2000 Holden Jackaroo 3 litre turbo diesel from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Disaster

Faults:

From 20,000 onwards, there were problems with the injectors.

Eventually at 37000, the heat of the problem injectors overheated the cylinder head, resulting in piston, conn rod damage.

The problem went on and on until there was a safety recall for injector replacement.

There is a very real risk of the vehicle suddenly increasing in speed, beyond the drivers control. Most owners do not realise this problem has been known about for quite some time.

My advice, get rid of it before you find yourself with a bill for very expensive engine repairs.

General Comments:

Overall comment on the vehicle?

Not a vehicle I would buy again, nor would I trust the one I had.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd August, 2006

25th Aug 2007, 22:07

My brother in law has has nothing but problems with his Jackaroo, and the dealer said it was just a lemon because they cannot seem to fix the problems. His was a 2000 turbo diesel.

14th Sep 2007, 15:37

Fuel mixes with the oil when injector leaks are bad enough. Diesel engines run on heat and compression... no spark. With enough fuel in the oil, engine will rev its guts out (when it feels like it) and the ignition is not gonna stop it! Result: melted pistons, etc.

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2002 Holden Jackaroo Nullabor 3.0L turbo diesel from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Why did they stop making them!!!

Faults:

Interior light only works when it feels like it

Rattle in glove box.

General Comments:

This car is a first class performer on and off road although I don't get seriously off road only bush tracks etc.

The interior although dated in appearance is roomy and extremely comfortable and seats 7 better than the people mover I previously owned.

Plenty of power and great economy from the 3L diesel with auto make this a dream for my busy wife and sports loving kids and I get a buzz when she lets me drive it.

60000 ks of city and country driving without a hitch speaks for itself.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd June, 2006

4th Jun 2006, 20:28

I have owned four Jackaroos, and had exceptionally good experience with them -- probably totalled more than a million kilometres all together. Why GMH could never seem to market them successfully I don't know. A great pity that they are no longer available.

17th Aug 2008, 01:46

I also have owned 4 (Diesel) Jackaroos and find them well built and very functional.

The most reliable and fuel efficient model has been a 2.8L direct injected diesel returning 12.7 Km/L on the open road.

The best all rounder has been a 3.0L Auto diesel. I had problems with glow plugs breaking off. Fortunately my son is a diesel fitter and he managed to get them out without removing the head.

The problem was clearly a failure to seat the plug correctly (probably from factory).

I would advise any owner who has a 3.0L Jackaroo to check the glo plugs for this problem (it only gets worse with time).

Once you understand these engines (not many mechanics do), you can sleep easy and enjoy the performance.

In reply to 17th Aug 2008, 01:46

17th Dec 2022, 07:03

Hi, my name is Brian, I’ve just got a 2002 turbo diesel Jackaroo. I just had to put a new injector in it, got it running, took it for a drive and it stopped and now won’t start again. Any ideas?

In reply to 17th Dec 2022, 07:03

17th Dec 2022, 22:09

I’d take it back to the mechanic to see if the injector was put in well.

1999 Holden Jackaroo 3.5L DOHC V6 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Well worth considering as a family 4WD

Faults:

Some clutch shudder.

Engine stalling occasionally.

Very occasional misfire.

General Comments:

A very good off roader (I also drive Patrols and Landcruisers, for work).

The standard LSD works well, 4WD works well. Fuel mileage is typical for it's size. The 3.5L engine is very strong, overtaking is a breeze. It loves to rev and pulls from idle like a truck.

Fixed the clutch and engine bugs myself. Adjusted the clutch pedal, which helped.

Cleaned the Air Flow Meter and the Idle control solenoid. No more troubles.

No oil leaks or oil usage problems etc.

Very happy with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2004

24th Jan 2006, 01:12

I have a 2000 model and the same light comes on. Check the fuel filter or the air filter,it should help, but it will have to be changed often just like mine.

14th Apr 2006, 03:34

Last report march 06. Jackaroo 99 Model. All power lost when trying to take off from standing start. Car would not accelerate, when I lift foot off pedal car would start to go, but if I pressed accelerator all power lost again. When I started car the next morning it seemed to be OK, but I didn't push it as I had to get to work. Car going into mechs again after Easter. Will get them to change Idle Solenoid. Fingers crossed.

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