Jerking on Opel: causes by model and engine

Documented faults, from most to least important

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

- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.5 BlueHDiSeizure 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.
In Astra L, Combo E, Corsa F, Crossland, Grandland I and Mokka B and 2 more models
- High severityFrequency: Occasional2.0 BlueHDiInjector and high-pressure pump wearThe injectors and the high-pressure pump on the 2.0 BlueHDi are among the documented faults, although in a minority of the cases recorded compared with AdBlue or the DPF. When the pump fails, metal particles can contaminate the whole circuit and make the repair far more expensive.
In Grandland I, Vivaro C and Zafira Life
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.2 PureTechSpark plug breakage on the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech turboOn the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech/e-THP turbo the original spark plugs can break; if a fragment falls into the cylinder it can damage the engine. Autojournal cites a 2015 recall to replace them on the 308 II.
In Crossland and Grandland I
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 TurboIgnition coil failureThe ignition coils of the 1.4 Turbo fail fairly often on the Mokka and Meriva B, with jerking, occasional loss of power and the engine warning light on; the garage fixes it by replacing the affected coil or coils.Repair (garage): €400–€600Appears at around 47,000 km
In Adam, Astra J, Cascada, Corsa D, Corsa E and Insignia A and 3 more models
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.0/1.2/1.4 EcotecIgnition coil failureThe ignition coils on this engine fail fairly often in the Corsa, Astra, Meriva and Adam, causing jerking, the engine warning light and, in the clearest cases, the engine running on one cylinder fewer; the garage fixes it by replacing the affected coil.Repair (garage): €150–€480Appears at around 15,000 km
In Adam, Astra H, Astra J, Corsa C, Corsa D and Corsa E and 2 more models
- Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTIClogged or faulty EGR valveAccording to a German used-car buying guide, the EGR valve is the only notable weakness of this engine once it had matured in the Vectra C. In the Zafira A there are several owner testimonies of a faulty EGR valve, one of them before 30,000 km.
In Astra G, Omega B, Signum, Vectra B, Vectra C and Zafira A
- Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 CDTISoot build-up in the injectors and EGR valveLike many diesels of its generation, the 2.0 CDTI builds up soot in the injectors and the EGR valve, especially on short journeys and in town. An injector replacement has been documented in an Insignia from 105,000 km, and faulty injectors are also cited in an Astra J.
In Astra J, Cascada, Insignia A, Insignia B and Zafira Tourer C
- Medium severityFrequency: Occasional2.0 BlueHDiEGR valve blocked by carbon depositsThe EGR valve on the 2.0 BlueHDi can get clogged with carbon deposits and stick, causing juddering and limp mode. Specialists place the greatest risk in the earlier 120 and 136/138 hp versions without AdBlue; at 150-180 hp the documented cases are in the minority.Repair (garage): €200–€350
In Grandland I, Vivaro C and Zafira Life
- 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 and Mokka B
- Low severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 and 1.8 Ecotec 16vIgnition coil failuresOn the Astra H, Zafira B and Insignia A, several owners of this engine (both the 1.6 and the 1.8) describe ignition coil failures, with loss of power and the engine warning light on. It is a cheap repair and there is no sign that it damages the rest of the engine.
In Astra H, Astra J, Insignia A, Vectra C and Zafira B

By Opel model

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

Engines and gearboxes involved

Frequently asked questions

Jerking in a Opel: what could it be?

In 29 models from Opel there are 10 documented faults that cause this symptom (jerking). The most important: seizure of the high-pressure pump and injection system, injector and high-pressure pump wear and spark plug breakage on the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech turbo. Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the cause and how to check for it.

Which Opel models have the most faults with this symptom?

Opel Astra J (4 faults), Opel Grandland I (4 faults), Opel Insignia A (3 faults) and Opel Vivaro C (3 faults).

Which Opel engines cause it?

1.2 PureTech (2 faults), 2.0 BlueHDi (2 faults), 1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec (1 fault), 1.4 Turbo (1 fault) and 1.5 BlueHDi (1 fault).