Steering rack and steering column Opel: problems by model and engine

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the Opel models it appears in.

- Critical severityFrequency: CommonOpel Meriva APower steering faults and recall for the steering rack pinion (2007 units)Yes: fiches-auto.fr describes the power steering as 'a known problem of the brand' on the Meriva A, with pump failures and loss of assistance. In addition, the KBA recalled 748 units built in 2007 because the steering rack pinion might not be properly secured, with a risk of losing the ability to steer the car.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Astra HIncorrect assembly of the front axle steering joint (2005-2006)Yes: according to the KBA (Germany's motor transport authority), on Astra Hs built in 2005 and 2006 the guide joint of the right steering arm may not have been properly assembled with the wheel knuckle, which can make the car unstable while driving. It is a factory assembly defect corrected by a campaign, not a wear-related fault.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Corsa DRisk of the steering intermediate shaft breakingYes: in 2014 Opel recalled around 8,000 Corsa D and Adam cars built from May 2014 because the steering intermediate shaft could break and cause a total loss of control of the steering wheel; the brand itself asked owners not to drive the car until it had been checked.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Movano BSteering intermediate shaft not tightened properly on the Movano B (2015–2017): risk of losing steering controlYes: Opel recalled Movano B vans built between 2015 and 2017 because the steering intermediate shaft could be insufficiently tightened and come away from the steering rack, causing loss of steering control. In the United Kingdom, the manufacturer advised owners of affected vehicles not to drive them until they had been repaired.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Vivaro AFaulty connection between the steering wheel and the steering columnYes: Safety Gate alert A12/0960/16 (August 2016) covers Vivaro vans built between 2012 and 2014 because a faulty connection between the steering wheel and the steering column can cause loss of steering. It is a preventive recall: confirm with your chassis number at an official Opel dealer.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Combo DDefective 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.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Combo EDamaged 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.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonOpel Astra GFragile power steering rackThe power steering rack on the Astra G appears as a systematic weak point in owner testimonials, with failures and leaks reported at around 115,000-150,000 km.Appears at around 115,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: RareOpel Corsa DManufacturing deviation in the steering rack teethIn 2015 Opel recalled Corsa D and Adam cars from the 2015-2016 production years because a manufacturing deviation in the steering rack teeth could cause it to break, with a risk of a road accident.
- Critical severityFrequency: RareOpel Corsa EBadly manufactured steering rack (2017 campaign)According to Auto Express, in February 2017 Opel opened a third campaign on the Corsa over badly manufactured steering racks, separate from the 2015 suspension one; we have not found an official Spanish notification detailing it.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Meriva BPower steering pump or column failureAccording to fiches-auto.fr, steering appears in 16 of the 238 testimonials about the Meriva B: a failed steering pump (one case at 61,342 km), a broken column (one case at 30,000 km), noises when turning and heavy steering. We have found no campaign or specialist press to confirm it.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Zafira APower steering rack leak and wearThe Zafira A's power steering rack can develop a leak and lose effectiveness around 150,000 km; owners cite a repair of around €850 when it has to be replaced.Repair (garage): €850Appears at around 140,000 km
- High severityFrequency: RareOpel Mokka ASteering column recall over a fragile torque sensorAccording to the fiches-auto.fr entry, in June 2015 309 Mokkas were recalled because of a fragile torque sensor in the steering column. Safety Gate (via car-recalls.eu) records the November 2015 notice for 2015 vehicles, with a risk of losing power steering assistance.

By Opel model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the steering rack and column do Opel cars have?

In 12 models from Opel there are 13 documented faults with the steering rack and column. The most important: power steering faults and recall for the steering rack pinion (2007 units), incorrect assembly of the front axle steering joint (2005-2006) and risk of the steering intermediate shaft breaking. Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

Which Opel models have the most problems with the steering rack and column?

Opel Corsa D (2 faults), Opel Astra G (1 fault), Opel Zafira A (1 fault) and Opel Vivaro A (1 fault).