Why some Opel engines score below 68/100
Opel's engine lineup is deeply tied to General Motors' global powertrain strategy, and that means some genuinely good engines mixed with some notably problematic ones. The worst offenders are concentrated in the 2003–2015 generation.
The pattern
Opel's problematic engines trace back to GM's global cost-sharing approach: engines designed for different markets and adapted — sometimes poorly — for European conditions. The 1.4 Turbo and certain CDTI diesel units from the 2010–2015 era are the main offenders. The pre-turbo era Ecotec engines and the latest PSA-sourced units are more reliable.
1.6 Turbo (A16LET/B16SHT) — 58/100 (CAUTION)
1.6L Turbo I4
Found in: Astra, Astra GTC 1.6T, Astra OPC, Cascada 1.6 Turbo, Corsa, Grandland, Insignia 1.6 Turbo
Known problems
| Issue | Severity | Typical cost | Onset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing chain stretch + tensioner failure | critical | €2.000 | 60.000 km |
| Turbocharger failure | high | €2.500 | 80.000 km |
| High-pressure fuel pump failure | high | €1.200 | 60.000 km |
| Ignition coil failure under boost | moderate | €300 | 50.000 km |
| Carbon buildup (direct injection) | moderate | €800 | 60.000 km |
Full 1.6 Turbo (A16LET/B16SHT) reliability report →
A28NET 2.8T V6 — 62/100 (CAUTION)
2.8 Turbo V6 (A28NET)
Found in: Insignia
Known problems
| Issue | Severity | Typical cost | Onset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing chain stretch (rear) | critical | €4.000 | 80.000 km |
| Turbo failure | high | €2.000 | 80.000 km |
Full A28NET 2.8T V6 reliability report →
1.7 CDTi (Z17DTH/A17DTS) — 62/100 (CAUTION)
1.7L Diesel I4
Found in: Astra 1.7 CDTi, Combo 1.7 CDTi, Corsa 1.7 CDTi, Meriva 1.7 CDTi
Known problems
| Issue | Severity | Typical cost | Onset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injector seal leak (black death) | critical | €1.500 | 80.000 km |
| DPF clogging (city driving) | high | €1.500 | 40.000 km |
| Dual mass flywheel wear | high | €1.200 | 80.000 km |
| Glow plug failure | minor | €300 | 80.000 km |
| Swirl flap breakage | moderate | €500 | 60.000 km |
Full 1.7 CDTi (Z17DTH/A17DTS) reliability report →
Z20LET/Z20LEH 2.0T — 65/100 (CAUTION)
2.0 Turbo (Z20LET/Z20LEH)
Found in: Astra, Insignia
Known problems
| Issue | Severity | Typical cost | Onset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turbo failure / wastegate | high | €1.500 | 80.000 km |
| Oil leaks (turbo oil feed/return) | moderate | €500 | 60.000 km |
Full Z20LET/Z20LEH 2.0T reliability report →
1.0 Turbo (B10XFT) — 66/100 (CAUTION)
1.0L Turbo I3
Found in: Adam 1.0 Turbo, Corsa 1.0 Turbo
Known problems
| Issue | Severity | Typical cost | Onset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turbo wastegate rattle | minor | €700 | 80.000 km |
| Engine mount wear (3-cyl vibration) | minor | €350 | 50.000 km |
| Ignition coil failure | minor | €200 | 60.000 km |
| Thermostat failure (epidemic) | moderate | €500 | 30.000 km |
| Timing chain stretch (3-cylinder stress) | moderate | €1.200 | 80.000 km |
Full 1.0 Turbo (B10XFT) reliability report →
What to buy instead
Not all Opel engines are problematic. These score well:
- C14NZ/X14XE 1.4 — 78/100 (BUY)
- C20XE/X20XEV 2.0 — 78/100 (BUY)
Generated from EngineScope's reliability database. Reviewed by the editorial team. Methodology →