Opel Adam
Solid 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine with chain drive. The most critical weak point is the timing chain tensioner, whose weak spring fails with neglected oil changes.
Underpowered city dweller
51 kW in the cult compact with heavy equipment weight – the Adam wheezes rather than sprints.
Engine Weaknesses 4
Weak spring in the hydraulic tensioner cannot hold pressure with old oil. Chain slaps especially on cold start. Opel tensioner 55352909 as an improvement.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling immediately after cold start, disappears after warm-up.
Coolant loss without external leaks and oil sludge on the oil filler cap point to head gasket or timing cover seal failure. From approx. 130,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops with no visible leak, oil sludge on filler cap.
Spark plug connector insulation melts under heat exposure; moisture corrodes the contacts. Typical from 30,000–80,000 km.
Symptoms: Misfires and judder under load, engine management light, fault codes P0300–P0303.
Coked oil control rings cause oil consumption above 300 ml/1,000 km. Engine overhaul from €1,500 upwards.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, oil consumption above 0.5 l/1,000 km, oil mist in intake tract.
Vehicle Weaknesses 13
Recall (2018): The panoramic glass roof may detach while driving. Adhesive on the aluminium frame inadequate. Affected: Opel Adam with panoramic roof.
Steering intermediate shafts made from non-approved material can fracture, causing complete loss of steering.
The in-tank fuel pump can fail on the Adam, leading to no-start or engine cut-out while driving. Typical failure mode at higher mileage, sometimes already below 100,000 km.
The air conditioning compressor on the Adam can seize or fail, causing it to cut out completely. Replacement cost: €500–900 including regas.
Tie rod ends on the Adam wear prematurely. Noticeable play in the steering and MOT failures are common consequences.
Coil springs and shock absorbers on the Adam wear faster than average — particularly on the sport suspension. Springs can break at the coil end.
TÜV bemängelt beim Adam häufiger als üblich defekte oder falsch eingestellte Abblendlichter. Probleme treten bereits ab dem dritten Betriebsjahr auf.
Front wheel bearings on the Adam can develop a humming or grinding noise from around 80,000–100,000 km. Replacement cost per side: €180–280.
Surface corrosion on the underbody and sill edges is common on the Adam from around the third year. The thin factory undercoating is insufficient for winter use.
Water enters through the ventilation grilles below the rear bumper and leaking tail light seals. Spare wheel well and trunk floor become soaked. A known production-line issue.
The plastic flange on the thermostat housing becomes porous after 6–8 years. Pieces break off, coolant leaks out. Metal replacement available as an upgrade.
The gear linkage on the Adam's manual gearbox becomes stiff and imprecise with age, especially cold. 2nd and 3rd gears are the most affected.
Plastic connections in the dashboard rattle especially in cold weather and at certain engine speeds. Instrument cluster area and interior mirror trim particularly affected.
