The most reliable Opel engines by the numbers
Opel's best engines showcase solid German engineering under the GM-era umbrella. The Ecotec family, certain CDTI diesels, and the naturally aspirated four-cylinders offer honest reliability for everyday European driving.
Complete ranking
| Rank | Engine | Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A20NHT/D20XFT 2.0T | 84/100 | BUY |
| 2 | C14NZ/X14XE 1.4 | 84/100 | BUY |
| 3 | Z20NET 2.0T | 84/100 | BUY |
| 4 | C20XE/X20XEV 2.0 | 84/100 | BUY |
| 5 | X17DTL/Y17DT 1.7d | 82/100 | BUY |
| 6 | A28NET/A28NER 2.8T V6 | 81/100 | BUY |
A20NHT/D20XFT 2.0T — 84/100
2.0 Turbo new (A20NHT/D20XFT)
Found in: Astra, Astra OPC, Insignia
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Intake and injector coking (direct injection) — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full A20NHT/D20XFT 2.0T reliability report →
C14NZ/X14XE 1.4 — 84/100
1.4 NA (C14NZ 8V / X14XE 16V)
Found in: Astra, Corsa
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Timing belt and water pump (interference, both C14NZ and X14XE) — severity high, typically appears around 60.000 km
- EGR valve clogging (X14XE) - hesitation and unstable idle — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Ignition faults - distributor cap, leads, plugs, ignition electronics — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
Full C14NZ/X14XE 1.4 reliability report →
Z20NET 2.0T — 84/100
2.0 Turbo (Z20NET)
Found in: Vectra
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Crankcase-ventilation (PCV) check valve failure - oil consumption — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
- Timing chain and balance-shaft chain wear (plastic guides) — severity moderate, typically appears around 200.000 km
- Turbo actuator wear — severity moderate, typically appears around 80.000 km
Full Z20NET 2.0T reliability report →
C20XE/X20XEV 2.0 — 84/100
2.0 NA (C20XE/X20XEV)
Found in: Astra
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Porous or cracked cylinder head (C20XE, non-Cosworth castings) — severity high, typically appears around N/A
- Timing belt, idlers and tensioner (both C20XE and X20XEV, interference) — severity high, typically appears around 50.000 km
- Hydraulic lifter noise — severity minor, typically appears around 90.000 km
Full C20XE/X20XEV 2.0 reliability report →
X17DTL/Y17DT 1.7d — 82/100
1.7 Diesel old (X17DTL/Y17DT)
Found in: Astra
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Timing belt: short life, oil-pump seal can leak onto it — severity high, typically appears around 60.000 km
- Injection-pump control unit failure (1.7 DTI Y17DT) — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full X17DTL/Y17DT 1.7d reliability report →
A28NET/A28NER 2.8T V6 — 81/100
2.8 V6 Turbo (A28NET 260 PS / A28NER 325 PS OPC)
Found in: Insignia
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Timing chain stretch (mainly cars built before 2011) — severity high, typically appears around N/A
- Exhaust manifold leak - possible turbo damage — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full A28NET/A28NER 2.8T V6 reliability report →
Generated from EngineScope's reliability database. Reviewed by the editorial team. Methodology →