2008 Opel Combo problems
The 2008 Opel Combo was sold with 3 engines that we have documented: the 1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec, the 1.3 Multijet and the 1.7 CDTI. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 1.7 CDTI (verdict “With caution”). Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2008 cars, such as moisture in the ABS connector and control unit with risk of failure and fire (three campaigns, 2003-2008).
2008 Opel Combo score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 16 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine5.0From 4.1 to 6.8 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 safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 2007 Opel Combo
- Score: 5.1 → 5.3
- No longer affected by: natural gas leak from the pressure regulator solenoid bush (Combo CNG 2005-2007) (rest of the car)
1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec engine in the 2008 Opel Combo
Names: 1.4 Twinport · 1.4 Twinport ecoFlex
- With caution
Z10XEP / Z12XEP / Z14XEP Twinport (2003-2009)
60–90 hp · Z10XEP, Z12XEP, Z14XEP
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.[3][4][5][6]
Faults that affect 2008 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.
1.3 Multijet engine in the 2008 Opel Combo
Names: 1.3 CDTI · 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex
- With caution
1.3 Multijet 8v (69-105 hp, 2003-2009)
69–105 hp · Z13DT
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.[8][9][10]
Faults that affect 2008 cars
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
1.7 CDTI engine in the 2008 Opel Combo
Names: 1.7 CDTI
- With caution
1.7 CDTI 100-101 hp (Z17DTH, 2003-2007)
100–101 hp · Z17DTH
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.[12][13]
Faults that affect 2008 cars
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Faults outside the engine in the 2008 Opel Combo
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesMoisture in the ABS connector and control unit with risk of failure and fire (three campaigns, 2003-2008)Yes: the British DVSA records three campaigns (2006, 2007 and 2015) for moisture in the ABS connector or control unit of the Corsa C, the Combo C and the Tigra B: the ABS can fail and, in the worst case, the unit can overheat and catch fire. The remedy is to inspect it, fit a protective cover and seal the earth point.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringSteering box pinion that can come out of its housingYes: in 2007 the British DVSA recalled (R/2007/118) 557 Combo C, Meriva and Tigra B vehicles because the retaining ring of the steering box pinion could have come out of its groove. In the worst case the pinion loses engagement and steering control is lost; the steering box is replaced.
Buying a 2008 Opel Combo?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Opel Combo reliable?
The 2008 Opel Combo was sold with 3 engines that we have documented: the 1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec, the 1.3 Multijet and the 1.7 CDTI. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 1.7 CDTI (verdict “With caution”). Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2008 cars, such as moisture in the ABS connector and control unit with risk of failure and fire (three campaigns, 2003-2008).
Is the 2008 Opel Combo better than the 2007?
Our score goes from 5.1 in 2007 to 5.3 in 2008. No longer affected by: natural gas leak from the pressure regulator solenoid bush (Combo CNG 2005-2007) (rest of the car).
What is the best year for the Opel Combo?
According to our score, the best are 2002 and 2001 (7.6/10). The year with the worst score is 2005 (5.1/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2008 Opel Combo have?
The most important ones documented for 2008 cars are: timing chain stretch and breakage (1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec, critical severity), timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (1.3 Multijet, critical severity), timing belt: risk of serious failure if not changed on time (1.7 CDTI, critical severity), moisture in the ABS connector and control unit with risk of failure and fire (three campaigns, 2003-2008) (brakes, critical severity) and steering box pinion that can come out of its housing (steering, critical severity).
Own a 2008 Opel Combo? 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 Combo (Combo C: motores y fechas de producción)Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
- 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
- Opel Corsa 3 : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Opel Astra (2004-2010) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Opel Meriva (2003-2009) : 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
- 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
- Fiat 1.3 Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- 1.3 CDTi Opel (Z13DT) Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Fiat 1.3 Multijet: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Opel Combo Kastenwagen 1.7 CDTI (10/04 - 09/11): Technische Daten (Motorcode Z17DTH)ADAC (Autokatalog) · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
- Opel Meriva A: ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Opel Meriva B: ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German