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Opel carsAlso sold as Vauxhall Combo (United Kingdom)

Opel Combo C problems (2001–2011)

We have documented 5 engines for the Opel Combo C; the 1.3 Multijet, the 1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec and the 1.7 CDTI have high or critical severity faults. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 8V (Family 1), with a «With caution» verdict.[1]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the Combo C only has documented recalls: moisture in the ABS control unit with fire risk (three campaigns between 2006 and 2015, shared with the Corsa C), a steering pinion that could come loose (2007) and, on the natural gas versions, the pressure regulator (2010) and the paint on the tanks (2012). The ADAC does not include it in its fault statistics.[2][3][4][5][6][7]

02468105.7out of 10

Opel Combo C rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 21 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine6.3From 4.1 to 9.3 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox10.0No documented faults
  • Suspension10.0No documented faults
  • Brakes7.11 fault
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering7.11 fault
  • Electrical system10.0No documented faults
  • 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 safety6.82 faults

Ranked 22 of 46 among the vans with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Opel Combo C

  1. 1Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure1.3 Multijet engine · repair €350–€550
  2. 2Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and breakage1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec engine · repair €900–€1,400
  3. 3Critical severity: Moisture in the ABS connector and control unit with risk of failure and fire (three campaigns, 2003-2008)Brakes
  4. 4Critical severity: Steering box pinion that can come out of its housingSteering
  5. 5High severity: Seized variable-geometry turbo1.3 Multijet engine · repair €450–€700

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

6 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: DVSA R/2015/091: moisture build-up in the ABS control unit. See the campaigns for the Opel Combo C

34 sourcesHow we work

1.3 Multijet

Fiat 1.3 Multijet / JTD (SDE) · Diesel

In the Combo C
2004–2011[8][9]
Names
1.3 CDTI · 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex
Faults that affect it
4 · 3 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
59
High risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.3 Multijet 8v (69-105 hp, 2003-2009)2003–2009 · 69–105 hp · Z13DT

    With caution

    It is the generation that has been on the road longest and the one with the most documented cases of stretched timing chains and failed tensioners. It is only worth considering with an oil change history and, ideally, with the chain already inspected or replaced.[10][11][12]

Faults that affect the Combo C

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.3 Multijet has 5 documented faults in total.

  1. Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the timing chain's hydraulic tensioner can lose pressure and let the chain slacken; if it skips teeth or breaks, it can destroy the engine. It is a documented problem on Fiat, Opel, Suzuki and Ford cars with this engine, mainly linked to long oil change intervals.Repair (garage): €350–€550Appears at around 70,000 km
  2. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboSeized variable-geometry turboOn versions with a variable-geometry turbo, the vanes can seize through soot build-up, especially on cars used in town for short journeys. The engine loses power gradually and may give off black smoke when accelerating.Repair (garage): €450–€700
  3. High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector and high-pressure pump wear from contaminated fuelThe Bosch injectors and the high-pressure pump of the common rail system are sensitive to poor-quality fuel or fuel with condensed water. With contaminated diesel they can generate metal shavings that damage first the pump and then the injectors themselves.Repair (garage): €600–€1,200
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve blocked by sootThe 1.3 Multijet's EGR valve easily accumulates soot on short urban journeys, causing an unstable idle, loss of power and the engine warning light. It is one of the most cited problems among owners of this engine.Repair (garage): €130–€400

Combo C 1.3 Multijet pageAll versions and faults of the 1.3 Multijet

1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec

Opel/Vauxhall 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 Ecotec atmosféricos (GM Family 0 — Z10XEP, Z12XEP/A12XER, Z14XEP/A14XER) · Petrol

In the Combo C
2004–2011[8][13]
Names
1.4 Twinport · 1.4 Twinport ecoFlex
Faults that affect it
6 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
59
High risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • Z10XEP / Z12XEP / Z14XEP Twinport (2003-2009)2003–2009 · 60–90 hp · Z10XEP, Z12XEP, Z14XEP

