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Opel carsAlso sold as Vauxhall Antara (United Kingdom)

Opel Antara problems (2006–2015)

We have documented 2 engines and 1 gearbox for the Opel Antara; the 2.0 and 2.2 VCDi and the Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox have high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the Family II 2.0 and 2.4 gasolina, with a «Buy» verdict.[1]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the Antara only has documented safety recalls: the steering intermediate shaft not properly coupled to the column (2006-2007), the ABS valve caused by an unsuitable brake fluid (2007-2010) and unintended starting with the key off. It shares its platform and factory with the Chevrolet Captiva.[2][3][4][5]

02468105.2out of 10

Opel Antara rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 9 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. One of this car's engines has no documented faults in the versions it uses, but there aren't enough sources to call it reliable either, so it doesn't count towards the engine score. How it is calculated

  • Engine5.73 faults
  • Gearbox5.93 faults
  • Suspension10.0No documented faults
  • Brakes7.91 fault
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering7.11 fault
  • Electrical system7.91 fault
  • Headlights and lights10.0No documented faults
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior10.0No documented faults
  • Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults

Ranked 63 of 71 among the Mid-size SUVs with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Opel Antara

  1. 1High severity: Jerky gear changes and valve body failureAisin AW55-50SN gearbox
  2. 2Critical severity: Sump cover fire risk from DPF fault (2011–2015 Captiva diesel)2.0 and 2.2 VCDi engine
  3. 3Critical severity: Steering intermediate shaft not properly coupled to the column (Antara 2006-2007)Steering
  4. 4High severity: ABS module valve seizes due to unsuitable brake fluidBrakes
  5. 5High severity: Unintended engine start with the key in the off positionElectrical system

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

5 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: DVSA R/2015/113: unintended start due to ignition barrel wear. See the campaigns for the Opel Antara

16 sourcesHow we work

2.0 and 2.2 VCDi

Chevrolet (GM Korea) 2.0 and 2.2 VCDi turbodiésel common rail (Z20S, Z20D1, Z22D1) · Diesel

In the Antara
2006–2015[2][6][7][8]
Names
2.0 CDTI · 2.2 CDTI
Faults that affect it
3 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
43
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the Antara

  1. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlSump cover fire risk from DPF fault (2011–2015 Captiva diesel)Yes: a 2015 Safety Gate alert covers 2011 to 2015 Captivas because a malfunctioning particulate filter can overheat the engine's undertray until it catches fire. Gebrauchtwagenberater.de records the same recall from the KBA, which links it to filter regeneration.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlBlocked DPF and failed regenerationsThe particulate filter is the most-cited fault by 2.0 VCDi owners: fiches-auto.fr records around 36 DPF reports out of 218 Cruze reviews and 15 out of 197 Orlando reviews, and gebrauchtwagenberater.de includes it among the weak points of these diesels at high mileage.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjectors failing early from soot build-upChevrolet diesel injectors can fail before their time. Gebrauchtwagenberater.de reports, citing the ADAC, that Captiva injectors often fail early, and fiches-auto.fr counts around 7 injection reports out of 218 Cruze reviews and 11 out of 197 Orlando reviews.

Antara 2.0 and 2.2 VCDi pageAll versions and faults of the 2.0 and 2.2 VCDi

Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox

Aisin AW55-50SN / AW55-51SN (AF33-5), automática de 5 marchas para motor transversal

In the Antara
2006–2010[6][12]
Name
2.0 CDTI y 3.2 V6 automática de 5 marchas
Faults that affect it
3 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
41
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • Aisin AW55-50SN / AW55-51SN (5-speed automatic)2000–2013 · AW55-50SN, AW55-51SN, AF33-5, SU1, FA57

    With caution

    Wikipedia notes that Volvo gearboxes failed in some cars before 80,000 km and that Volvo launched an improvement package, and a German guide lists it among the major weak points of the five-cylinder XC90. Check the oil history and test the gear changes.[12][13]

Faults that affect the Antara

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionJerky gear changes and valve body failureIn Volvo versions this gearbox has produced sudden jerks on gear changes and valve body failure from around 100,000 km; Wikipedia even records failures before 80,000 km and an improvement package from Volvo. A German guide warns that the repair can be expensive.Appears at around 80,000 km
  2. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalTransmissionJudder and engine braking from degraded gearbox oilWith the oil left unchanged, the five-speed automatic judders and engine-brakes: Volvo did not include the ATF change in its plan, and a car leasing website recommends it every 60,000 km. Wikipedia asks for a change every 80,000 km under demanding use.Repair (garage): €120–€350
  3. Medium severityFrequency: RareTransmissionHarsh 2nd to 3rd shift from the B4 servo coverA jolt when going from 2nd to 3rd can come from the B4 servo: a German guide reports that, on the XC90, replacing the B4 servo cover and flushing the gearbox largely eliminated the harsh shifts, and Sonnax explains how excessive B4 pressure produces that jolt.

