Holden Barina Common Problems

Used Barinas from 2005 to 2018 come in two main generations, both built in South Korea. The TK (late 2005 to 2011) is a rebadged Daewoo Kalos with a 1.6-litre twin-cam petrol (F16D3), a five-speed manual or an automatic. A 2008 facelift added side airbags and a stronger body. The TM (late 2011 to 2018) is based on the second-generation Chevrolet Aveo, with a 1.6-litre petrol and a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The sporty RS used a 1.4-litre turbo from 2013. A few 2005 cars are the older Spanish-built XC, based on the Opel Corsa. The Barina is cheap to buy and run, but its reliability record is below average, with cooling, misfire and gear selection faults among the usual complaints.

Thermostat housing and coolant leaks (1.6 petrol, TK and TM, 2005 to 2018)

The TK's all-plastic thermostat housing is a known weak point and can crack and split. Some TM owners also report housing, hose, radiator and water pump failures, in some cases more than once. The signs are a dropping coolant level, a sweet smell, steam and cooling fans that misbehave. Fixed early, a housing and hoses job is typically in the hundreds of dollars. Owners who kept driving a hot engine report cracked heads and engine replacements costing thousands.

PCV valve and rocker cover leaks (1.6 petrol, TK and TM, 2005 to 2018)

The TK's 1.6 is prone to failure of its crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve, and the same check is worth doing on a TM. That creates a vacuum leak, rough running, hard starting and a check-engine light. The fix is a new valve or, on some engines, a whole rocker cover. Avoid second-hand parts from wreckers. A leaking rocker cover gasket can also let oil pool in the spark plug tubes and cause a misfire on one cylinder. Either should be roughly a few hundred dollars to fix.

Ignition coil pack misfires (1.6 petrol, TM, 2011 to 2018)

Some TM owners report misfires, a shaking idle, running on three cylinders and a flashing engine light, traced to a failed coil pack. The pack is replaced as one unit. Check for oil in the plug wells at the same time, because a rocker cover leak can kill a new pack. A pack and plugs should be roughly a few hundred dollars.

Manual gearbox and clutch problems (5-speed manual, 2005 to 2018)

Hard gear selection comes up in a number of owner questions, though no design defect has been identified. Owners describe first that needs a shove, second hard to find, gears missing altogether, cars jumping out of gear and reverse that crunches. Causes range from dry or worn selector linkages and stretched shift cables to worn synchros and clutches that do not fully release. Adjusting and lubricating the linkage is cheap. A new clutch is likely to cost roughly $800 to $1,500, and internal gearbox repairs cost more.

Automatic gearbox faults (TK and TM automatics, 2005 to 2018)

Some TK automatics were recalled because internal shift solenoids could stop the car shifting above third gear. On both generations, some owners report slow or stuck shifts and cars that will not move in Drive. Low fluid from a leak is the first thing to check. Internal failure usually means a reconditioned or used gearbox, which can cost more than an older Barina is worth.

ABS faults and front tyre wear (TK, 2005 to 2011)

ABS electrical faults are reported on TK Barinas. If the ABS warning light is on, the ABS will not work. Early TK cars are also reported to wear their front tyres quickly, put down to the original camber settings, which were reportedly revised with the 2008 update. Check the inner edges of the front tyres and make sure the ABS light goes out after start-up. If it stays on, have the fault codes read before you buy.

Recalls and safety

TK cars from 2009 and 2010 were recalled for a sticky valve in the electronic brake control module that could reduce braking and give a spongy pedal. Some TK automatics were also recalled over the shift solenoid fault. TM manuals, along with the Trax, were recalled in 2014 because the car could hop forward if left in gear with the key in the ignition. Have a Holden or GM service centre check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page. Pre-facelift TK cars scored only two stars in ANCAP testing, while the 2008 facelift scored four and the TM five.

Buying a used Holden Barina? What to check

• Coolant: With the engine cold, check the coolant level and colour, and look for crust or wet patches around the thermostat housing.
• Temperature gauge: On a long test drive, watch that the temperature stays steady and the fans cycle normally.
• Idle and misfire: Listen for a lumpy idle or shake, and ask whether the coil pack or rocker cover has been replaced.
• Oil leaks: Look around the rocker cover, sump and rear of the engine for oil.
• Engine mounts: Watch the engine as someone shifts between Drive and Reverse. Lots of movement or a clunk means worn mounts.
• Gear selection: On a manual, run through every gear including reverse, and check the clutch bites cleanly.
• Timing belt: The 1.6 uses a rubber timing belt. Find the last change in the service book or budget for one.
• Paint: Check the roof and bonnet for peeling or flaking paint.

Run a PPSR check for finance owing and write-off records, and use our Holden Barina buying checklist when you inspect the car.

The verdict

The better buy is a later TM (2015 to 2018) with a full service history and proof the cooling system has been looked after. It is safer, better equipped and newer than the TK. If your budget only stretches to a TK, choose a 2008 or later facelift for its better crash protection, and check the ABS and gearbox carefully. Avoid any Barina with overheating history, a low coolant level or a misfire that has not been diagnosed.