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Opel Cascada problems (2013–2019)

All 2 engines of the Opel Cascada that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 1.4 Turbo and the 2.0 CDTI. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.0 CDTI, with a «With caution» verdict.[1][2][3]

Outside the engine: Beyond the engine, the Opel Cascada has a documented driver's airbag recall and a software update for its hill start assist. In use, the German press points to a manual gearbox that does not last long and to rubbing on the fabric hood, always without frequency figures.[4][5][6][7]

Opel Cascada (2013–2019)
Photo: KarleHorn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468106.2out of 10

Opel Cascada rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 14 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine5.8From 5.5 to 6.2 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox8.61 fault
  • Suspension8.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
  • Brakes8.41 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering9.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.3 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electrical system10.0No documented faults
  • Headlights and lights8.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior8.41 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Airbags and safety7.11 fault

Ranked 33 of 94 among the saloons with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Opel Cascada

  1. 1Critical severity: Early engine failure from a cracked piston1.4 Turbo engine
  2. 2Critical severity: Driver's airbag inflator that could release fragments when deployed (Cascada 2013 to 2018)Airbags and safety
  3. 3High severity: Whistling, loss of power and turbocharger wear1.4 Turbo engine
  4. 4High severity: Turbocharger wear or failure2.0 CDTI engine
  5. 5Medium severity: Coolant leak from the water pump or thermostat housing1.4 Turbo engine · repair €350–€550

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

3 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Vauxhall/Opel: Takata driver's airbag (DVSA R/2025/511). See the campaigns for the Opel Cascada

16 sourcesHow we work

1.4 Turbo

Opel/Vauxhall 1.4 Turbo (GM Small Gasoline Engine — A14NET, A14NEL, B14NET, B14XFT, D14XFT) · Petrol

In the Cascada
2013–2019[8]
Names
1.4 Turbo 120 CV · 1.4 Turbo 140 CV
Faults that affect it
4 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
45
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.4 Turbo 120-140 hp (A14NET/A14NEL/B14NET, indirect injection, 2009-2015)2009–2015 · 120–140 hp · A14NET, A14NEL, B14NET

    With caution

    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.[9][10][11][12]

Faults that affect the Cascada

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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

Cascada 1.4 Turbo pageAll versions and faults of the 1.4 Turbo

2.0 CDTI

Safest option

Opel/Vauxhall 2.0 CDTI (A20DTH/A20DTJ/B20DTH) · Diesel

In the Cascada
2013–2018[13]
Names
2.0 CDTI · 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI
Faults that affect it
6 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
38
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 2.0 CDTI 160-170 hp (A20DTH/A20DTJ/B20DTH, 2008-2019)2008–2019 · 160–170 hp · A20DTH, A20DTJ, B20DTH

    With caution

    This is the version in the documented case of engine failure in an Insignia (2.0 Diesel 170 hp) at 145,000 km and in the case of a faulty turbo in another Insignia of unspecified output.[1][2]

  • 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI 195 hp (A20DTR, 2011-2015)2011–2015 · 195 hp · A20DTR

    With caution

    It shares its block and belt-driven timing with the rest of the family, with no data that exempt it from the risks documented on this engine.[3]

Faults that affect the Cascada

  1. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbocharger wear or failureA case of a faulty turbo has been documented in the Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI between 60,000 and 62,000 km, within a sample of more than 200 reports for the model; there is no manufacturer campaign or fleet-wide figures.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionSoot build-up in the injectors and EGR valveLike many diesels of its generation, the 2.0 CDTI builds up soot in the injectors and the EGR valve, especially on short journeys and in town. An injector replacement has been documented in an Insignia from 105,000 km, and faulty injectors are also cited in an Astra J.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter (DPF) and oil dilution on short journeysThe 2.0 CDTI's particulate filter clogs easily in urban use and on short journeys: an Insignia owner describes it as «always dirty, with the engine going into limp mode», and in an Astra J there are symptoms of oil dilution by fuel during failed regenerations.
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlGerman investigation into possible switching-off of the emissions treatmentBetween 2016 and 2018, Germany's KBA and the Frankfurt public prosecutor investigated whether Opel was switching off the emissions treatment on the Euro 6 diesels of the Cascada, Insignia and Zafira -models that also use this 2.0 CDTI-. Opel denied it; no final penalty or executed corrective campaign is on record.
  5. Critical severityFrequency: RareTimingTiming belt risk (unlike the other Opel diesels of the era)Unlike the 1.3 and 1.6 CDTI of the same period, which have a chain, the 2.0 CDTI (A20DTH/A20DTJ/B20DTH) uses a toothed timing belt. There is no published official interval or failure statistics, but if it is neglected it can end in engine failure like the one documented in an Insignia at 145,000 km.
  6. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboCharge air hose cracked or loose on the 2.0 CDTI in the Insignia AOn the Insignia A 2.0 CDTI, the charge air hose can crack or come off the intercooler: the service reminder comes on, the car loses power and the codes P0299, P2282 or P2458 may be stored.

