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Opel Combo E 1.5 BlueHDi 75, 100 and 130 hp problems

The Opel Combo E used the 1.5 BlueHDi from 2018 (1.5 Diesel 75, 1.5 Diesel 100 and 1.5 Diesel 130). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “wear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshafts” (critical severity, very frequent). Our verdict depends on the version: “Buy” for 1.5 BlueHDi with 8 mm chain (from February 2023); “With caution” for 1.5 BlueHDi 75-130 with 7 mm chain (October 2017 - January 2023). It is the safest option among the documented engines of the Opel Combo E.

Opel Combo E (2018–today) — Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.

Engine score on this car

2.3 out of 10Very low reliability

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

Overall score for the Opel Combo E

5.3 out of 10Acceptable reliability

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

Reviewed on 27 September 202616 sources How we work

1.5 BlueHDi

Safest option

PSA/Stellantis 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5) · Diesel

In the Combo E: since 2018^[1][2][3][4]
Names: 1.5 Diesel 75 · 1.5 Diesel 100 · 1.5 Diesel 130
Faults that affect it: 5 · 4 of high or critical severity

Risk index on this car

Very high risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

1.5 BlueHDi 75-130 with 7 mm chain (October 2017 - January 2023)2017–2023 · 75–130 hp · DV5RC, DV5RD, DV5RE, DV5RCE, DV5RCF, DV5RUC
With caution
Worth buying if the chain campaign has been carried out and the servicing is documented with the required oil, because Stellantis's 10-year or 240,000 km cover depends on it, and that cover requires following the manufacturer's recommendations and presenting invoices.^[5][6][7]
1.5 BlueHDi with 8 mm chain (from February 2023)since 2023 · 100–130 hp
Buy
No problems are known with the reinforced chain. You only need to check by VIN for two recent campaigns: the injection rail one (units from July to October 2025) and the water pump sprocket one (October 2025 to February 2026).^[2][3][8]

Faults that affect the Combo E

Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshaftsIn 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023, the 7 mm chain linking the camshafts can stretch and break, causing serious engine damage. Stellantis has recalled them and covers the fault for 10 years or 240,000 km.Repair (garage): €730–€820
Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlAdBlue tank and pump failure1.5 BlueHDi engines built up to August 2020 can suffer failures of the AdBlue tank pump module, with a "no engine start" countdown. The whole tank is usually replaced and Stellantis contributes to the cost up to 8 years.Repair: €1,000–€1,500
High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionSeizure of the high-pressure pump and injection systemSome early 1.5 BlueHDi engines have suffered seizure of the Bosch high-pressure pump, with juddering or the engine stalling on the road, sometimes before 50,000 km. The repair means replacing the entire injection system and the fuel tank.
Critical severityFrequency: RareFuelDiesel leak at the common rail (2026 recall)Stellantis has recalled more than 50,000 vehicles in Europe with 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between July and October 2025: a badly positioned cone on the common rail can loosen the nut and cause a diesel leak with a fire risk. The repair is free.Repair: €0
High severityFrequency: RareTimingWater pump sprocket slipping and belt misalignment (2026 recall)In 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2025 and February 2026, the water pump sprocket can slip and misalign the timing belt, causing a loss of power or the engine stopping. Stellantis replaces the water pump kit free of charge in about 2.5 hours.Repair: €0

All versions and faults of the 1.5 BlueHDi

The Opel Combo by year

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

2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026

What to check before buying a used Opel Combo E 1.5 BlueHDi 75, 100 and 130 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 1.5 BlueHDi (since 2018)

Wear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshafts

Critical severity

Check with the VIN on the manufacturer's website whether the campaign has been done and ask for the proof: acoustic diagnosis with reprogramming, or the change to the 8 mm chain.^[8][9]
Insist on the service invoices: Stellantis asks for the last three, with a tolerance of 3 months or 3,000 km, and 5W-30 FPW9.55535/03 oil in services carried out since 2024.^[6][7]
Look at the camshaft upper cover: the 7 mm version carries reference 9812647280 and is flat; the 8 mm one, 9830580480, has a bulge.^[10][11]
Listen to the engine from cold, but do not rely on your ears alone: a quiet engine may already have a weakened chain.^[12]

AdBlue tank and pump failure

Medium severity

Ask for a diagnostic scan that reads the SCR system codes and ask whether the tank has already been replaced; the invoice is a point in its favour.
Check the build date: if it is before September 2020 and the car is under 8 years old, the fault still falls under the compensation policy, which can be claimed until August 2028.^[13][14]
Leave the engine running for a few minutes during the test drive: no AdBlue or emissions warning should appear.

Seizure of the high-pressure pump and injection system

High severity

Ask whether the pump or injectors have been replaced and ask for the invoice.
On the test drive, look for juddering at constant speed and ask for the fault memory to be read for fuel pressure codes.^[15]

Diesel leak at the common rail (2026 recall)

Critical severity

On cars built in 2025, check by VIN whether the campaign is outstanding and ask for the proof.^[2]
With the engine warm, open the bonnet and check there is no smell of diesel or dampness around the rail.

Water pump sprocket slipping and belt misalignment (2026 recall)

High severity

On units built in late 2025 or early 2026, check by VIN that the campaign has been carried out.^[16]

Other engines and gearboxes of the Opel Combo E

Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.

