Opel Corsa E common problems.

Engine / equipment

Naturally aspirated 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 Ecotec (Z10XEP, Z12XEP, Z14XEP, A12XER, A14XER): Corsa C, D and E, Adam, Astra H and J, Meriva A and B, Tigra TwinTop

Period mentioned

2003–2019

Symptoms

Engine rattle, especially on start-up, power loss and misfires (P0300 to P0304).

Possible cause described

The timing chain stretches on these naturally aspirated engines. On the 2004–2010 Astra H the same symptoms can come from camshaft bearing blocks tightened to too low a torque at the factory; cars already corrected have a yellow mark on the timing cover.

Check for the garage

Listen to a cold start, read misfire codes, look for the yellow mark on the timing cover (Astra H) and check chain stretch.

Cost cited in the source

Chain: approx. €650–1,400 (converted from dollars); re-torquing the bearing blocks: far lessA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

Opel Corsa D and E and Opel Adam (all versions: it is a cabin part)

Period mentioned

2007–2017

Symptoms

The cabin fan (heating and air conditioning) stops blowing; before that it may work on and off or only on some speeds.

Possible cause described

According to L'argus (August 2019), the fan motor connectors overheat and the motor ends up failing. Opel recognised it as a technical defect and contributed to the repair up to 15 years, with no mileage limit.

Check for the garage

Check the fan motor connector and its resistor (behind the glovebox, in the front passenger footwell) for burnt or deformed plastic; check whether the motor gets voltage. If the motor is replaced, also replace the damaged connector and ask Opel about contributing to the cost.

Cost cited in the source

Opel contributed to the cost up to 15 years, with no mileage limit (in France, 2019).A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

Five-door Opel Corsa E (all versions)

Period mentioned

2015–2017

Symptoms

Rear door faults, mainly with the central locking: they do not lock or unlock, often after rain or a car wash; the front doors work.

Possible cause described

According to L'argus (August 2019), water gets into the connector of the rear door wiring harness. Opel replaced the harness and covered it up to 5 years or 100,000 km.

Check for the garage

Check the harness connector between the door frame and the rear door (moisture, green deposits or corroded pins) and test the lock on each door. Opel's fix is to replace the wiring harness.

Cost cited in the source

Opel covered it up to 5 years or 100,000 km (in France, 2019).A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

1.3 Multijet / 1.3 JTD / 1.3 CDTI (Fiat Panda, 500, Punto, Doblò; Opel Corsa, Astra, Meriva, Combo; Lancia Ypsilon and Musa; Alfa MiTo; Peugeot Bipper and Citroën Nemo)

Period mentioned

2003–2020

Symptoms

Chain rattle on cold starts; oil level rising and smelling of diesel; particulate filter warning; power loss from a dirty EGR or the turbo.

Possible cause described

Single-row timing chain that is very sensitive to oil quality and long intervals: it stretches and the tensioner loses pressure, with a risk of breaking. In town use the DPF cannot finish regenerating and diesel dilutes the oil, which speeds up chain and turbo wear.

Check for the garage

Listen to a cold start, check whether the oil is above maximum or smells of diesel, read the DPF status and check the oil change history.

Cost cited in the source

Chain kit: €150–300 in parts plus €600–1,200 labour; DPF cleaning: €200–400A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: 80,000–120,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Sources from the original database