Timing chain 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: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiWear 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
In Astra L, Combo E, Corsa F, Crossland, Grandland I and Mokka B and 2 more models
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.0/1.2/1.4 EcotecTiming 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
In Adam, Agila A, Astra H, Astra J, Combo C and Corsa B and 5 more models
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.3 MultijetTiming 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
In Agila A, Astra J, Combo C, Combo D, Corsa D and Corsa E and 1 more model
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 CDTINoise and early wear of the timing chain and its tensionerThere are verifiable reports of chain noise and timing tensioner replacement on the 1.6 CDTI, in one case at only 9,200 km. There is no manufacturer campaign or official failure statistics, so it is a real risk but not precisely quantified.
In Astra J, Astra K, Insignia A, Insignia B, Meriva B and Mokka A and 1 more model
- High severityFrequency: Rare1.2 PureTechTiming misalignment from the camshaft sprocket bolts (chain-driven generation)On the third-generation 1.2 (chain-driven) built up to 17 February 2024, the camshaft sprocket bolts could be incorrectly fitted and throw the timing out: engine warning light, loss of power and, in the worst case, contact between pistons and valves.
In Astra L, Corsa F, Frontera, Grandland II and Mokka B

By Opel model

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

Engines and gearboxes involved

Parts for your Opel for faults with the timing chain

Add the model and engine in the shop, or better still the registration plate or VIN, to see only the parts that fit.

Timing chain kit
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the timing chain do Opel cars have?

In 27 models from Opel there are 5 documented faults with the timing chain. The most important: wear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshafts, timing chain stretch and breakage and timing chain stretch and tensioner failure. 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 timing chain?

Opel Astra J (3 faults), Opel Meriva B (3 faults), Opel Agila A (2 faults) and Opel Combo C (2 faults).

Which Opel engines have faults with the timing chain?

1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec (1 fault), 1.2 PureTech (1 fault), 1.3 Multijet (1 fault), 1.5 BlueHDi (1 fault) and 1.6 CDTI (1 fault).