Antara Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox pageAll versions and faults of the Aisin AW55-50SN

Family II 2.0 and 2.4 gasolina

Safest option

GM Family II de gasolina: Opel/Vauxhall 2.0 16V and 2.0 Turbo (C20XE, X20XEV, Z20LET, Z20LEH) and 2.4 del Chevrolet Captiva and el Opel Antara · Petrol

In the Antara
2006–2010[2][6]
Name
2.4 140 CV
Faults that affect it
0
Risk index on this car
0
Low risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 2.4 136-140 hp (Z24XE, 2006-2011)2006–2011 · 136–140 hp · Z24XE

    Buy

    The German guide to the Captiva says that the 2.4 petrol is slow and thirsty, but that it rarely gives problems. It also warns that it does not accept LPG conversion and can be damaged shortly after one. This is a single source.[1]

Faults that affect the Antara

None of the documented faults of the Family II 2.0 and 2.4 gasolina affects the versions and years that the Antara used.

Antara Family II 2.0 and 2.4 gasolina pageAll versions and faults of the Family II 2.0 and 2.4 gasolina

Faults of the Opel Antara outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

Checklist for buying a used Opel Antara

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the 2.0 and 2.2 VCDi (2006–2015)

Sump cover fire risk from DPF fault (2011–2015 Captiva diesel)

Critical severity

Blocked DPF and failed regenerations

Medium severity

Injectors failing early from soot build-up

Medium severity

If it has the Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox (2006–2010)

Jerky gear changes and valve body failure

High severity

Judder and engine braking from degraded gearbox oil

Medium severity

Harsh 2nd to 3rd shift from the B4 servo cover

Medium severity

Wear parts for the Opel Antara

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a Opel Antara?

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Own a Opel Antara? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Opel Antara reliable?

We have documented 2 engines and 1 gearbox for the Opel Antara; the 2.0 and 2.2 VCDi and the Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox have high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the Family II 2.0 and 2.4 gasolina, with a «Buy» verdict. Outside the engine, the Antara only has documented safety recalls: the steering intermediate shaft not properly coupled to the column (2006-2007), the ABS valve caused by an unsuitable brake fluid (2007-2010) and unintended starting with the key off. It shares its platform and factory with the Chevrolet Captiva.

Which Opel Antara engine is the most reliable?

Among the 2 engines and 1 gearbox we have documented, the safest option is the Family II 2.0 and 2.4 gasolina, with a «Buy» verdict. The German guide to the Captiva says that the 2.4 petrol is slow and thirsty, but that it rarely gives problems. It also warns that it does not accept LPG conversion and can be damaged shortly after one. This is a single source.[1]

What problems does the Opel Antara have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the Antara only has documented safety recalls: the steering intermediate shaft not properly coupled to the column (2006-2007), the ABS valve caused by an unsuitable brake fluid (2007-2010) and unintended starting with the key off. It shares its platform and factory with the Chevrolet Captiva. The most important documented faults are: steering intermediate shaft not properly coupled to the column (Antara 2006-2007) (steering, critical severity), ABS module valve seizes due to unsuitable brake fluid (brakes, high severity) and unintended engine start with the key in the off position (electrical system, high severity).[2][3][4][5]

What faults does the Opel Antara have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: jerky gear changes and valve body failure (Aisin AW55-50SN, high severity), sump cover fire risk from DPF fault (2011–2015 Captiva diesel) (2.0 and 2.2 VCDi, critical severity), blocked DPF and failed regenerations (2.0 and 2.2 VCDi, medium severity), injectors failing early from soot build-up (2.0 and 2.2 VCDi, medium severity) and judder and engine braking from degraded gearbox oil (Aisin AW55-50SN, medium severity).

What is the best year to buy a Opel Antara?

According to our rating by year, the best are 2015, 2014, 2013 and 1 other years with the same rating (7.8/10); the worst rated is 2009 (6.1/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Does the Opel Antara have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 5 campaigns for the Opel Antara, such as DVSA R/2015/113: unintended start due to ignition barrel wear (2015). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Chevrolet Captiva: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  2. Opel AntaraWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  3. Vauxhall Antara: Loss of Steering Control (R/2010/002)Car-Recalls.co.uk (reproduce DVSA) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  4. Opel Antara (2007 – 2010): alerta A12/1387/12 (líquido de frenos y módulo ABS)Car-Recalls.eu (reproduce Safety Gate) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  5. Opel Antara (2007 – 2010): alerta A12/0633/15 (arranque con la llave en OFF)Car-Recalls.eu (reproduce Safety Gate) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  6. Opel Antara (motores 2.0 VCDi y 2.2 VCDi, 2006-2015)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  7. Opel Antara 2.0 CDTI DPF Edition 4x4 (11/06 - 05/08): Technische Daten (Motorcode Z20S)ADAC (Autokatalog) · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  8. Opel Antara 2.2 CDTI Selection (01/11 - 03/12): Technische Daten (Motorcode Z22D1)ADAC (Autokatalog) · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  9. Fiabilité Chevrolet Cruze (2009-2015): pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  10. Chevrolet Cruze (J300, 2008-2016): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 31 October 2026 · in German
  11. Chevrolet Captiva (2011-2015): alerta A12/1063/15 (filtro de partículas y cubrecárter)Car-Recalls.eu (reproduce Safety Gate) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026
  12. Aisin AF33 transmissionWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  13. Volvo XC90 Typ C (2002-2014): ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  14. Adapting to the Aisin Warner 55-50SN valve body (AW55-50 / AF23 / AF33 diagnosis)Sonnax · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026
  15. Volvo S60: problemas habitualesTotal Renting · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish
  16. Volvo XC90: problemas habitualesTotal Renting · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish