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Opel · Micro Car · 2008–2014 Custom Search

Opel Agila B

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

4.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

80–94 PS

1.2L 16V Benzin

Practical city dwarf

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

60–68 PS

1.0L 12V Benzin

6 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations


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.

1.3L CDTI · Diesel· 75 PS
2008 2014
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
1.0L 12V · Petrol· 60–68 PS
2008 2014
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
1.2L 16V · Petrol· 80–94 PS Engine Change
2008 2014
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
2010 2014
Good Choice 5 weaknesses

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

WeaknessCost
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

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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? +
The Opel Agila B has 15 known engine weaknesses and 20 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Agila B? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: K10B (1.0L 12V), K12B (1.2L 16V). The most reliable engine is the K10B (1.0L 12V) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the K12B (1.2L 16V).
Which Opel Agila B engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Opel Agila B. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 6 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Opel Agila B engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Opel Agila B — rated: "Decent". {description} The Agila B 1.2 with 86 hp is an honest city car. Surprisingly roomy for its class, economical and reliable.
Is the Opel Agila B worth buying used? +
The Opel Agila B is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Agila B? +
The Opel Agila B is available with engine variants from 60 to 95 hp. Petrol: K10B (1.0L 12V), K12B (1.2L 16V). Diesel: Z13DTH (1.3L CDTI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee