Opel Agila
Twinport development of the Z12XE with variable intake system. Timing chain instead of belt, but with known chain elongation from ~120,000 km. Oil pressure switch can push creeping oil into the ECU.
Refreshed small one
The XEP is somewhat more refined than the XE – a solid choice in the Agila A.
Engine Weaknesses 4
Timing chain stretches from around 120,000 km, especially with short trips and infrequent oil changes. Workshop costs approx. 1,150 EUR, GM chain kit 93191271.
Symptoms: Loud rattling immediately after cold start, rhythmic ticking from the timing chain area.
Oil pressure switch leaks, oil migrates by capillary action through the wiring loom to the lambda sensor and engine ECU. In the worst case, ECU failure.
Symptoms: Lambda sensor fault code, engine warning light, rough running, oil visible in connectors.
Coil pack is a known weak point. Water ingress causes corrosion at the contacts, misfires through to engine limp mode.
Symptoms: Flashing engine warning light, juddering and power loss, engine in limp mode.
Swirl flaps in the Twinport system cause juddering episodes at around 2,200 rpm. Wear or contamination of the swirl flap actuator.
Symptoms: Juddering and shaking when accelerating around 2,000–2,500 rpm.
Vehicle Weaknesses 13
The electric power steering on the Agila A can fail without warning. The EPS warning light comes on and the steering becomes heavy.
The fuel pump relay can fail on the Agila A, preventing fuel delivery. The engine then cranks but does not start.
The clutch release fork lever can break on the Agila A, making gear changes impossible. A known design weakness — a reinforced replacement part is available.
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.
Coolant loss at the thermostat housing is a common fault on the Agila A. The plastic housing cracks or the seal becomes porous.
Front brake discs and pads on the Agila A wear below average. With the lightweight construction the braking forces are manageable, but cheap replacement parts accelerate wear.
Door locks on the Agila A seize and are known for breaking keys. The problem mainly affects older vehicles with worn lock cylinders.
The fuel gauge sender in the tank fails on the Agila A. The display shows incorrect or stagnant readings.
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.
Rear wheel bearings on the Agila A wear out past 70,000–100,000 km. Shares this issue with the Suzuki Wagon R+ it is based on.
Sill panels and rear wheel arch edges on the Agila A are susceptible to rust. Affected areas are often behind the wheel arch liner.
Agila A door locks are structurally prone to failure. Keys break in the lock cylinder, especially when locks seize in winter.
The blower motor resistor burns out on the Agila A. The fan then only works on the highest speed setting.
