Opel Combo C 1.3 Multijet problems
The Opel Combo C used the 1.3 Multijet from 2004 to 2011 (1.3 CDTI and 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex). 4 documented faults affect it; the most important is “timing chain stretch and tensioner failure” (critical severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the Opel Combo C, the safest option is the 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 8V (Family 1).
Engine score on this car
4.1 out of 10Low reliability
Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the Combo C. How we calculate it
Overall score for the Opel Combo C
5.7 out of 10Acceptable reliability
Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown
Fiat 1.3 Multijet / JTD (SDE) · Diesel
- Names
- 1.3 CDTI · 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex
- Faults that affect it
- 4 · 3 of high or critical severity
Verdict for the version it uses
1.3 Multijet 8v (69-105 hp, 2003-2009)2003–2009 · 69–105 hp · Z13DT
With cautionIt 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.[3][4][5]
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.
- 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
What to check before buying a used Opel Combo C 1.3 Multijet
Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.
If it has the 1.3 Multijet (2004–2011)
Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure
Critical severitySeized variable-geometry turbo
High severityEGR valve blocked by soot
Medium severityOther engines and gearboxes of the Opel Combo C
Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.
Faults of the Opel Combo C outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.
- 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.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyNatural gas leak from the pressure regulator solenoid bush (Combo CNG 2005-2007)Yes: in September 2010 there was a campaign, reported by the ADAC, that affected about 11,000 vehicles in Germany (natural gas Combo C, Zafira A and B) of model years 2005 to 2007: a fine crack in the bush of the pressure regulator solenoid could let gas escape after refuelling. The dealer replaced the bush free of charge.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyNatural gas tank paint that flakes off and encourages corrosion (Combo CNG)Yes: in July 2012 there was a campaign, reported by the ADAC, that affected 1,093 vehicles in Germany (natural gas Combo C and Zafira A, model years 2001 to 2006): the paint on the gas tanks could flake off, with corrosion and, in the worst case, a leak. The tank is inspected and replaced if necessary, free of charge.
Buying a Opel Combo C 1.3 Multijet?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
The Opel Combo C has 6 documented recalls and campaigns. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you
Frequently asked questions
Is the Opel Combo C 1.3 Multijet reliable?
The Opel Combo C used the 1.3 Multijet from 2004 to 2011 (1.3 CDTI and 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex). 4 documented faults affect it; the most important is “timing chain stretch and tensioner failure” (critical severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the Opel Combo C, the safest option is the 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 8V (Family 1).
What faults does the Opel Combo C 1.3 Multijet have?
The documented ones that affect this car are: 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) and EGR valve blocked by soot (medium severity).
Which engine should you choose for the Opel Combo C?
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.
Own a Opel Combo C 1.3 Multijet? 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 1.3 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
- Quando sostituire la catena di distribuzione sul 1.3 Multijet: riconoscere i sintomiRettifica Pompeo · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Italian
- Fiat 1.3 JTD/Multijet: corrente folgada e entupimento dos canais de lubrificaçãoProvmec · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Portuguese
- FIAT 500 1.3 MultiJet II: EGR Valve Problems and How to Fix ThemAutoricambi Tritella · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026