    With caution

    The reliability reports for the Corsa C, Astra H and Meriva A repeatedly document the same pattern: a chain tensioner that does not always last, ignition coils that fail, and a water pump or thermostat prone to losing coolant. No source describes a systematic block or cylinder head failure, so it is worth checking those three specific points before buying, without that meaning you should avoid the engine.[14][15][16][17]

Faults that affect the Combo C

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Combo C 1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec pageAll versions and faults of the 1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec

1.7 CDTI

Opel/Vauxhall 1.7 CDTI (Isuzu 4EE2 / «Circle L») · Diesel

In the Combo C
2004–2011[8][18]
Name
1.7 CDTI
Faults that affect it
4 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
32
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.7 CDTI 100-101 hp (Z17DTH, 2003-2007)2003–2007 · 100–101 hp · Z17DTH

    With caution

    It shares the EGR valve, injectors and timing belt with the rest of the 1.7 CDTI family, with the same documented risks that we describe in the faults for this engine.[19][20]

Faults that affect the Combo C

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.7 CDTI has 5 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: OccasionalClutchDual-mass flywheel and clutch wearA documented case of an Opel Meriva with this engine had to have the dual-mass flywheel and clutch replaced at 66,000 km, for €1,600 at a French garage. It is neither an official nor a Spanish figure, but it points to real wear of these parts.
  2. Critical severityFrequency: RareTimingTiming belt: risk of serious failure if not changed on timeThe 1.7 CDTI has a timing belt (not a chain), with a replacement interval of 150,000 km or 6 years according to the buying guide consulted. We have not found documented cases of breakage on this engine, but going beyond that interval exposes you to a serious failure if the belt does give way.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlSoot fouling of the injectors and EGR valveThis engine's EGR valve tends to clog with soot, according to a German buying guide focused on the Meriva A; there are also accounts of misadjusted or faulty injectors from 100,000 km on the Meriva and Astra with this engine.
  4. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsPremature alternator wearThe Hitachi-brand alternator fitted at the factory to the 1.7 CDTI tends to wear out sooner than expected, according to a German buying guide on the Opel Astra H, with typical replacements at around 140,000 km; there are similar accounts on the Opel Meriva with this engine.

Combo C 1.7 CDTI pageAll versions and faults of the 1.7 CDTI

1.5 / 1.7 diésel Isuzu

Opel/Vauxhall 1.5 D/TD and 1.7 D/TD/DI/DTI de origen Isuzu (4EC1, 4EE1, Y17DT, Y17DTL) · Diesel

In the Combo C
2001–2004[8][21][22]
Names
1.7 DI · 1.7 DTI
Faults that affect it
2
Risk index on this car
29
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 1.7 DI 16v 65 hp (Y17DTL, 2000-2004)2000–2004 · 65 hp · Y17DTL

    With caution

    The German Corsa C guide classes it as 'Meiden' (avoid), because of its very slow response and the injection pump control unit. That fault can be checked and repaired, so we keep it as a caution: ask for the control unit's history.[22][23]

  • 1.7 DTI 16v 75 hp (Y17DT, 2000-2005)2000–2005 · 75 hp · Y17DT

    With caution

    The German Corsa C guide classes it as 'Prüfen' (check): its documented weak point is the injection pump control unit. With that part checked and the timing belt up to date, the sources list no other specific serious fault.[22][23]

Faults that affect the Combo C

  1. Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionInjection pump control unit fault (P0251) on the 1.7 DI and DTIThe electronic injection pump control unit of the 1.7 DI and DTI (Y17DTL and Y17DT) can fail, often because of dry solder joints, and the engine stalls or will not start, with code P0251. Hella cites it on the Astra G, the Corsa C, the Combo C and the Meriva, and it is often repaired without being replaced.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlDirty or faulty EGR valve on the 1.7 DTI and DIThe EGR valve on the 1.7 DTI and DI appears among the faults reported by Corsa C owners (5 of 15 DTI reviews) and, to a lesser extent, the Astra G. Fiches-auto places the first faults at around 150,000 km.

Combo C 1.5 / 1.7 diésel Isuzu pageAll versions and faults of the 1.5 / 1.7 diésel Isuzu

1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 8V (Family 1)

Safest option

GM Family 1 de 8 válvulas: Opel 1.2/1.4/1.6 (C12NZ, C14NZ, X14SZ, X16SZR, Z16SE) and Chevrolet 1.0/1.4/1.8 (VHC, Econo.Flex) · Petrol

In the Combo C
2001–2004[8][24]
Name
1.6 87
Faults that affect it
1
Risk index on this car
7
Low risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.6 8V 84-87 hp (Z16SE, 2000-2004)2000–2004 · 84–87 hp · Z16SE

    With caution

    We have found no reliability entry or buying guide documenting specific faults for this engine; it shares its block with the X16SZR, so the same checkpoints apply (timing belt and water pump, ignition, leaks), and it is worth asking for the service history.[1]

Faults that affect the Combo C

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 8V (Family 1) has 3 documented faults in total.

  1. Medium severityFrequency: RareCoolingWater pump seizes or leaks (driven by the timing belt)On the Family 1 the water pump is driven by the timing belt and also acts as the tensioner: with poor-quality or missing coolant, corrosion can seize it in its housing. A Brazilian buying guide also cites pump leaks on the Corsa Wind.

Combo C 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 8V (Family 1) pageAll versions and faults of the 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 8V (Family 1)

Faults of the Opel Combo C outside the engine

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

Checklist for buying a used Opel Combo C

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 1.3 Multijet (2004–2011)

Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure

Critical severity

Seized variable-geometry turbo

High severity

Injector and high-pressure pump wear from contaminated fuel

High severity

EGR valve blocked by soot

Medium severity

If it has the 1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec (2004–2011)

Timing chain stretch and breakage

Critical severity

Oil leaks and increased consumption

Medium severity

Ignition coil failure

Medium severity

Water pump and thermostat leak or wear

Medium severity

Slow shifts and clutch actuator wear on the Easytronic gearbox

Medium severity

Faulty lambda sensors on the 1.2 and 1.4 petrol

Low severity

If it has the 1.7 CDTI (2004–2011)

Dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear

High severity

Timing belt: risk of serious failure if not changed on time

Critical severity

Soot fouling of the injectors and EGR valve

Medium severity

Premature alternator wear

Medium severity

If it has the 1.5 / 1.7 diésel Isuzu (2001–2004)

Injection pump control unit fault (P0251) on the 1.7 DI and DTI

Medium severity

Dirty or faulty EGR valve on the 1.7 DTI and DI

Medium severity

If it has the 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 8V (Family 1) (2001–2004)

Water pump seizes or leaks (driven by the timing belt)

Medium severity

Wear parts for the Opel Combo C

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.

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

Frequently asked questions

Is the Opel Combo C reliable?

We have documented 5 engines for the Opel Combo C; the 1.3 Multijet, the 1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec and the 1.7 CDTI have high or critical severity faults. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 8V (Family 1), with a «With caution» verdict. Outside the engine, the Combo C only has documented recalls: moisture in the ABS control unit with fire risk (three campaigns between 2006 and 2015, shared with the Corsa C), a steering pinion that could come loose (2007) and, on the natural gas versions, the pressure regulator (2010) and the paint on the tanks (2012). The ADAC does not include it in its fault statistics.

Which Opel Combo C engine is the most reliable?

Among the 5 engines we have documented, none has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 8V (Family 1), with a «With caution» verdict. We have found no reliability entry or buying guide documenting specific faults for this engine; it shares its block with the X16SZR, so the same checkpoints apply (timing belt and water pump, ignition, leaks), and it is worth asking for the service history.[1]

What problems does the Opel Combo C have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the Combo C only has documented recalls: moisture in the ABS control unit with fire risk (three campaigns between 2006 and 2015, shared with the Corsa C), a steering pinion that could come loose (2007) and, on the natural gas versions, the pressure regulator (2010) and the paint on the tanks (2012). The ADAC does not include it in its fault statistics. The most important documented faults are: moisture in the ABS connector and control unit with risk of failure and fire (three campaigns, 2003-2008) (brakes, critical severity), steering box pinion that can come out of its housing (steering, critical severity), natural gas leak from the pressure regulator solenoid bush (Combo CNG 2005-2007) (airbags and safety, high severity) and natural gas tank paint that flakes off and encourages corrosion (Combo CNG) (airbags and safety, high severity).[2][3][4][5][6][7]

What faults does the Opel Combo C have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (1.3 Multijet, critical severity), timing chain stretch and breakage (1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec, critical severity), seized variable-geometry turbo (1.3 Multijet, high severity), injector and high-pressure pump wear from contaminated fuel (1.3 Multijet, high severity) and dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear (1.7 CDTI, high severity).

What is the best year to buy a Opel Combo C?

According to our rating by year, the best are 2002 and 2001 (7.6/10); the worst rated is 2005 (5.1/10). 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 Combo C have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 6 campaigns for the Opel Combo C, such as DVSA R/2015/091: moisture build-up in the ABS control unit (2015). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[4]

Sources

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

  1. Opel X16SZWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  2. Vauxhall Combo: ABS may fail (R/2007/171)Car-Recalls.co.uk (reproduce DVSA) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  3. Vauxhall Combo: Water ingress into ABS wiring may cause a short circuit and a fire (R/2006/006)Car-Recalls.co.uk (reproduce DVSA) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  4. Vauxhall Combo: Fire may occur (R/2015/091)Car-Recalls.co.uk (reproduce DVSA) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  5. Vauxhall Combo: Steering control may be lost (R/2007/118)Car-Recalls.co.uk (reproduce DVSA) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  6. Opel Combo C (2002-2011): Corsa mit großem Rucksack (Gebrauchtwagen-Info)ADAC · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  7. Allgemeine Daten zum Opel Combo Combi 1.3 CDTI DPF Easytronic (07/06 - 07/08), con RückrufeADAC (Autokatalog) · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  8. Opel Combo (Combo C: motores y fechas de producción)Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  9. Opel Combo Kastenwagen 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex (07/08 - 09/11): Technische Daten (Motorcode Z13DTJ)ADAC (Autokatalog) · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  10. Fiat 1.3 Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. 1.3 CDTi Opel (Z13DT) Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Fiat 1.3 Multijet: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Opel Combo Kastenwagen 1.4 Twinport ecoFlex (07/08 - 09/11): Technische Daten (Motorcode Z14XEP)ADAC (Autokatalog) · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  14. Opel Corsa 3 : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Opel Astra (2004-2010) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  16. Opel Meriva (2003-2009) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  17. Distribution : les moteurs à problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  18. Opel Combo Kastenwagen 1.7 CDTI (10/04 - 09/11): Technische Daten (Motorcode Z17DTH)ADAC (Autokatalog) · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  19. Opel Meriva A: ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  20. Opel Meriva B: ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  21. Circle L engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  22. Bulletin: Opel Astra G, Corsa C, Combo C, Meriva con motor Y17DT e Y17DTL (el motor no arranca o se cala)Hella · Technical documentation · published 7 September 2007 · consulted 2 November 2026
  23. Opel Corsa C: ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  24. Opel ComboWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  25. Quando sostituire la catena di distribuzione sul 1.3 Multijet: riconoscere i sintomiRettifica Pompeo · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Italian
  26. Fiat 1.3 JTD/Multijet: corrente folgada e entupimento dos canais de lubrificaçãoProvmec · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Portuguese
  27. FIAT 500 1.3 MultiJet II: EGR Valve Problems and How to Fix ThemAutoricambi Tritella · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  28. Opel Corsa C/D/E: Schwachstellen & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  29. Opel Adam : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  30. Essai complet Opel Meriva : fiabilité et avisFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  31. Opel Astra H (A04): Probleme & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  32. Opel Astra 1.7 DTI 75cv année 2000, 168.000 km (avis de propriétaire)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  33. Blitz-Info: Opel Astra G hasta año modelo 2001, diésel Y17DT/Y17DTL (testigo del motor encendido)Hella · Technical documentation · published 29 April 2004 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  34. Da oficina: Chevrolet Celta e o polêmico VHCWebmotors WM1 (Oficina Brasil) · Motoring press · published 11 September 2007 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Portuguese