Opel Agila A
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
75–86 PS
1.2L 16V Twinport Benzin
Refreshed small one
DecentGenerations
Engine Overview
The Opel Agila A is available with 4 engine variants — from 54 to 95 hp.
The Opel 1.3L CDTI (Diesel, 69 PS) has the Z13DTH (1.3L CDTI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Opel 1.0L 12V (Petrol, 58–60 PS) has the Z10XE (1.0L 12V) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Opel 1.2L 16V (Petrol, 75–80 PS) has the Z12XE (1.2L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.
The Opel 1.2L 16V Twinport (Petrol, 75–80 PS) has the Z12XEP (1.2L 16V Twinport) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
Explore more
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel pump relay failure — no-start The fuel pump relay can fail on the Agila A, preventing fuel delivery. The engine then cranks but does not start. Symptoms: Engine cranks but does not start; no fuel pump priming sound when key is turned to position 2. from 80,000 km | Low | |
| MAF sensor failure or contamination The MAF sensor on the Agila A fails or becomes contaminated, causing rough running and poor throttle response. This is a common wear item after 80,000 km. Symptoms: Engine management light, poor throttle response, rough idle, increased fuel consumption. from 100,000 km | Low | |
| Fuel gauge sender faulty The fuel gauge sender in the tank fails on the Agila A. The display shows incorrect or stagnant readings. Symptoms: Fuel gauge reads incorrectly or stays fixed at one position; low fuel warning light stays on despite a full tank. from 100,000 km | Low | |
| Downstream oxygen sensor failure The downstream oxygen sensor fails repeatedly on the Agila A (1.0 and 1.2 16V), sometimes multiple times within a few months. Fault code P0141 (O2 sensor heater circuit) is typical. Aftermarket replacements available cheaper than OEM. Symptoms: Motorkontrollleuchte leuchtet, erhöhter Kraftstoffverbrauch, leichte Ruckler im Teillastbereich from 90,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Citroën C1 I
Microcar (2005–2014)
Peugeot 107 PN
Microcar (2005–2014)
Toyota Aygo AB10
Microcar (2005–2014)
Kia Picanto SA
Microcar (2004–2011)
Lancia ypsilon 843
Microcar (2003–2011)
Hyundai Atos Prime MX
Microcar (1999–2008)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 33 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Agila A (2000–2007) — 20 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Steering, Brakes, Body.
Agila (Z13DTH, 2003–2007) — Be Careful: Timing chain: stretch and chain failure, Turbo wastegate: seizing and pressure loss, Swirl flaps: sooting and blockage. Power: 69 PS.
Agila (Z10XE, 2000–2007) — Be Careful: Head gasket faulty, Lambda sensor faulty, Throttle body dirty. Power: 58–60 PS.
Agila (Z12XE, 2000–2007) — Be Careful: Timing belt breaks → engine damage, Timing chain tensioner with insufficient travel, Oil consumption from piston rings. Power: 75–80 PS.
Agila (Z12XEP, 2003–2007) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched, Oil pressure switch leaking → oil migrating through wiring loom, Coil pack faulty. Power: 75–80 PS.
What to watch out for with the Opel Agila? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Opel Agila A have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Agila A? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Opel Agila A engine is the most fun? +
Is the Opel Agila A worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Agila A? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee