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1.3 Multijet

Opel Combo D 1.3 Multijet 75 and 95 hp problems

The Opel Combo D used the 1.3 Multijet from 2011 to 2018 (1.3 CDTI 75 and 1.3 CDTI 95). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “timing chain stretch and tensioner failure” (critical severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”.

Opel Combo D (2011–2018) — Photo: Corvettec6r · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.

Engine score on this car

3.6 out of 10Low reliability

Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the Combo D. How we calculate it

Overall score for the Opel Combo D

5.0 out of 10Acceptable reliability

Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown

Reviewed on 8 October 20267 sources How we work

1.3 Multijet

Fiat 1.3 Multijet / JTD (SDE) · Diesel

In the Combo D: 2011–2018^[1]
Names: 1.3 CDTI 75 · 1.3 CDTI 95
Faults that affect it: 5 · 4 of high or critical severity

Risk index on this car

High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

1.3 Multijet II 16v Euro 5 (75-95 hp, 2009-2015)2009–2015 · 75–95 hp · Z13DTH, 199B1.000
With caution
It improves consumption and noise compared with the first generation, but shares the same chain and tensioner design, with documented cases of stretching. Ask for the maintenance history and watch for oil dilution if the car is used mostly in town.^[2][3]
1.3 Multijet II 16v Euro 6 (95 hp, 2015-2020)2015–2020 · 95 hp · A13DTE
With caution
The timing chain problem is partly mitigated compared with earlier generations, but it does not go away, and the demands of particulate filter regenerations on cars used mainly in town are added to it. Worth considering with an oil history and mixed journeys.^[2][3]

Faults that affect the Combo D

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: CommonEmissions controlIncomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilutionIn heavy urban use, with short journeys that do not let the particulate filter regeneration finish, unburnt diesel passes into the sump and dilutes the oil; the level can rise on the dipstick and the oil loses its ability to lubricate. Repeated many times, it speeds up engine wear.
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

All versions and faults of the 1.3 Multijet

The Opel Combo by year

Which engines were sold each year and which faults affect the cars of that year.

2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018

What to check before buying a used Opel Combo D 1.3 Multijet 75 and 95 hp

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 (2011–2018)

Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure

Critical severity

Ask for the maintenance invoices and check that oil changes were done on time and to the manufacturer's specification.^[4]
Start the engine from cold and listen during the first few seconds: a metallic rattle that soon disappears is a sign the tensioner is already losing capacity.^[2][5]
Ask whether the chain has already been inspected or replaced, and at what mileage; on an older car with no such history, expect to have it done soon.^[2][4]
Check that the oil pressure light goes out immediately on start-up and does not come back on while driving.^[2]

Incomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilution

High severity

Check the oil level with the dipstick: if it is above the maximum and smells of diesel, it is a sign of dilution from incomplete regenerations.^[3]
Ask whether the car is used mainly in town on short journeys; with that usage profile, ask for the regeneration history to be checked if the workshop can read it with diagnostics.^[3]
If the particulate filter warning light comes on frequently, ask for a road test before buying.^[3]

Seized variable-geometry turbo

High severity

Accelerate with the engine warm and check that the response is progressive, with no whistling or jerking linked to the boost.^[3]
Watch the smoke when accelerating hard: persistent black smoke on an engine with a healthy particulate filter is a reason to check the turbo and EGR.^[6]
Ask whether the car mostly makes short journeys in town; with that usage profile, the risk of turbo seizing is higher.^[3]

Injector and high-pressure pump wear from contaminated fuel

High severity

Start the engine from cold and check that it does not take longer than normal or sound especially uneven at idle.^[6]
Ask for a code read: a rail pressure fault or a cylinder with an abnormal contribution may point to a specific injector.^[6]
Ask whether injectors or the high-pressure pump have been replaced, and whether the car was habitually fuelled at reliable stations.^[6]

EGR valve blocked by soot

Medium severity

Start the engine from cold and let the idle settle: an uneven or unstable idle may point to a dirty EGR.^[3]
Ask for a code read, although a mechanically seized EGR does not always leave a clear code.^[3][7]
Ask whether the car is used mainly in town on short journeys, the usage profile most prone to this problem.^[7]

Faults of the Opel Combo D outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.

Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesBrake servo vacuum hose connector that can break (2012 Combo D)In February 2013, Vauxhall (Opel) recalled 498 Combo D models built between 4 July and 4 August 2012 in the UK because the brake servo vacuum hose connector could break, leaving the pedal hard and braking reduced. A German guide mentions almost 300 units from 2012 in Germany.
High severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringDefective steering gear housing, with a risk of oil leaks and reduced power assistance (2018 Combo D)In August 2018 a recall of 2018 model year Combo D vehicles, built up to July that year, was published in the European RAPEX alert system (alert 33/2018, sent by Portugal) because the steering gear housing could be defective and cause an oil leak and reduced steering assistance.

Buying a Opel Combo D 1.3 Multijet 75 and 95 hp?

Check the history before buyingMileage, inspection record (ITV in Spain), outstanding finance and accidents for the car you are interested in, from the registration number or the VIN.Request a report

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

The 1.3 Multijet in other cars

Opel Astra J
Opel Corsa D
Opel Corsa E
Opel Meriva B
Alfa Romeo MiTo
Chevrolet Aveo II
Fiat 500
Fiat 500L
Fiat 500X
Fiat Doblò II
Fiat Panda III
Fiat Punto III
Fiat Qubo
Fiat Tipo
Ford Ka II
Lancia Musa
Lancia Ypsilon III
Suzuki Ignis I

And 3 more on the 1.3 Multijet page.

What are you noticing on your Opel Combo D?

Choose what you notice and we will tell you which faults of this car cause it.

Less power4
Black smoke3
Engine warning light2
Vibrations1
Engine knock1
Engine stalls1
Hard brake pedal1
Hard to start1
Heavy steering1
Chain noise1
Noise on start-up1
Oil level rises1

Opel Combo D warning lights: what each light means

The Opel Combo D has 2 documented recalls and campaigns. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you

Frequently asked questions

Is the Opel Combo D 1.3 Multijet 75 and 95 hp reliable?

What faults does the Opel Combo D 1.3 Multijet 75 and 95 hp have?

The documented ones that affect this car are: timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (critical severity), incomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilution (high 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).

Own a Opel Combo D 1.3 Multijet 75 and 95 hp? 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.

Moteur Fiat 1.3 MultiJetWikipédia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Fiat 1.3 JTD/Multijet: corrente folgada e entupimento dos canais de lubrificaçãoProvmec · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Portuguese
1.3 CDTi Opel (Z13DT) Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Fiat 1.3 Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · 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 Multijet: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
FIAT 500 1.3 MultiJet II: EGR Valve Problems and How to Fix ThemAutoricambi Tritella · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026