1998 Holden Vectra GL from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

The speedo failed. This was repaired by Holden under warranty. The problem was diagnosed as a faulty sender unit.

Lost all electric power. Upon turning the ignition, there was a spark and some smoke, the entire system died. Repaired by Holden under warranty, diagnosed as faulty electronic ignition, a wire had been rubbed bare and come into contact with a metal surface.

Reverse lights failed. Have not had repaired as yet. From my own inspection it would seem the sender unit under the bonnet has a loose connection. When I move it around I am able to make the reverse lights come on and off.

Despite some problems, as mentioned above, I have found the Vectra to be a very good car.

Acceleration, power, and handling are impressive for a four cylinder engine.

Driver/passenger comfort well above average.

There is no denying the Vectra is a good looking car.

Thank you for these pages.

Our Dec 1998 Holden Vectra GL has developed a similar failed speedometer, unfortunately the car is out of warrenty.

The local Holden dealer is apparently very reluctant to repair the problem as they had a similar problem once before and had a nightmare repairing it (that one was under warrenty), so it is pleasing that another Holden service centre could cure the problem in a straight forward service/repair.

This review and the site is helping me present relevant information to the manufacturer representatives of this overseas-made car.

Philip (Adelaide South Australia)

URGENT HELP NEEDED!!!

Have 1998 Vectra GL - 3-1/2 year old - keeps stalling has been back to dealer twice... advice given by various sources "Get Rid of the car it's a LEMON"

Now after a day in dock where the report says they set the DTC (not set previously) something is completely draining the battery - initially dealer tried to blame battery thank goodness for the NRMA, now claims the MULTI TIMER COMPUTER needs replacing - cost $700. What purpose does this module serve? How co-incidental is it that this has now occurred?

My Vectra CDi has a speedo problem also. Have had a few attempts from a reputable Auto Electrician, but still not working. I believe there are 2 speed sensors and its easy to change the wrong one. Does anyone have any ideas on this and the cost to fix? I hear its advisable to take it to the dealer as they have the expertise... Please help someone as this has now been faulty for 3 months.

My 99 Vectra has also lost its speedo. It comes and goes. When it dies the ABS and TC lights come on.

Took it to Holden dealer in Sydney who had it for 2 days and couldn't fix it. Their computer couldn't tell them what was wrong and they couldn't bother looking.

Seems they had no interest in doing the job properly.

Anyone know a good auto electrician in Sydney who knows something about European systems?

I have got same problem with my Holden victra GL, when I travelled in Queesland. I dropped in an auto electrician to have my speedometer changed (a second hand). I drove it for 800kilometers when I found that one was working, but 10000kilometers more than my previous one. Who has any good idea to turn it back to my previous mileage.

Thanks in advance. chris.co@126.com.

I love my 1998 Holden Vectra GL, despite the many issues I have had with it in the 2 1/2 years I've owned it. I've had a catalyic sensor pack up in it, an alternator die; I have lights out on my dash and a stalling problem too.

The scariest thing for me is, the cost to get these things repaired. So, as a single mum on a benefit, I won't fix it unless it's broke!

She's a great car when she's driving, and pretty to look at in the driveway.