2012 Opel Adam problems
The 2012 Opel Adam was sold with 2 engines that we have documented: the 1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec and the 1.4 Turbo. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 1.4 Turbo (verdict “With caution”).
2012 Opel Adam score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 10 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine4.8From 4.1 to 5.5 depending on the engine
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension6.8Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.3 times the defects normal for its age
- Brakes8.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering0.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 5.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights7.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior7.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.1 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec engine in the 2012 Opel Adam
Names: 1.2 ecoFLEX · 1.4 ecoFLEX
- With caution
A10XEP / A12XEL / A12XER / A14XEL / A14XER / A14XFL (2008-2019)
65–100 hp · A10XEP, A12XEL, A12XER, A14XEL, A14XER, A14XFL
A generic article on problem engines from a French site expressly singles out the 1.2 "from the late 2000s and early 2010s" as prone to chain failures; on the Adam, the reliability report describes the water pump as "the clearest weakness" of the car and documents ignition coil replacements, as well as imperfect gear changes from the Easytronic gearbox. These points are worth checking, although there is no sign of a systematic block failure.[2][3]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain stretch and breakageOn the Corsa C, D and E, the Astra H and the Meriva A, this engine's timing chain tends to stretch prematurely because the tensioner does not always hold up; in the worst cases, documented across several models, the chain has jumped or snapped and forced a complete engine replacement.Repair (garage): €900–€1,400Appears at around 70,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil leaks and increased consumptionOn the Corsa C, D and E, the Astra H and the Meriva, oil leaks from the rocker cover, oil filter or pressure switch are common, along with somewhat higher than normal oil consumption between changes; there is no pattern of major engine damage if they are dealt with in time.Appears at around 80,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonIgnitionIgnition coil failureThe ignition coils on this engine fail fairly often in the Corsa, Astra, Meriva and Adam, causing jerking, the engine warning light and, in the clearest cases, the engine running on one cylinder fewer; the garage fixes it by replacing the affected coil.Repair (garage): €150–€480Appears at around 15,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingWater pump and thermostat leak or wearA reliability report describes the water pump as "the clearest weakness" of the Opel Adam, and the same component - along with the thermostat - often fails or leaks coolant on the Corsa, Astra and Meriva with this engine too, sometimes at low mileage.Repair (garage): €300–€760Appears at around 22,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalTransmissionSlow shifts and clutch actuator wear on the Easytronic gearboxThe Easytronic automated gearbox, available with this engine on the Corsa, Astra, Meriva and Adam, changes gear slowly and with jerks according to several sources; there are also some cases of actuator wear or clutch control unit failure, although the evidence on its real-world reliability is limited.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlFaulty lambda sensors on the 1.2 and 1.4 petrolOpel's 1.2 and 1.4 petrol engines (Twinport and A series) show faulty lambda sensors on the Corsa C, Corsa D and Astra J. The usual consequence is the engine warning light and a poorer-regulated mixture; it does not affect the mechanics.
1.4 Turbo engine in the 2012 Opel Adam
Names: 1.4 Turbo 150
- With caution
1.4 Turbo 120-140 hp (A14NET/A14NEL/B14NET, indirect injection, 2009-2015)
120–140 hp · A14NET, A14NEL, B14NET
The model-by-model reliability pages consulted repeatedly document water pump or thermostat housing leaks, ignition coil failures and turbocharger wear; the Zafira Tourer with this engine also recorded a case of engine failure from a cracked piston ring at 103,000 km. It is worth checking the cooling circuit, the coil history and the turbo before buying.[5][6][7][8]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockEarly engine failure from a cracked pistonOn the Astra K, Adam and Zafira Tourer with this engine there are several documented cases of complete engine failure, on the Astra K from as little as 13,000-20,000 km and with a piston crack confirmed by the garage in at least one case; there is no manufacturer campaign or overall fleet figures.Appears at around 13,000 km
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboWhistling, loss of power and turbocharger wearOn the Astra J, Mokka and Zafira Tourer with this engine, cases of turbocharger wear have been documented, with whistling, loss of power or the engine warning light on; in most cases the garage replaces the turbo with no further engine damage.Appears at around 75,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingCoolant leak from the water pump or thermostat housingOn the Astra J, Mokka, Meriva B and Zafira Tourer with this engine, owners frequently describe coolant leaks from the water pump or from the plastic thermostat housing, with loss of level and a risk of overheating if not dealt with in time.Repair (garage): €350–€550Appears at around 28,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonIgnitionIgnition coil failureThe ignition coils of the 1.4 Turbo fail fairly often on the Mokka and Meriva B, with jerking, occasional loss of power and the engine warning light on; the garage fixes it by replacing the affected coil or coils.Repair (garage): €400–€600Appears at around 47,000 km
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Opel Adam reliable?
The 2012 Opel Adam was sold with 2 engines that we have documented: the 1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec and the 1.4 Turbo. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 1.4 Turbo (verdict “With caution”).
What is the best year for the Opel Adam?
According to our score, the best is 2012 (7.0/10). The year with the worst score is 2013 (6.3/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2012 Opel Adam have?
The most important ones documented for 2012 cars are: timing chain stretch and breakage (1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec, critical severity), early engine failure from a cracked piston (1.4 Turbo, critical severity), whistling, loss of power and turbocharger wear (1.4 Turbo, high severity), oil leaks and increased consumption (1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec, medium severity) and ignition coil failure (1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec, medium severity).
Own a 2012 Opel Adam? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Opel AdamWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Opel Adam : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Distribution : les moteurs à problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- GM Family 0 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Opel Astra 3 : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Opel Mokka : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Opel Meriva 2 : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Opel Zafira Tourer : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French