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Opel 1.6 CDTI engine: reliability and faults

Diesel · 1,598 cm³ · 110, 136, 160 hp · since 2013

Buy with care
Reliability
3.5/5

2 known faults

Verdict

A 1.6-litre aluminium four-cylinder diesel engine with a timing chain, fitted to the Opel Astra, Insignia, Zafira Tourer, Meriva and Mokka X. Its main flaw is the chain tensioner, which lets the chain go slack or even break: a rattle on start-up is a reason to walk away, and an invoice for a chain replacement is a real plus. The particulate filter and the EGR valve do not cope well with short trips.

Years to favour or avoid

To favour
No year particularly to favour
To avoid
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

Known faults

Timing chain and tensioner

Severity 3/3 · Serious

The original hydraulic tensioner is described as a design flaw: oil can drain away when the engine is off, the chain goes slack and gets noisy, and owners report broken chains. A rattle on start-up is the warning sign. CarVerif names the 2015-2018 1.6 CDTI 110 as the most at risk; Car Reliability Report advises against buying without an invoice for a recent chain replacement.

Versions
cdti-1-6
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Clogged particulate filter and EGR valve

Severity 2/3 · Costly

The particulate filter clogs, especially on short trips, and the EGR valve and cooler can fail: hard starting, limp mode or cutting out under load.

Versions
cdti-1-6
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Models fitted

Maintain and diagnose this engine

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of car parts (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.