Holden recalls Cruze over fuel leak

HOLDEN today issued a safety recall on more than 9000 of its petrol-engined Cruze small cars to fix a potential fuel feed hose leak.

The company says it has had reports of 71 such leaks, which it blamed on an incorrectly manufactured hose. No fires have been reported.

As GoAuto reported exclusively last week, Holden quarantined the Korean-made 2010 JG Cruze from sale on March 3 after becoming aware of the issue, ordering all petrol-powered Cruzes in stock to be withdrawn from delivery pending an investigation.

That investigation revealed 9098 vehicles in the affected manufacturing range in Australia, with some of them – possibly two-thirds – making it into customer hands, requiring a safety recall to remedy the problem.

Customers with affected cars reported the strong smell of petrol, loss of power and, in some cases, engine stalling.

The problem also stalled the mass-selling petrol Cruze variants in the showrooms while the fix was organised for cars in stocks held by both dealers and Holden.

The problem apparently was caused by faulty ‘quick connectors’ on the fuel hoses that could work loose and leak.

GoAuto understands an airfreight shipment of replacement parts is on its way to Australia for distribution to all the dealers early next week. All quarantined cars should be repaired by late next week.

Holden spokesman Jonathon Rose said Holden and its dealers would work as quickly as possible to rectify cars in dealer stocks to get them into customer hands.

As well, Holden was contacting all customers with affected cars and asking them to call their dealer for a vehicle inspection, he said.

“If a customer has any questions regarding this issue, they can contact their Holden Dealer or the Holden Recall and Rework Assistance Centre on 1800 632-826,” he said.

Diesel-powered Cruze models are not affected.