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Buying guide

Holden Calais VE (2006 to 2013): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Holden Calais VE was built from 2006 to 2013 as a sedan or wagon, with a manual or automatic gearbox, rear wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis code: VE. Redline has a curated guide to its 7 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2006 to 2013
Chassis codes
VE
Body types
Sedan, Wagon
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
RWD (rear wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Holden Commodore VE and VF (2006 to 2017). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. AFM lifters (L76 and L77 V8)

    Active Fuel Management lifters fail on the L76 and L77 V8. A faint squeak on cold start that goes away as the engine warms is the early sign.

    Where to look
    The engine from a true cold start, and the engine code
    How to test
    Listen with the bonnet up from cold for a faint squeak or tick. Caught early it needs a new cam, lifters and springs; left too long it needs a full rebuild.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost cam and lifters, or a rebuild

    Sources: streetmachine.com.au (opens in a new tab), motormag.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  2. Alloytec V6 timing chains

    Timing chain problems are reported on the VE 3.6 V6. Holden changed the chain in May 2007, which is claimed to have fixed it.

    Where to look
    The build date on the compliance plate, and any timing chain invoices
    How to test
    Check the build date. Listen from cold for a rattle from the front of the engine and ask whether the chains have been done.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a timing chain job is major labour

    Sources: carsguide.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  3. Plastic radiator end tanks

    Failures of the plastic radiator end tanks are not uncommon.

    Where to look
    The radiator end tanks behind the grille
    How to test
    Look for crust or wet coolant at the tank seams, or a replacement radiator already fitted.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a new radiator

    Sources: streetmachine.com.au (opens in a new tab), motormag.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  4. Shocks, clutch and brakes

    Most VEs are on their second set of shocks and clutch, and warped discs are very common because the car is heavy.

    Where to look
    The dampers, clutch pedal and brake discs
    How to test
    Feel for a pulsing brake pedal, floaty damping over dips and clutch slip.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost dampers and clutch

    Sources: streetmachine.com.au (opens in a new tab), motormag.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  5. Battery in the boot

    Batteries are a regular maintenance item and a VE can refuse a jump when voltage is low.

    Where to look
    The battery under the boot floor
    How to test
    Check the battery date and that the car starts cleanly.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a battery

    Sources: streetmachine.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  6. Airbag light and climate control

    An airbag light is usually a faulty clock spring. The climate control has software glitches and air conditioning lines leak.

    Where to look
    The airbag light on the dash and the climate control screen
    How to test
    Check the airbag light goes out after start up and that the air conditioning blows cold.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost clock spring and air conditioning repairs

    Sources: streetmachine.com.au (opens in a new tab), motormag.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  7. Driveline abuse

    The 6L80E auto, T56 manual and rear diff are strong, but abused cars show severe driveline wear.

    Where to look
    The gearbox, tailshaft and rear diff
    How to test
    Feel for clunks taking up drive and listen for diff whine.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost gearbox or diff rebuild

    Sources: streetmachine.com.au (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 1 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Which engine is it, and if it is a V8 does it have AFM?
  • Has it ever made a cold start tick or squeak, and has the cam or lifters been done?
  • If it is a V6, when was it built and have the timing chains been done?
  • Has the radiator been replaced?
  • What has been modified, and is there LVVTA paperwork?

New Zealand notes

  • The VF is an update of the VE and shares most of its hardware. These points come from VE guides, so confirm VF specifics with a specialist.
  • Commodores were sold new in NZ, so a Holden dealer or specialist can often trace the service history.

A VE or VF suits a buyer after a big, comfortable rear drive sedan or ute, ideally the V8, who will listen for lifter tick on a cold start.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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