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B16DTEB16DTU

1.6 CDTI 95 hp (B16DTE/B16DTU, 2014-2018) engine: faults and reliability

Opel/Vauxhall 1.6 CDTI «Whisper Diesel» (GM Medium Diesel, B16DTx) version

With caution

It shares its block, timing chain and tensioner with the rest of the B16 family, with the same documented risks that we describe in this engine's faults.[1][2]

Years
2014–2018
Power
95 hp
Faults that affect it
3
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
2
in our database

4 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Entry-level step of the range, with 95 hp; it gradually replaced earlier diesel engines in the Astra K and the Meriva B.[3][4]

Engine codes of this version: B16DTE, B16DTU.

Faults of the B16DTE engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingNoise 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.
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlSuspected software shut-off of the EGR valve (emissions investigation)Between 2016 and 2018, Germany's KBA and the Frankfurt prosecutor's office investigated whether Opel switched off the EGR valve on its Zafira and Insignia diesels above certain conditions, increasing real-world NOx. Opel denied it and, according to the sources consulted, there is no record of a penalty or of a corrective campaign having been carried out.
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlAdBlue (SCR) system failure on Euro 6 versionsOn Euro 6 versions with AdBlue, the SCR system can fail through crystallisation of the fluid or the use of a non-approved additive, with repairs that usually exceed €1,000 and can approach €2,000; one Mokka X 1.6 CDTI owner describes it as the worst problem with the car.Repair (garage): €1,000–€2,000

Cars fitted with the B16DTE engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Opel

Frequently asked questions

Is the B16DTE engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. It shares its block, timing chain and tensioner with the rest of the B16 family, with the same documented risks that we describe in this engine's faults.[1][2]

What faults does the B16DTE engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: noise and early wear of the timing chain and its tensioner (high severity), suspected software shut-off of the EGR valve (emissions investigation) (medium severity) and adBlue (SCR) system failure on Euro 6 versions (medium severity).

Which cars use the B16DTE engine?

Opel Astra K (2015–2019) and Opel Meriva B (2013–2017).[3][4]

Are you buying a car with the B16DTE engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiabilité Opel Astra 5 (K) - avis et pannes des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité Opel Mokka X - avis et pannes des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Opel Astra KWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Opel MerivaWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026