Opel Agila
90 hp variant of the small Fiat MultiJet diesel. The timing chain declared maintenance-free by the manufacturer is the biggest weakness and can catastrophically break above 150,000 km. EGR and turbo wastegate are further typical wear items.
Diesel Agila
51 kW diesel in the compact MPV – pure fuel economy optimiser, no driving pleasure.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The timing chain, declared maintenance-free, stretches considerably with long oil change intervals. A broken chain means engine damage from valve collision. Total failure documented at 184,000 km.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start from the timing chain area, easing slightly as it warms up. Sudden engine failure with heavy smoke in total failure cases.
The wastegate actuator on the IHI turbo seizes in the closed position through heat and ageing, leading to excessive boost pressure and limp mode. Turbo overhaul costs approx. 310 EUR.
Symptoms: Vehicle enters limp mode, severely reduced power, engine warning light, occasional whistling or grinding noises from turbo area.
The swirl flaps in the intake manifold coke up from EGR residues and crankcase ventilation. Complete intake manifold with swirl flaps costs approx. 520 EUR plus 250 EUR fitting.
Symptoms: Juddering and power loss especially on cold running, engine warning light with fault code P2279, poor throttle response in part-load range.
The EGR valve carbons up especially on short trips. Failures documented at 81,000–160,000 km. The valve can be cleaned or replaced; replacement part costs approx. 105 EUR.
Symptoms: Hesitation and juddering when cold, intermittent throttle response at part load, engine warning light, power drop.
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.
