Opel Combo D vs Opel Combo E: which is more reliable?
According to the MotorFiable Score, the Opel Combo E (5.3/10) has fewer serious documented faults than the Opel Combo D (5.0/10), mainly because of their engines.
| Item | Opel Combo D | Opel Combo E |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Van and combi | Van and combi |
| Years | 2011–2018 | 2018–today |
| MotorFiable Score | 5.0 out of 10 | 5.3 out of 10 |
| Engine score | 3.6/10 | 4.5/10 |
| Most recommended engine | 1.3 Multijet · With caution | 1.5 BlueHDi · Buy |
| Score for the rest of the car | 6.5/10 | 6.2/10 |
| Brakes | 7.7 out of 101 faultCritical severity | 8.1 out of 101 faultHigh severity |
| Steering | 8.4 out of 101 faultHigh severity | 7.9 out of 101 faultHigh severity |
| Gearbox and clutch | No documented faults | 8.6 out of 101 faultCritical severity |
| Electronics and infotainment | No documented faults | 9.3 out of 101 faultMedium severity |
| Bodywork and interior | 8.3 out of 100 faults | 7.9 out of 101 faultHigh severity |
| Airbags and safety | No documented faults | 7.1 out of 101 faultCritical severity |
Scores out of 10: the higher, the fewer serious documented faults. How we calculate them
Main faults of the Opel Combo D
Outside the 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.
In their engines
- 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
- High severityFrequency: Common1.3 MultijetIncomplete 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: Occasional1.3 MultijetSeized 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
Main faults of the Opel Combo E
Outside the 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.
In their engines
- 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
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiAdBlue 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: 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.