Stellantis e-CMP (e-208, Corsa-e, ë-C4…)since 2021 · 3 faultsHigh severity6.8 out of 10

Faults of the Opel Combo E outside the engine

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

Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyFront passenger seat belt with reduced effectivenessA campaign affected around 1,735 Opel Combo E units built in 2018-2019 in which the front passenger seat belt could have reduced restraint effectiveness.
High severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorThe engine undershield can trap material (fire risk)A 2022 campaign (ref. KAE/200511EE) covers Combo E vehicles built between 12 March 2018 and 17 September 2021 whose metal engine undershield can trap material next to the exhaust, with a risk of fire.
High severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringDamaged steering linkage (track rods), with loss of stabilityIn 2019-2020 units, the steering linkage (track rods) can become damaged, with loss of driving stability and a greater risk of an accident; the Peugeot Rifter and the Citroën Berlingo III had an official campaign for a defect in the same component over a similar period.
High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesHandbrake mechanism failureOne source documents a handbrake mechanism failure that stopped it engaging properly in units built between September 2017 and February 2019, the same period in which the Peugeot Rifter and the Citroën Berlingo III had an official campaign over a component of the mechanism being out of specification.
Critical severityFrequency: RareGearbox and clutchOil leak in the transfer case of 4x4 versionsA 2024 campaign (ref. KJW-231260EE) affects Combo versions with a 4x4 transfer case built between April and December 2019, in which a defective oil seal could cause the rear wheels to lock and the vehicle to go out of control.

See the 6 faults outside the engine

Buying a Opel Combo E 1.5 BlueHDi 75, 100 and 130 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 1.5 BlueHDi in other cars

Opel Astra L
Opel Corsa F
Opel Crossland
Opel Grandland I
Opel Mokka B
Opel Vivaro C
Opel Zafira Life
Citroën Berlingo III
Citroën C-Elysée
Citroën C3 Aircross I
Citroën C3 III
Citroën C4 Cactus
Citroën C4 III
Citroën C4 Picasso II
Citroën C4 X
Citroën C5 Aircross
DS DS 3 Crossback
DS DS 4 II

And 15 more on the 1.5 BlueHDi page.

What are you noticing on your Opel Combo E?

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

Less power5
Engine warning light4
Engine stalls3
Hard to start3
Steering play1
Vibrations1
AdBlue warning1
Uses oil1
Uses more fuel1
Electronic warnings1
Jerking1
Chain noise1

The Opel Combo E has 4 documented recalls and campaigns. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you

Frequently asked questions

Is the Opel Combo E 1.5 BlueHDi 75, 100 and 130 hp reliable?

What faults does the Opel Combo E 1.5 BlueHDi 75, 100 and 130 hp have?

The documented ones that affect this car are: wear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshafts (critical severity), adBlue tank and pump failure (medium severity), seizure of the high-pressure pump and injection system (high severity), diesel leak at the common rail (2026 recall) (critical severity) and water pump sprocket slipping and belt misalignment (2026 recall) (high severity).

Which engine should you choose for the Opel Combo E?

The safest option is the 1.5 BlueHDi in its 1.5 BlueHDi with 8 mm chain (from February 2023) version, with a «Buy» verdict.

Own a Opel Combo E 1.5 BlueHDi 75, 100 and 130 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.

PSA 1.5L BlueHDi: a focus on the DV5 engineSumax · Technical documentation · published July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026
1.5 BlueHDi. Stellantis rappelle plusieurs milliers de véhicules pour un problème d'injectionL'argus · Motoring press · published 14 March 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Europa amplía la llamada a revisión por los graves problemas del motor 1.5 BlueHDi de StellantisAutonoción · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Opel Combo (Combo E, Technische Daten)Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
Cobertura especial para los 1.5 BlueHDi del Grupo Stellantiscoches.net · Motoring press · published 3 July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Casse chaîne 1.5 BlueHDi. Stellantis étend sa prise en charge à 7 ans ou 180 000 kmL'argus · Motoring press · published 15 January 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité moteur Stellantis 1.5 BlueHDi. Une nouvelle huile pour éviter la casseL'argus · Motoring press · published 14 January 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Llaman a revisión a miles de Citroën, Opel, Peugeot, DS y Fiat en España con el motor diésel 1.5 BlueHDiMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 3 July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
1.5 BlueHDi. Stellantis rappelle 930 000 véhicules et étend la couverture à 10 ansL'argus · Motoring press · published 3 July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Peugeot 1.5 BlueHDi Engine ProblemsGT Automotive · Technical documentation · published 25 September 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026
Motor DV5Oryx Parts · Technical documentation · published 24 January 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Rappel du 1.5 BlueHDi lié à la chaîne de distributionFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Stellantis amplía las compensaciones por los problemas técnicos de sus depósitos AdBlueMinisterio de Derechos Sociales, Consumo y Agenda 2030 · Official body · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Compensaciones para los usuarios de vehículos Citroën, DS, Opel y Peugeot afectados por un fallo de fabricación de los depósitos AdBlue y de los vehículos PureTechConsumo Responde (Junta de Andalucía) · Official body · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Moteur 1.5 BlueHDi PSA. Problème de grippage du système d'injectionL'argus · Motoring press · published 6 June 2021 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Llamada a revisión de Stellantis a estos coches diésel por avería graveAutofácil · Motoring press · published 9 April 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish