Opel Agila
Suzuki four-cylinder with timing chain, successor to the Z12XE concept. Fitted in the Agila B, identical to the Suzuki Splash. Reliable, hardly any known weak points. Oil consumption occasionally slightly elevated.
A little more pep in the Agila
The stronger K12B variant makes the Agila B suitably lively for everyday use. Stop-start saves fuel – driving fun remains a means to an end.
Engine Weaknesses 5
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
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
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
Reverse gear is difficult to engage, especially with a cold gearbox. The cause is the unsynchronised reverse gear design combined with neglected gearbox oil changes.
Symptoms: Reverse gear won't engage or grinds, improves after briefly selecting a forward gear first
Faulty MAF sensors or lambda sensors on the K12B can cause poor mixture formation, power loss, and increased fuel consumption. Typical high-mileage issue beyond 100,000 km.
Symptoms: Engine management light, rough idle, increased fuel consumption, poor throttle response
Vehicle Weaknesses 20
On Agila B models from 2011–2012 the lower joint of the steering intermediate shaft may not be correctly connected to the steering gear. In extreme cases steering can be lost completely. Recall action by Opel.
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.
Recall for 2008 Agila B: possibly missing tear seam on the passenger airbag cover. The airbag may not deploy correctly when activated.
Recall 2011–2012: the lower joint of the steering intermediate shaft may not be correctly connected to the steering gear. In extreme cases, steering ability could be lost.
Rear brake calipers on the Agila B seize due to corroded guide pins. The caliper binds and causes uneven brake wear and pulling.
The spring seat joints and lower control arm bushings on the Agila B wear prematurely, causing knocking noises over bumps.
The gearbox on the Agila B requires regular oil changes. Neglected intervals lead to noisy gearboxes and premature bearing wear.
Surface corrosion on the underbody and sill areas is common on the Agila B, especially on vehicles that have not had underbody protection applied.
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.
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.
With age, broken springs and worn shock absorbers become common. Control arm bushings wear prematurely. Suspension regularly flagged at inspection.
Early Agila B models show surface rust on the trunk lid and wheel arches within a few years. Underbody bolts and exhaust system rust quickly.
Coolant loss on the Agila B without visible external leaks — typically due to a porous thermostat housing or cylinder head gasket weeping.
The battery on the Agila B fails prematurely, especially with predominantly short-trip driving. Starting difficulties in winter are a typical symptom.
Electric window regulators fail through faulty motors, broken cables or worn guide rails. Mainly affects driver and passenger side.
The cabin blower resistor fails — the blower then only works on the highest speed. Known problem on Agila B and the related Suzuki Splash. Replacement part inexpensive.
Engaging reverse on the manual gearbox is frequently difficult. Design-related characteristic of the Suzuki gearbox without a permanent fix.
The Suzuki gearbox in the Agila B requires transmission oil changes every 45,000 km. With neglect, shifting becomes increasingly notchy and can cause expensive damage.
The rear window seal on the Agila B leaks and allows water to enter the boot area. The sealant compound degrades over time.
Rear silencer and mid box corrode reliably. A routine repair on older models past 120,000 km. Cheap replacement with aftermarket parts possible.
