Opel Agila B
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
80–94 PS
1.2L 16V Benzin
Practical city dwarf
Decent60–68 PS
1.0L 12V Benzin
6 weaknesses
Good ChoiceGenerations
Engine Overview
The Opel Agila B is available with 3 engine variants — from 60 to 95 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Opel 1.3L CDTI (Diesel, 75 PS) has the Z13DTH (1.3L CDTI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Opel 1.0L 12V (Petrol, 60–68 PS) has the K10B (1.0L 12V) — rated: "Good Choice", 6 known weaknesses.
The Opel 1.2L 16V (Petrol, 80–94 PS) comes with 2 different engines: K12B (2008–2014, Good Choice) and K12B (2010–2014, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L 16V!
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Corroded brake lines Corroded brake lines are flagged from the third MOT onwards. Older examples fail through insufficient operation of foot and handbrake. Typical MOT failure from approx. 7–10 years. Symptoms: Spongy brake pedal with heavy corrosion, brake fluid loss. Often no driver awareness until MOT. from 100,000 km | Low | |
| Rear brake caliper seizing Rear brake calipers on the Agila B seize due to corroded guide pins. The caliper binds and causes uneven brake wear and pulling. Symptoms: Vehicle pulls to one side under braking, uneven brake pad wear, brake binding and dragging. from 35,000 km | Low | |
| Rear drum brake wear Vehicles with rear drum brakes: brake shoes and drums wear prematurely, especially with frequent short-trip driving. Shoe-to-drum contact area reduces if the handbrake cable is not properly adjusted. Symptoms: Squealing or grinding from the rear when braking; poor handbrake holding force; vehicle pulling under braking. from 35,000 km | Low | |
| Severe wear on rear drum brakes The rear drum brakes show severe wear as early as 30,000–40,000 km. Most common MOT complaint. Brake shoes and drums must be renewed early. Symptoms: Longer stopping distance, squealing or grinding noise when braking, vehicle pulling to one side, handbrake no longer holding from 35,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Fiat Abarth 595 312
Microcar (2012–2024)
Fiat Abarth 695 312
Microcar (2012–2024)
Hyundai i10 PA-FL
Microcar (2011–2013)
Kia Picanto TA
Microcar (2011–2017)
Lancia ypsilon 846
Microcar (2011–2024)
Seat Mii KF
Microcar (2011–2021)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 35 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Agila B (2008–2014) — 15 engine-related and 20 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Brakes, Steering, Electronics, Suspension. Considered reliable: K10B (1.0L 12V), K12B (1.2L 16V).
Agila (Z13DTH, 2008–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain: stretch and chain failure, Turbo wastegate: seizing and pressure loss, Swirl flaps: sooting and blockage. Power: 75 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 B have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Agila B? +
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Which Opel Agila B engine is the most reliable? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee