Opel Adam
Three-cylinder turbopetrol (1.0 L, 90–115 hp) from the GM Family 0. Timing chain is the central weakness with neglected oil changes. Turbocharger is robust but sensitive to cold-load operation.
Three-cylinder experiment
66 kW turbo three-cylinder in the Adam – distinctive sound, adequate in everyday use.
Engine Weaknesses 4
Timing chain stretches prematurely with long oil change intervals. Guide rails wear, chain tensioner gives way. In extreme cases, engine damage results.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling after cold start, in advanced stages audible when warm too.
Rare but documented: head gasket fails, one cylinder burns out. Repair costs up to 9,000 € with consequential damage.
Symptoms: Engine runs rough, coolant level drops, yellow warning light, possible total engine failure.
The turbocharger suffers when the engine is switched off frequently without a cool-down period after full-load use. Oil carbon deposits cause bearing wear.
Symptoms: Whistling noise, blue smoke, power loss under boost, elevated oil consumption.
Design-inherent vibrations at idle and low RPM. Not a defect, but noticeable with weak engine mounts.
Symptoms: Vibrations at the steering wheel and gear lever when stationary, rattling at idle, especially when cold.
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.
