A survey of 1500 owners by Choice has revealed that 68% of Holden owners and 66% of Ford owners had problems with their new car…
SIXTY-EIGHT PER CENT OF people who bought a new Holden had issues with the car, while 66% of new Ford buyers had to return to the dealership with issues. But despite the hype, if you delve deeper into the data, it shows that 9% of owners had a significant problem with their new car, while 52% reported the issues they experienced were only minor.
The most common of these minor issues was in-car technology (21%), battery and electrical problems (20%), car interior (15%) and engine (15%). Although, interestingly, 2% of the people surveyed reported odometer fraud, and 2% reported they didn’t know what the issue with their car was.
The survey by Choice, released to the public today, polled 1500 people with Holden, Ford, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Nissan, Jeep and Audi registering in excess of 60% of buyers with new car issues.
The criteria for the Choice Lemon Car Report 2016, was that respondents must have purchased a new car in the last five years to cover those with both standard and extended warranties.
Opinion:
The Choice report is big on click bait but it falls down in terms of substance. Sure, the numbers are damning and they accurately reflect the number of people returning to their local dealership with an issue, but how many of those 21% with in-car technology issues, returned simply to determine how to sync their phone? Or get some additional tuition around Android Auto, etc?
And when it comes to the 9% of owners that reported serious issues, nowhere does it reveal what those serious issues are.
So, is this report actually of any use to new car buyers looking to avoid brands that ‘seemingly’ produce ‘lemons’? I’m not so sure.
We have a comprehensive analysis of the need for Lemon Laws here.
Clearly they don’t own a VW Golf. My commodore and Falcon combined have had almost no issues unlike my two Golfs
Choice has a lot to answer for over this and many other stories they have ‘click baited’ consumers on through the years. I have subscribed to Choice for over 10 years however they leave a LOT to be desired when it comes to reviewing cars properly. Car enthusiasts they are NOT. They would have zero appreciation for a fast VF or FG-X. They simply wouldn’t understand the word passion when it comes to cars like these. I’m not taking a swipe at Choice, honestly, as I find their research on household goods just fine and very useful. They truly though should stick to assessing dishwashing liquids, irons, kettles and, at a stretch, washing machines. Cars, real cars, are just not devices upon which they should cast ‘expert’ opinions. They are out of their depth assessing cars.
I agree. It’s not an appliance yet they treat it in the same manner.
I have a Holden VE Commodore SSV MY09.5. Bought it new. There has been numerous issues;
– From new there were intermittent issues with the centre LCD unit. At 24,000km it was replaced. The replaced unit also has issues at times. The screen just goes blank.
– At 19,000 km the upper front rubber shock absorber mounts were replaced.
– The car alarm decided to go off at random times, when it was locked. Left it with the Holden Dealer. They replaced the wiring loom to the rear doors. Problem resurface a week later. Leave car again with dealer. They replaced the bonnet latch and wiring. Alarm issue resolved.
– The back seat was loose. There was a broken plastic bracket. New bracket installed.
– Plastic trimming covering transmission tunnel would come adrift. They clipped it into place.
– The centre console bin lid colour looked very faded, was replaced.
– The oil sump gasket had a leak at 25,000 km. Gasket had to be replaced. (One time bought a new V6 VN Commodore, did 346,000km in it, the gasket was never replaced. Also, did not drive-shaft seal issue as some Commodores of that time had).
– There could also have been other issues.
When things are going well, the SS-V is a fantastic car. Like it very much.
So sorry to hear of your VE problems. I wouldn’t wish big problems like yours on any person, truly. I suppose all makes have their ‘Friday’ cars and perhaps yours was one of these. I don’t mean to be glibb about it, honestly. I’ve has a 2007 WM Caprice V8 since new and only had the small odd thing go wrong and quickly fixed. I am having issues now, in 2016, with the stereo but nothing bad enough to say I wouldn’t buy Holden again. Again mate – sorry to hear about your issues.
Well Holden are still worst made car ever , and all their technology is so old and they are rated in Australia one of the worst car ever which I agreed . They are the highest rated worst car 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀. I would never buy a Holden and is good they closing the factory down but I feel sorry for the employees but not the company