2011–2018TM SelectedTM1.6 petrolPetrolSee faults & what to checkKickTyres illustration, not a photograph.Holden Barina TM: common faults & what to check
The TM is the Holden Barina built 2011–2018. It was sold here with the 1.6 petrol. Of the 17 faults documented for the Barina, 10 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.
Check this exact Holden Barina
- Odometer history
- Money owing
- Reported stolen
- Ownership history
17
Critical
$350–$700
15
You're looking at the TM · 1.6 petrol
2011–2018TM SelectedTM1.6 petrolPetrolSee faults & what to checkKickTyres illustration, not a photograph.Now narrow it to the engine
A 2012 Holden Barina is the TM generation (2011 to 2018).
Start your free check on this Holden Barina
Can't confirm for this car
Holden Barina · 2012
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
Serious issue
Ask the seller for recall paperwork or a dealer service record showing the Takata airbag recall was done.
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
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.
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
Costly issue
With the engine cold, check the coolant reservoir level and look for crusty residue around the thermostat housing on the side of the engine.
Cracked plastic thermostat housing causing coolant leaks and overheating (TM)
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.
What you would notice
Costly issue
Ask for paperwork showing recall PRA 2016/15156 was done, or phone a Holden or GM service agent with the VIN.
Fuel pump O-ring recall, fuel leak fire risk (TM Barina built 2011-2013)
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.
What you would notice
Common issue
Look through the front wheel spokes at the rotor face for scoring and a pronounced wear lip.
Rapid front brake wear — rotors and pads before 50,000km (TM)
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.
What you would notice
A 2012 Holden Barina: what is due, and when
Servicing
Next service
200,000 km
Check for potential oil leaks around the rocker cover gasket, a priority for engine health at this stage.
Placed by the car’s age, not read from the dash — 96,600–225,400 km after 14 years.
Our research does not record which this engine uses, and it depends on the engine rather than the model. Check the owner’s manual rather than assume: on a belt-driven engine, an overdue belt is the failure that takes the engine with it.
Behind it
- 100,000 kmConfirm the condition of the suspension bushings and verify the service history for oil-related maintenance.
- 150,000 kmInspect cooling system components like the radiator hoses and thermostat housing.
“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 TM Holden Barina · 1.6L (Ecotec) - CD/CDX · Petrol; only the car’s own service book says what has actually been done to it.
See all 10 issues for this one
Engine, transmission & cooling
01Cracked plastic thermostat housing causing coolant leaks and overheating (TM)
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.
Example of the part — not this vehicleA double-valve engine thermostat, labelled: the wax capsule is what sticks.
Symptoms to notice
What to check
Ask the seller
Electrical2 critical
02Takata 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.
Symptoms to notice
What to check
Ask the seller
03Takata 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.
Symptoms to notice
What to check
Ask the seller
Body, brakes, suspension & interior
04Rapid front brake wear — rotors and pads before 50,000km (TM)
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
What to check
Ask the seller
Fluid leaks
05Fuel pump O-ring recall, fuel leak fire risk (TM Barina built 2011-2013)
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
What to check
Ask the seller
Depends on the exact engine — 5 more
Engine, transmission & cooling
01A14NET 1.4 Turbo Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start
Can't confirm for this car02A14NET High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Can't confirm for this car
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
What to check
Ask the seller
03PCV failure built into the valve cover — rough idle and oil leaks (1.6 TM)
Can't confirm for this car
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
What to check
Ask the seller
046T40 six-speed auto slip, flare and torque converter shudder (TM)
Can't confirm for this car056-Speed Dry DCT Clutch Judder and Engagement Jolt
Can't confirm for this carOther Holden Barina engines and years
Engine, transmission & cooling
01Camshaft retaining bolts working loose (1.4 Z14XE, XC)
Does not apply
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
What to check
Ask the seller
02Short 60,000km timing belt interval with water-pump-tensioned belt (TK)
Does not apply
Does not apply
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
What to check
Ask the seller
03PCV valve failure and rocker cover gasket leaking oil onto spark plugs (TK)
Does not apply
Does not apply
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
What to check
Ask the seller
Electrical
01ECU and coil pack failure from engine-bay heat (XC)
Does not apply
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.
Example of the part — not this vehicleA coil-on-plug ignition rail, removed. One coil per cylinder.
Symptoms to notice
What to check
Ask the seller
02ABS wiring water ingress — short circuit and fire risk (recall, late XC)
Does not apply
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
What to check
Ask the seller
Body, brakes, suspension & interior
01Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear
Does not apply
Does not apply
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.
Example of the part — not this vehicleA separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.
Symptoms to notice
What to check
Ask the seller
02Budget build quality — window regulators, central locking and trim failures (TK)
Does not apply
Does not apply
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
What to check
Ask the seller
Holden Barina faults in detail
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 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.