Opel/Vauxhall 1.7 CDTI (Isuzu 4EE2 / «Circle L»)Timing belt
Timing belt: risk of serious failure if not changed on time on the 1.7 CDTI
The 1.7 CDTI has a timing belt (not a chain), with a replacement interval of 150,000 km or 6 years according to the buying guide consulted. We have not found documented cases of breakage on this engine, but going beyond that interval exposes you to a serious failure if the belt does give way.[1]
Why this rating?
Critical severity: It can destroy the engine or gearbox, or affects safety.
Frequency rare: We have not found any documented case of belt breakage in the sources consulted: the risk we describe is that of missing a known replacement interval (150,000 km or 6 years), not a failure rate specific to the engine. That is why we treat it as "rare" as far as actual breakage goes, even though the consequence of ignoring the interval is serious.[1]
Symptoms
- A belt that breaks while driving usually stops the engine dead, with no noises or warnings in the preceding days.[1]
Why it happens
This engine has a timing belt, not a chain; the Opel Meriva B buying guide consulted sets its replacement every 150,000 km or 6 years, whichever comes first.[1]
If it is not repaired: We have not found a documented case of this belt breaking, but on an engine whose camshafts are belt-driven, a break while driving immobilises the car and can cause serious internal damage if the valves strike the pistons.[1]
Affected cars and years
The timing belt is fitted to all the 1.7 CDTI displacements in this family (100 to 130 hp); only Opel's smaller 1.3 CDTI, a different engine not covered on this page, has a chain.[1]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.7 CDTI 100-101 hp (Z17DTH, 2003-2007) | 2003–2007 | Z17DTH |
| 1.7 CDTI 110 hp (Z17DTJ/A17DTJ/A17DTC/A17DTE, 2007-2014) | 2007–2014 | Z17DTJA17DTJA17DTCA17DTE |
| 1.7 CDTI 125 hp (Z17DTR/A17DTR, 2006-2013) | 2006–2013 | Z17DTRA17DTR |
| 1.7 CDTI 130 hp (A17DTS, 2010-2015) | 2010–2015 | A17DTS |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Chevrolet
- Chevrolet Cruze2012–2014
- Chevrolet Trax2013–2014
Honda
- Honda Civic VII2000–2005
Opel
- Opel Astra H2004–2009
- Opel Astra J2009–2013
- Opel Corsa D2006–2013
- Opel Meriva A2003–2010
- Opel Meriva B2010–2013
- Opel Zafira B2007–2013
- Opel Combo C2004–2011
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Timing belt, tensioner, guide rollers and, usually, the water pump, with the labour needed to strip down to the timing drive.[1]
We have not found a published, verified quote in Spain specific to this engine's timing kit.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Ask for the service history and check whether the timing belt change at 150,000 km or 6 years is recorded, whichever has come first.[1]
- If the car is approaching that mileage or age with no record of the change, plan to have it done as soon as possible: it is a preventive service, not a fault that gives advance warning.[1]
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Timing kit with water pump
Replaces the belt, tensioner, guide rollers and water pump at the scheduled service at 150,000 km or 6 years.
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
How to prevent it
- Do not stretch the belt change beyond 150,000 km or 6 years even if the car covers few miles: rubber degrades with time, not just with use.[1]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1.7 CDTI have a timing belt or a timing chain?
It has a timing belt. According to the buying guide consulted, all 1.7 CDTI displacements (100 to 130 hp) have a belt; only Opel's 1.3 CDTI, a different engine, uses a chain.[1]
How often does the 1.7 CDTI belt need changing?
Every 150,000 km or 6 years, whichever comes first, according to the same source.[1]
What happens if it is not changed on time?
We have not found documented cases of breakage on this engine, but as with any belt-driven timing, going beyond the interval increases the risk of it breaking while driving, which can leave the car immobilised and damage the engine internally.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.7 CDTI faults
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalClutchDual-mass flywheel and clutch wearA documented case of an Opel Meriva with this engine had to have the dual-mass flywheel and clutch replaced at 66,000 km, for €1,600 at a French garage. It is neither an official nor a Spanish figure, but it points to real wear of these parts.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlClogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) and oil dilutionThere are accounts from Opel Astra and Zafira owners with this engine describing a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) — in one case with only 17,000 km — and oil diluted with diesel after repeated failed regenerations.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlSoot fouling of the injectors and EGR valveThis engine's EGR valve tends to clog with soot, according to a German buying guide focused on the Meriva A; there are also accounts of misadjusted or faulty injectors from 100,000 km on the Meriva and Astra with this engine.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsPremature alternator wearThe Hitachi-brand alternator fitted at the factory to the 1.7 CDTI tends to wear out sooner than expected, according to a German buying guide on the Opel Astra H, with typical replacements at around 140,000 km; there are similar accounts on the Opel Meriva with this engine.
More faults with the timing belt on other engines and cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 PureTechOil-bath timing belt degradationThe oil-bath belt on the 1.2 PureTech (2012-2025) can swell and shed debris that blocks the oil pump pick-up; without lubrication, the engine can be destroyed. Stellantis covers it up to 10 years or 180,000 km and asks for it to be changed every 100,000 km or 6 years.Repair (garage): €400–€800
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.0 EcoBoostDegradation of the timing belt running in oilYes: the 1.0 EcoBoost's timing belt runs in oil and can degrade over the years, shedding bits of rubber that block the oil pump and seize the engine without warning. The NHTSA is investigating the case in the United States and Ford has shortened the recommended replacement interval.Repair (garage): €800–€1,200
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlueDegradation of the wet timing belt (2.0 EcoBlue)Yes: the 2.0 EcoBlue debuted a timing belt that runs bathed in oil on Ford's diesels. Over the years it can degrade and shed debris that affects the lubrication circuit, with a risk of seizure. A roundup by Autopista.es places it in the Focus, Kuga, Transit and Transit/Tourneo Custom.
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.0 / 1.5 VTEC TurboEngine failure caused by the wet timing beltYes: the 1.0 VTEC Turbo (P10A2) uses an oil-bath timing belt that degrades over time, blocks the lubrication circuit and can destroy the engine completely. Fiches-auto.fr documents several cases in the Honda Civic between 72,000 and 114,000 km.Appears at around 72,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonD4/D5Auxiliary belt breakage that takes the timing belt with it (5-cylinder)Yes: on the 2.4/2.0 5-cylinder (D5244T/D5204, 2001-2016), several owners describe the auxiliary belt breaking and taking out or damaging the timing belt, with the engine destroyed. It happens in the S60 and XC60 between 74,000 and 119,000 km, and in one case not even the extended warranty covered it.
- High severityFrequency: Very frequent1.6 HDiTiming belt failure and premature wearOn the 8-valve 1.6 HDi/e-HDi 112/115 built between October 2010 and September 2011 the belt could break and leave the car stranded. PSA covered the repair and in 2014 preventively replaced the belt and crankshaft sprocket on those that had passed 120,000 km.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Opel Meriva B: ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German