Commodore (VB-VL)

1978-1988 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Commodore (VB-VL) problems All workshop issues

Common Body

Wheel Arch Rust

Symptoms

Rust visible on the inner and outer wheel arches, particularly the rear.

Cause

Road spray throws water and mud into the wheel arches, where it sits against the metal. The inner wheel arch seam collects moisture and rusts from the inside out.

Fix

Treat early surface rust with rust converter and stone chip paint.

Perforated arches require cutting and welding.

Reproduction outer wheel arch sections are available for some models.

Budget $500-1,500 per arch for professional repair.

Cost mentioned in fix

Budget $500-1,500 per arch

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Other known issues

Critical Body

Structural Rust, Sills and Rockers

Bubbling paint along the sill line, visible rust perforations underneath, soft metal when prodded.

Minor Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)

Worn Valve Stem Seals

Blue smoke on startup that clears after 30 seconds to a minute. May also smoke briefly on deceleration after sustained highway driving.

Common Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)

Carburettor Issues (VB-VH)

Hard starting, rough idle, flat spots on acceleration, flooding, poor fuel economy, black smoke.

Critical Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)

Oil Leaks (All Holden Six and V8)

Oil on the garage floor, oil smell, oil coating on the underside of the engine.

Critical Engine, Holden V8 (253/308)

Overheating in Traffic

Temperature gauge climbs into the red zone in slow traffic or on hot days. May push coolant out the overflow.

Common Engine, Holden V8 (253/308)

Worn Valve Train

Ticking or clattering from the top of the engine. May be constant or vary with RPM.

View all 21 Commodore (VB-VL) problems