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 B
51 kW diesel in the compact MPV – pure fuel cost calculation.
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 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.
