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Opel · Micro Car · 2012–2019 Custom Search

Opel Adam Adam

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.5 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

120–150 PS

1.4L Turbo Benzin

Adam S – genuine city sprinter

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

120–150 PS

1.4L Turbo Benzin

4 weaknesses

Good Choice

Engine Overview

The Opel Adam Adam is available with 4 engine variants — from 69 to 150 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.0L Turbo ECOTEC · Petrol· 90–116 PS Engine Change
2013 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2013 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
1.2L · Petrol· 69 PS
2012 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
1.4L · Petrol· 87–101 PS Engine Change
2012 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2012 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
1.4L Turbo · Petrol· 150 PS
2014 2019
Good Choice 4 weaknesses

The Opel 1.0L Turbo ECOTEC (Petrol, 90–116 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B10XFT (2013–2019, Be Careful) and B10XFT (2013–2019, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.0L Turbo ECOTEC!

The Opel 1.2L (Petrol, 69 PS) has the A12XER (1.2L) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.4L (Petrol, 87–101 PS) comes with 2 different engines: A14XER (2012–2019, Be Careful) and A14XER (2012–2019, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.4L!

The Opel 1.4L Turbo (Petrol, 150 PS) has the B14NET (1.4L Turbo) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Recall: panoramic glass roof can detach

Recall (2018): The panoramic glass roof may detach while driving. Adhesive on the aluminium frame inadequate. Affected: Opel Adam with panoramic roof.

Symptoms: No driver-noticeable symptoms — glass roof may detach at high speed without warning.
Low
Steering intermediate shaft can fracture

Steering intermediate shafts made from non-approved material can fracture, causing complete loss of steering.

Symptoms: Klappern oder Spiel in der Lenkung; im Extremfall plötzlicher Verlust der Lenkfähigkeit
Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 29 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Adam Adam (2012–2019) — 16 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Suspension, Electronics, HVAC. Considered reliable: B14NET (1.4L Turbo).

Adam (A12XER, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner worn, Timing cover seal leaking, Ignition coil module failure. Power: 69 PS.

Adam (A14XER, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner and guide rails worn, Water pump failing prematurely, Alternator failing prematurely. Power: 87 PS.

Adam (A14XER, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner and guide rails worn, Water pump failing prematurely, Alternator failing prematurely. Power: 101 PS.

Adam (B10XFT, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Timing chain worn, Head gasket failure, Turbocharger wear. Power: 90 PS.

Adam (B10XFT, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Timing chain worn, Head gasket failure, Turbocharger wear. Power: 116 PS.

What to watch out for with the Opel Adam? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Opel Adam Adam have? +
The Opel Adam Adam has 16 known engine weaknesses and 13 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Adam Adam? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: B14NET (1.4L Turbo). The most reliable engine is the B14NET (1.4L Turbo) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the B14NET (1.4L Turbo).
Which Opel Adam Adam engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Opel Adam Adam. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Opel Adam Adam engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Opel Adam Adam — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 110 kW turbo, sport suspension, direct gearbox – the Adam S is a real fun machine on tight twisty roads.
Is the Opel Adam Adam worth buying used? +
The Opel Adam Adam is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Adam Adam? +
The Opel Adam Adam is available with engine variants from 69 to 150 hp. Petrol: A12XER (1.2L), A14XER (1.4L), B14NET (1.4L Turbo), B10XFT (1.0L Turbo ECOTEC).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee