Opel Combo E vs Renault Master III: which is more reliable?
According to the MotorFiable Score, the Renault Master III (6.2/10) has fewer serious documented faults than the Opel Combo E (5.3/10), mainly because of their engines.
| Item | Opel Combo E | Renault Master III |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Van and combi | Van and combi |
| Years | 2018–today | 2010–2024 |
| MotorFiable Score | 5.3 out of 10 | 6.2 out of 10 |
| Engine score | 4.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Most recommended engine | 1.5 BlueHDi · Buy | 2.3 dCi (M9T) · Buy |
| Score for the rest of the car | 6.2/10 | 5.6/10 |
| Suspension | 8.6 out of 100 faults | 7.9 out of 101 faultHigh severity |
| Brakes | 8.1 out of 101 faultHigh severity | 7.0 out of 101 faultHigh severity |
| Steering | 7.9 out of 101 faultHigh severity | 7.6 out of 102 faultsCritical severity |
| Gearbox and clutch | 8.6 out of 101 faultCritical severity | 7.9 out of 101 faultHigh severity |
| Electrical system | No documented faults | 7.9 out of 101 faultHigh severity |
| Electronics and infotainment | 9.3 out of 101 faultMedium severity | No documented faults |
| Bodywork and interior | 7.9 out of 101 faultHigh severity | 6.8 out of 101 faultHigh severity |
| Airbags and safety | 7.1 out of 101 faultCritical severity | 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 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.
Main faults of the Renault Master III
Outside the engine
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringSteering column cover not tightened properly: risk of losing steering (2016-2017)A campaign notified in the EU in April 2018 affects Masters built between 12 May 2016 and 26 June 2017: the steering column cover may not be properly tightened and, in the worst case, could cause the vehicle to lose steering.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyLoose or missing passenger airbag mounting bolts (2018-2019)A campaign notified in the EU in February 2020 affects Masters built between 17 September 2018 and 17 October 2019: the passenger airbag mounting bolts may be under-tightened or missing, and that could reduce its protection in a crash.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesFaulty rear right parking brake caliper (campaigns 0DM1 and C0173)In 2021 there were two campaigns over the rear right parking brake caliper on the Master III: one for an incorrect caliper on vehicles built in February (0DM1) and another because an internal part could break when the brake was applied on vehicles built from May to July (C0173). Both are limited to specific production windows.
In their engines
- High severityFrequency: Occasional2.3 dCi (M9T)Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turboThe 2.3 dCi's EGR valve clogs with soot in urban use and, if it breaks, its fragments can damage the turbo. A French source cites bills of €1,200 to €2,300 for the EGR and turbo together.Repair (garage): €1,200–€2,300
- Medium severityFrequency: Occasional2.3 dCi (M9T)Faulty injectors on the 2.3 dCiSome 2.3 dCi engines show the "injection problem" warning and go into limp mode, sometimes at low mileage. One source indicates between €400 and €1,800 for the repair.Repair (garage): €400–€1,800
- Medium severityFrequency: Occasional2.3 dCi (M9T)Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogged in urban useIn urban deliveries with little mileage the particulate filter may fail to regenerate and become clogged. One source puts the servicing or replacement at between €350 and €1,500.Repair (garage): €350–€1,500