KNOWN FAULTS · Opel
Opel Insignia A 2.0 CDTI common problems.
2008–2017 · Diesel
Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.
6 known faults with sources
Opel CDTI EGR cooler and timing beltEGR / timing
- Engine / equipment
- Opel 1.6 CDTI (B16DTH), 1.7 CDTI (A17DTR) and 2.0 CDTI (A20DTH) diesels: Astra, Insignia, Meriva, Mokka, Zafira, Corsa and Cascada
- Period mentioned
- 2006–2019
- Symptoms
- Coolant loss with no visible leak or white smoke (cracked EGR cooler); power loss and rough idle (clogged EGR); on the 2.0 CDTI, water pump noise before the belt breaks.
- Possible cause described
- On the 2.0 CDTI the EGR cooler cracks internally (common between 100,000 and 180,000 km) and the timing belt, on an interference engine, breaks early, often because the water pump seizes. On the 1.7 CDTI the EGR fills with carbon between 80,000 and 150,000 km. On the 1.6 CDTI the EGR cooler also leaks internally.
- Check for the garage
- Watch the coolant level, check whether the 2.0 CDTI belt and water pump were replaced together and inspect the EGR.
- Cost cited in the source
- 2.0 CDTI EGR cooler: approx. €550–1,650; belt kit with pump: €450–750 at a German garage; 1.7 CDTI EGR: €370–1,100 (converted from dollars)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Mileage cited in the database: 80,000–180,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.
Sources from the original database
View full entryApplies if: Only if fitted with the M32 six-speed manual (common on six-speed turbo and diesel versions); confirm by VIN.
M32 manual gearbox bearingsGearbox
- Engine / equipment
- Getrag M32 six-speed manual: Opel Astra H and J, Insignia A, Zafira B and C, Vectra C, Meriva B, Cascada, Corsa OPC and some Fiats with the T-Jet engine
- Period mentioned
- 2004–2019
- Symptoms
- A whine that rises with speed, mainly in 5th and 6th (also in 1st and 2nd), a loose gear lever that moves on and off the throttle and, when advanced, gears jumping out. Left unrepaired, the bearing can break through the casing.
- Possible cause described
- The bearings wear, mainly the shaft bearing next to 6th gear: the rollers develop play and the shaft moves under load, which reaches the lever. A specialist blames incorrect factory shimming. Second-generation boxes with the revised end case fail far less, according to an Australian repairer.
- Check for the garage
- In a garage test: confirm whether the noise depends on road speed (wheel bearing, tyre) or the gear engaged (gearbox), and whether the lever moves under load. Check the oil for metal debris. Repair early: replacing all bearings and fitting the revised end case costs far less than a new gearbox.
- Cost cited in the source
- One owner replaced only the main bearing for about £47 in parts versus about £1,000 for a rebuilt gearbox; another quotes about €600 at a specialist.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
Australian Car Reviews: M32 bearing failure on the Astra GTCService4Service: Vauxhall M32 gearboxFiatForum: M32 bearing replacementFiatForum: M32 whine on a T-Jet 150Insignia Drivers UK (forum): M32 repairCar Dealer Magazine (forum): M32 gearboxes in the Astra and Zafira
View full entryApplies if: Built from 2007 to 2013 (February 2022 recall). Confirm by VIN.
Rear-axle toe link that breaks because of corrosion (Opel Insignia A, 2022 recall)Suspension and steering
- Engine / equipment
- Opel Insignia A (saloon, hatchback, Sports Tourer and OPC) built from 2007 to 2013
- Period mentioned
- 2008–2013
- Symptoms
- The link that guides a rear wheel (toe link) can break because of rust; if it does, that wheel is no longer properly guided and the rear of the car becomes unstable, with knocks or pulling when braking or cornering.
- Possible cause described
- According to ADAC, in February 2022 Opel recalled 571,942 Insignia A worldwide (112,738 in Germany) built from 2007 to 2013 because the rear-axle toe link can break due to corrosion. The link is checked and replaced if needed; Opel notifies owners by letter.
- Check for the garage
- Check by VIN with Opel whether the campaign has been done. If you hear knocks at the rear or the car pulls when braking, do not carry on: have the rear-axle links checked on a lift. With the car raised, rust on the links can be seen.
- Cost cited in the source
- Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entryApplies if: Built from 2009 to 2012; confirm by VIN which campaign applies.
Judder, lack of power or an overheated particulate filter due to the 2.0 CDTI software (Insignia A, 2009 and 2013 campaigns)Engine
- Engine / equipment
- Opel Insignia A 2.0 CDTI
- Period mentioned
- 2009–2012
- Symptoms
- Engine judder and noises in the exhaust, or loss of power with the engine warning light on.
- Possible cause described
- ADAC lists two Opel campaigns with new 2.0 CDTI engine-ECU software: in December 2009 (model years 2009 and 2010, 21,200 cars in Germany), for a fault that could cause judder, exhaust noises and, at worst, overheat the particulate filter; and in July 2013 (built 2009 to 2012, 61,000 in Germany), for a fault that could reduce power and, at worst, damage the engine, flagged by the engine warning light.
- Check for the garage
- Ask Opel by VIN whether the ECU has the software from both campaigns (each takes half an hour and is free). If the engine light comes on with loss of power, read the codes before replacing parts; if the exhaust smells burnt or smokes, stop and let it cool.
- Cost cited in the source
- Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entryApplies if: Only with all-wheel drive (4x4), model year 2009.
Rear differential clutch worn early because of a blocked breather (Insignia A 4x4, 2009)Transmission
- Engine / equipment
- Opel Insignia A with all-wheel drive (4x4), model year 2009
- Period mentioned
- 2009
- Symptoms
- Over time, the all-wheel drive may work less well because the rear differential clutch plates wear out early.
- Possible cause described
- According to ADAC, in October 2009 Opel checked 1,800 Insignia 4x4 in Germany: the rear differential breather hose became blocked, the oil got dirty and aged sooner, and the multi-plate clutch plates could wear early. The hose is replaced after a check.
- Check for the garage
- Check by VIN with Opel whether the campaign has been done (in Germany it was marked with a silver paint dot on the fuel-flap hinge). If the all-wheel drive fails, the garage checks the breather and the condition of the rear differential oil.
- Cost cited in the source
- Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.
Sources from the original database
View full entryApplies if: Only with power tailgate and glass roof (July 2017 recall). Confirm by VIN.
The power tailgate stops working because of water in its control unit (Insignia A with glass roof)Electrical and electronic systems
- Engine / equipment
- Opel Insignia A with power tailgate and glass roof
- Period mentioned
- 2008–2017
- Symptoms
- The power tailgate does not open or close, or fails now and then.
- Possible cause described
- According to ADAC, in July 2017 Opel recalled 3,548 Insignia in Germany with a power tailgate and glass roof: water getting into the tailgate control unit can cause short circuits, failure and even a fire risk. The complete control unit is replaced.
- Check for the garage
- Check by VIN with Opel whether the campaign has been done. If the tailgate fails, you smell burning or see damp around the control unit, do not leave it: there is a fire risk.
- Cost cited in the source
- Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.