the alternator or starter motor may start showing their age and need professional inspection.

“Behind it” means the car has driven past that distance, not that the work was done — ask to see the receipts. These are the intervals for the TK Holden Barina · 1.6L (F16D3) - Base/Classic · Petrol; only the car’s own service book says what has actually been done to it.

See all 4 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 2 rated critical.

Engine, transmission & cooling1 critical2

01Short 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$550–$950

CommonEngine $550–$950 to fix

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?”

02PCV 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$250–$600

CommonEngine $250–$600 to fix

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

Pull the engine cover and look for oil pooled around the spark plug tubes and wet edges on the rocker cover.
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?”

Body, brakes, suspension & interior1 critical2

03Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

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

CommonSuspension $350–$900 to fix

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.

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?”

04Budget 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$150–$500

CommonInterior $150–$500 to fix

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?”

Other Holden Barina engines and years13 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.

Engine, transmission & cooling7

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.petrol2011–2018TransmissionDoes not apply$1,800–$4,500Read 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.petrol2001–2005EngineDoes not apply$1,500–$3,500

OccasionalEngine $1,500–$3,500 to fix

Does not apply

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

Listen to the top of the engine at idle and 2,000rpm for tapping.
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.petrol2011–2018EngineDoes not apply$1,000–$2,200Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

046-Speed Dry DCT Clutch Judder and Engagement Jolt

Drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic conditions or simulate stop-start repeatedly at low speed.petrol2011–2018TransmissionDoes not apply$1,200–$4,000Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

05A14NET High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

Check for any hard-start history.petrol2011–2018EngineDoes not apply$800–$2,000

OccasionalEngine $800–$2,000 to fix

Does not apply

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

Check for any hard-start history.
Pull oil filler cap and inspect oil for unusual contamination or metallic glitter.
Check for any stored P0087 (fuel rail pressure low) or injector fault codes.
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?”

06PCV 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.petrol2011–2018EngineDoes not apply$300–$650

CommonEngine $300–$650 to fix

Does not apply

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

Listen for a whistle at idle and remove the oil cap — abnormal suction indicates a torn PCV diaphragm.
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?”

07Cracked 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.petrol2011–2018CoolingDoes not apply$250–$600

CommonCooling $250–$600 to fix

Does not apply

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. — 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.petrol2012–2018ElectricalDoes not apply$0

CommonElectrical $0 to fix

Does not apply

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.2012–2018ElectricalDoes not apply$0

Very commonElectrical $0 to fix

Does not apply

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.petrol2001–2005ElectricalDoes not apply$500–$1,500

CommonElectrical $500–$1,500 to fix

Does not apply

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.

Symptoms to notice

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

What to check

Test drive from cold to fully hot, including idling in traffic.
Check the aircon blows cold.
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.petrol2004–2005ElectricalDoes not apply$200–$600

OccasionalElectrical $200–$600 to fix

Does not apply

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

Check the ABS light comes on with ignition and goes out after start.
Ask a Holden service agent to confirm the August 2006 recall was completed against the VIN.
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 & interior1

01Rapid 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.petrol2011–2018BrakesDoes not apply$350–$700

CommonBrakes $350–$700 to fix

Does not apply

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?”

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 LeaksDoes not apply$0–$400

CommonFluid Leaks $0–$400 to fix

Does not apply

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?”

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 faults Holden Captiva18 documented faults Holden Astra16 documented faults Holden Cruze13 documented faults Holden Rodeo12 documented faults Holden 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.