Opel Agila B
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Opel Agila B (2007–2014) is a Suzuki Splash with an Opel emblem — built in Hungary (Magyar Suzuki, Esztergom). A complete redesign over its predecessor: taller, wider, more modern, and noticeably better built. A hidden gem on the used market for anyone looking for a compact city car without pretensions. The Suzuki engineering is mature and cheap to maintain. MOT reports confirm: the Agila B scores above average in its class.
Engine choice: The K12B (1.2, 63/69 kW) is the clear recommendation — a Suzuki four-cylinder with timing chain instead of belt, real-world consumption 5.5–6.5 litres. The engine runs refined and is trouble-free up to 200,000 km with normal maintenance. Oil changes every 15,000 km are sufficient, the timing chain typically lasts the entire lifespan. The 69 kW version (from 2010) has variable valve timing and pulls slightly better. The K10B (1.0, 48 kW) with 3 cylinders is fine for the city but becomes loud and strained on the motorway — the fuel saving over the 1.2 is minimal (5.0–6.0 litres). The Z13DTH (1.3 CDTI, 51 kW) is the familiar Fiat Multijet diesel: economical (4.0–5.0 litres), but timing chain stretch from 100,000–130,000 km (repair 600–1,200 EUR) and DPF clogging with short trips remain persistent issues. For a city car like the Agila, the diesel is counterproductive — short trips and DPF do not mix.
Weak points: Rust protection is noticeably better on the Agila B than its predecessor — the Hungarian production has decent cavity wax treatment. Still, check sills and wheel arches after 12+ years. Rear brakes tend to seize with standing time — drum brakes need regular use, otherwise the shoes bond to the drums. Air conditioning compressor can fail from 80,000 km (350–600 EUR). Central locking occasionally plays up — actuator in the driver's door dies first (80–150 EUR replacement part). The suspension is comfort-oriented — front shock absorbers go soft from 100,000 km, causing the already tall car to lean more in corners (200–350 EUR per axle). The exhaust system rusts less than the predecessor's, but the rear silencer is often due after 10 years (120–250 EUR).
Test drive checklist: Cold start Z13DTH — chain rattle is the alarm signal. On all engines: switch on air conditioning and let it run for 5 minutes. Test rear brakes — gently first, then hard. Squealing or juddering indicates seized drums. Test central locking on all doors via key fob. Suspension: speed bumps at 50 km/h — does the car rock excessively? Check steering for play — slight wandering on the motorway can indicate worn track rod ends (from 60 EUR per side).
Buying advice: Market prices in 2026 are 2,000–4,500 EUR for 2010–2013 models with 70,000–100,000 km. Diesel examples are cheaper but carry higher repair risk. Insider tip: K12B 1.2 with 69 kW and manual 5-speed — the most reliable drivetrain, Suzuki parts are cheap and compatible with the Splash. Real-world consumption under 6 litres, tax and insurance in the city car bracket. Anyone looking for a low-maintenance city car for under 4,000 EUR is well served here. The Agila B offers better value for money than almost any other city car of its era.
94 PS
Agila · Benzin
A little more pep in the Agila
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.
90 hp variant of the small Fiat MultiJet diesel (1.3 L), fitted in the Corsa D and Astra H. The timing chain, declared maintenance-free by the manufacturer, is the biggest weakness and can catastrophically fail above 150,000 km — preventive replacement from 120,000 km is recommended. EGR and turbo wastegate are further typical wear points. No swirl flap problem like the larger Z19DTH — the 1.3 has no variable swirl flaps.
- !! Timing chain: stretch and chain failure from 170,000 km
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. - !! Turbo wastegate: seizing and pressure loss from 120,000 km
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. - !! EGR carbon buildup in intake from 120,000 km
The EGR system of the 1.3 CDTi recirculates exhaust gases into the intake tract, where soot deposits form. At high mileage the intake becomes increasingly clogged, causing power loss and increased consumption. Regular cleaning or EGR deactivation are common remedies.
Symptoms: Power loss, increased consumption, black smoke, check engine light
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Suzuki three-cylinder (1.0 L) in the Agila B, mechanically identical to the Suzuki Splash and Alto. Robust and economical, but with only 48 kW rather underpowered — on the motorway permanently running at its limit. Timing chain is fundamentally maintenance-free, with hardly any known engine weaknesses apart from occasional ignition coil problems and lambda sensor wear from 120,000 km. One of the most reliable small engines of its generation.
- !! Oil consumption from worn valve stem seals from 150,000 km
At higher mileages the valve stem seals can become porous and allow oil into the combustion chamber. Classic symptom is blue smoke from the exhaust, especially on cold start and overrun.
Symptoms: Blue exhaust smoke on cold start or overrun, dropping oil level with no visible external leak, sweet smell in exhaust - !! Thermostat failure and coolant loss from 130,000 km
The thermostat can fail at higher mileage – either stuck open (engine never reaches operating temperature) or stuck closed (risk of overheating). Coolant loss through porous hoses also documented.
Symptoms: Engine does not reach operating temperature, heater stays cold, temperature gauge rises unusually high, coolant level drops - ! Clogged fuel injectors from 120,000 km
The K10B injectors can gum up with poor fuel quality or extended storage. The result is rough running, increased consumption, and cold-start difficulties — especially with short-trip driving.
Symptoms: Rough running and unstable idle, increased fuel consumption, difficult cold start, engine stumble at low load
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Suzuki four-cylinder (1.2 L) with timing chain in the Agila B, mechanically identical to the Suzuki Splash. The K12B is a further development of the K12A with variable valve timing. Reliable with hardly any known weak points — occasionally slightly elevated oil consumption from 150,000 km due to valve stem seals. Spark plugs and ignition coils are the only regular service items. Economical and long-lasting with normal care.
- !! Recall: water pump pulley loose
Recall 2013/2014: The water pump pulley was insufficiently secured on a number of vehicles. If it detaches, overheating and engine damage are likely.
Symptoms: Sudden temperature rise, coolant temperature warning light, squealing from the engine bay - !! Gearbox damage from neglected oil service from 80,000 km
The gearbox requires an oil change every 45,000 km. If this is skipped, shifting becomes notchy and differential bearing damage can follow.
Symptoms: Progressively rougher gear changes, noise on shifting, whining from the gearbox area - ! Elevated oil consumption from valve stem seals from 130,000 km
From around 120,000 km, worn valve stem seals or piston rings can lead to elevated oil consumption. Up to 250 ml/1,000 km is considered normal — anything above indicates a fault.
Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start or after hard acceleration, oil level dropping with no visible external leak
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 33 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Agila B (2008–2014) — 15 engine-related and 18 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, EGR carbon buildup in intake. 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? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee