Opel Adam
Simple, robust naturally aspirated engine without turbocharging, fundamentally easy to maintain. Main weakness is the combination of timing chain and mechanical water pump, both in the same drive area and often needing renewal together.
Adam with attitude
74 kW naturally aspirated engine in the charming Adam body – light, direct, a nice package of design and agility.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The hydraulic chain tensioner cannot adequately tension the chain at low oil pressure (cold start). Plastic guide rails wear out. The problem occurs significantly earlier with neglected oil changes.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling immediately after cold start (disappears after 10–30 seconds), rhythmic clattering from the front of the engine, audible even when warm at advanced stages.
The mechanical water pump often fails as early as 18,000–79,000 km, well before its theoretical replacement interval. Its location in the timing chain area makes replacement labour-intensive.
Symptoms: Coolant loss (reddish fluid under vehicle), whistling from engine bay, temperature gauge rising, coolant level in reservoir visibly dropping.
Failures of the Hitachi alternator documented, particularly on vehicles with frequent short trips. Repair at an independent garage is significantly cheaper than at a main dealer.
Symptoms: Battery warning in instrument cluster, battery no longer charging fully, car fails to start after short standstill.
Like the larger Z18XER, the A14XER is prone to valve cover gasket leaks at higher mileage. The hardened gasket lets oil escape onto exhaust components.
Symptoms: Burning oil smell, oil film on outside of valve cover, light smoke from hot engine, oil loss relevant at MOT.
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.
