Thinking about buying a used Holden SS (1997–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 30 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, cooling, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
30
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$2,200
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Holden SS faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01LS3 Timing Chain Stretch at High Mileage
CriticalOccasionalEngine $2,400–$5,500 to fix
The LS3 6.2L V8 uses a single-row primary timing chain that can stretch on high-mileage examples, particularly those with infrequent oil changes or AFM-delete work using aggressive cam profiles. A worn chain produces a rattling noise on cold start from the front of the engine that typically diminishes once oil pressure builds. In severe cases, retarded cam timing causes loss of power, rough running, and illuminated check engine light with cam correlation codes. Worn plastic chain guides and tensioners can break, creating risk of catastrophic engine damage. Units with extended oil change intervals are significantly more susceptible.
Symptoms to notice
Cold-start timing chain rattle from front of engine settling after oil pressure builds
Slight power loss or rough idle at operating temperature
Increased rattle duration as chain wear progresses
What to check
Cold-start the engine and listen carefully to the front timing cover area for rattle in the first 2 to 5 seconds. Scan the ECU for stored cam position correlation codes. Inspect oil condition on the dipstick — dark neglected oil accelerates chain and guide wear. Verify a complete service history with oil changes at the correct interval. High-km AFM-deleted cars should have cam timing specs verified by a tuner.
Where to look: Front of engine behind timing cover — primary timing chain, plastic guides, and hydraulic tensioner
Ask the seller
“What is the full service history and oil change interval?”
“Has the timing chain ever been inspected or replaced?”
“Has any cam or AFM delete work been carried out?”
“Are there any stored or active engine fault codes?”
02VF Timing Cover & Rear Main Seal Oil Leak
MinorCommonFluid Leaks $600–$2,800 to fix
VF Commodores with both the LS3 V8 and LFX V6 develop oil leaks at the timing cover gasket and rear main crankshaft seal as kilometres accumulate. The multi-piece timing cover gasket uses sealant that hardens and shrinks over time, allowing oil to weep down the front of the block. The rear main seal also leaks on high-km VF units, typically dripping from the bellhousing area. On LS3 models the valley cover gasket and AFM solenoid O-rings are additional leak points within the same inspection circuit. Leaks are usually slow and result in oil spots on the driveway before engine damage occurs, but contamination of clutch or flywheel components and proximity to hot exhaust are concerns if ignored.
Symptoms to notice
Oil spots on driveway under front or rear of engine
Oil film or weeping around timing cover perimeter
Oil drip from bellhousing area between engine and gearbox
Low oil level on dipstick without obvious cause
Burning oil smell from hot engine components or exhaust
What to check
Place white cardboard under the vehicle overnight and note oil drip location — front drip indicates timing cover leak, rear drip indicates rear main seal. With a torch inspect the timing cover perimeter and valley area for oil tracks. Check the bellhousing gap for accumulated oil. Confirm with the owner whether oil spots appear regularly and whether oil consumption has been noted between services.
Where to look: Front of engine at timing cover gasket and valley cover; rear of engine at crankshaft rear main seal behind the flywheel or flex plate
Ask the seller
“Does the car leave oil spots when parked?”
“Has oil consumption been noted between services?”
“Has any gasket or seal work been performed on the engine?”
“Has the timing cover been removed for water pump or timing chain work?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
SuspensionCritical
CoolingCritical
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
ElectricalMajor
CoolingMajor
BrakesMajor
CoolingMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
CoolingMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
CoolingMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
Fluid LeaksMinor
ElectricalMinor
TransmissionMinor
28 more documented faults on the Holden SS
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 30 documented faults for the Holden SS, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and cooling. A Holden SS 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 SS?
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We've catalogued 30 known faults for the Holden SS, covering engine, suspension, and cooling. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Holden SS?
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Most single repairs on the Holden SS fall between $600–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 30 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 SS?
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Yes. A Holden SS 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 $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.