Cascada 2.0 CDTI pageAll versions and faults of the 2.0 CDTI

Faults of the Opel Cascada outside the engine

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

What the MOT inspection finds on the Opel Cascada

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 2,023 inspections of 755 cars registered between 2013 and 2019, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.7%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 2.7% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.5%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 8.7% of inspections; in cars of its age, 15.4%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.2%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 0.8% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.6%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 3.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2%.

    More defects than average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 3.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4%.

    Average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 16.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 16.6%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Opel Cascada

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 1.4 Turbo (2013–2019)

Early engine failure from a cracked piston

Critical severity

Whistling, loss of power and turbocharger wear

High severity

Coolant leak from the water pump or thermostat housing

Medium severity

Ignition coil failure

Medium severity

If it has the 2.0 CDTI (2013–2018)

Turbocharger wear or failure

High severity

Soot build-up in the injectors and EGR valve

Medium severity

Clogged particulate filter (DPF) and oil dilution on short journeys

Medium severity

German investigation into possible switching-off of the emissions treatment

Medium severity

Timing belt risk (unlike the other Opel diesels of the era)

Critical severity

Charge air hose cracked or loose on the 2.0 CDTI in the Insignia A

Medium severity

Wear parts for the Opel Cascada

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 Cascada?

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

Frequently asked questions

Is the Opel Cascada reliable?

All 2 engines of the Opel Cascada that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 1.4 Turbo and the 2.0 CDTI. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.0 CDTI, with a «With caution» verdict. Beyond the engine, the Opel Cascada has a documented driver's airbag recall and a software update for its hill start assist. In use, the German press points to a manual gearbox that does not last long and to rubbing on the fabric hood, always without frequency figures.

Which Opel Cascada engine is the most reliable?

Among the 2 engines we have documented, none has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.0 CDTI, with a «With caution» verdict. This is the version in the documented case of engine failure in an Insignia (2.0 Diesel 170 hp) at 145,000 km and in the case of a faulty turbo in another Insignia of unspecified output.[1][2]

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

Beyond the engine, the Opel Cascada has a documented driver's airbag recall and a software update for its hill start assist. In use, the German press points to a manual gearbox that does not last long and to rubbing on the fabric hood, always without frequency figures. The most important documented faults are: driver's airbag inflator that could release fragments when deployed (Cascada 2013 to 2018) (airbags and safety, critical severity), brake module software that holds the hill start assist longer than it should (Cascada up to January 2014) (brakes, medium severity), fabric hood chafing at the folding points and mechanism cables that break (bodywork and interior, medium severity) and six-speed manual gearbox (M32) that does not last long, with hard second and reverse (gearbox and clutch, medium severity).[4][5][6][7]

What faults does the Opel Cascada have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: early engine failure from a cracked piston (1.4 Turbo, critical severity), whistling, loss of power and turbocharger wear (1.4 Turbo, high severity), turbocharger wear or failure (2.0 CDTI, high severity), coolant leak from the water pump or thermostat housing (1.4 Turbo, medium severity) and ignition coil failure (1.4 Turbo, medium severity).

What is the best year to buy a Opel Cascada?

According to our rating by year, the best is 2019 (6.8/10); the worst rated is 2013 (6.2/10). 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 Cascada have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 3 campaigns for the Opel Cascada, such as vauxhall/Opel: Takata driver's airbag (DVSA R/2025/511) (2025). 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. Fiabilité Opel Insignia Grand Sport - avis et pannes des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité Opel Insignia - avis et pannes des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Opel Astra (H, J, K): Technische Daten, Abmessungen, AnhängelastGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Recall: Opel Cascada (2013 - 2018) airbag, injurycar-recalls.eu · Other source · published 22 March 2022 · consulted 8 October 2026
  5. Vauxhall Cascada recall E181803540 (19-C-017): hill start assist software issueAutoInsider · Other source · published 25 February 2019 · consulted 8 October 2026
  6. Opel Cascada im Gebrauchtwagen-TestAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 17 December 2022 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  7. Opel Cascada Probleme: Mängel, Schwachstellen und Krankheitencarwiki.de · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  8. Opel CascadaWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Opel Astra 3 : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Opel Mokka : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Opel Meriva 2 : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Opel Zafira Tourer : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Opel CascadaWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  14. Opel Astra 5 : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Split intercooler hose? (foro Insignia Drivers UK)Insignia Drivers UK · Owners' forum · published 2015 · consulted 30 October 2026
  16. Opel Insignia - Leistungsverlust, Meldung im Kombiinstrument (2,0 CDTI)HELLA Tech World · Technical documentation · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German