Opel Antara A
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Opel Antara (2006–2015) is essentially a Chevrolet Captiva — built on the GM Theta platform in South Korea (GM Daewoo, Bupyeong). Significantly cheaper as a used car than a comparable Astra or Insignia, and there are reasons for that. Build quality is below Opel standards, the technology is prone to faults, and without careful buying, the result is a rolling workshop bill. That said: knowing the weak points and buying selectively yields a spacious SUV with all-wheel drive for very little money. Interior space is generous, and the towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg is decent.
Engine choice: The pre-facelift (2006–2010) offered the Z24XE (2.4 petrol, 103 kW) — a sluggish engine with high consumption (11–13 litres real), known for timing chain stretch from 80,000 km (repair 500–1,000 EUR). Not recommended. From the 2010 facelift came the improved A24XE (2.4, 123 kW) — somewhat more refined, but the fundamental problem remains: too much consumption for too little power. The sensible choice for the Antara is diesel: A22DM (2.2 CDTI, 120 kW) and A22DMH (2.2 CDTI, 135 kW) from the facelift — both based on the Fiat/GM diesel block. Real-world consumption 8–9.5 litres, adequate torque (350–400 Nm) for the 1,800 kg vehicle. The 135 kW version pulls noticeably better and is the clear first choice.
Weak points: The all-wheel drive (BorgWarner clutch on the rear axle) is the most expensive risk — clutch wears, AWD fails, repair 1,500–3,000 EUR. Front-wheel-drive models eliminate this issue entirely. Automatic gearbox (Aisin AW TF-80SC 6-speed) judders from 100,000 km when shifting — gearbox oil changes every 60,000 km significantly extend lifespan but are rarely done (oil change approx. 200–350 EUR). Turbocharger on the 2.2 CDTI: bearing wear from 120,000 km, oil mist in the intake tract as a precursor (1,200–2,200 EUR). DPF clogs with city driving — avoid short-trip vehicles. Suspension: front wishbone bushes wear quickly (knocking from 60,000 km, 150–350 EUR per side), rear shock absorbers go soft from 80,000 km. Rust on the rear wheel arches and underbody from 10+ years — below-average rust protection for Opel standards, the Korean production shows here.
Test drive checklist: Test AWD: accelerate on wet surface with steering lock — does the rear axle engage or only the front wheels spin? Test automatic cold: 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd at low revs — juddering or delay? Cold start diesel — turbo whine, chain rattle? Look under the car: oil traces at turbo, underbody rust. Suspension: cobblestones at 40 km/h — knocking from the front axle? Check steering for play.
Buying advice: Market prices in 2026 are 4,000–8,000 EUR for facelift models (2010–2015) with 100,000–140,000 km. Pre-facelift under 3,000 EUR. Insider tip: A22DMH 2.2 CDTI with 135 kW, facelift, front-wheel drive and manual gearbox — this eliminates the three most expensive risks (AWD clutch, automatic gearbox, weak petrol engine). Service book is mandatory for the Antara — anyone who cannot produce one has probably skipped the gearbox oil change and AWD maintenance. Without maintenance records, walk away.
184 PS
Antara · Diesel
Strongest Antara diesel
DecentEngine Overview
The Opel Antara A is available with 2 engine variants — from 140 to 184 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
Isuzu-derived 2.2-litre diesel for the Antara from the 2011 facelift onwards. Timing chain and injectors are the known weak points — the chain stretches from around 150,000 km, and injectors can seize and cause thread damage in the cylinder head during removal. EGR valve and DPF are prone to issues with short-trip driving. Pay attention to regular oil changes with ACEA C3 oil specification.
- !! Timing chain stretching from 100,000 km
The timing chain stretches between 80,000 and 120,000 km. Preventive replacement at 100,000 km recommended.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, rough running, engine management light, camshaft position fault code - !! Injector clamp bolt breaks from 100,000 km
Injector clamp bolts can break. Repair is complex as damaged bolts are difficult to remove.
Symptoms: Rough running, oil loss, unusual noises, in worst case engine failure - !! Timing chain stretching — oil pump chain at risk from 150,000 km
The A22DM in Insignia A has a two-part chain layout (timing chain above, oil pump chain below). When the timing chain stretches, the oil pump chain often breaks next, causing engine failure. Repair €2,000–4,000.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start (timing chain); for oil pump chain: oil pressure warning, engine noise, abrupt stop.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
More powerful 184 hp variant of the A22DM sharing the same base engine and identical structural weaknesses: timing chain stretch, seized injectors and EGR carbonisation. Due to the higher output this variant is somewhat more thermally stressed, which causes the turbocharger to age faster. Regular oil changes and motorway driving are even more important with this variant than with the 163 hp sibling.
- !! Timing chain stretching from 100,000 km
Same timing chain issues as the A22DM. Replacement at 100,000 km recommended.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, engine management light, camshaft position fault code - !! Injector clamp bolt breaks from 100,000 km
Injector clamp bolts can break, identical issue to the A22DM.
Symptoms: Rough running, oil loss, unusual noises - !! Timing chain + oil pump chain — double risk from 150,000 km
Identical to A22DM: timing chain stretches from 150,000 km, leading to oil pump chain failure and engine damage if delayed. The AWD variant has higher drive load which accelerates wear.
Symptoms: Cold-start timing chain rattle; as it progresses: oil pressure warning light and engine stop from broken oil pump chain.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
GM four-cylinder (2.4 L, 103 kW) in the Antara pre-facelift, mechanically identical to the Chevrolet Captiva engine. Known for early clutch and manual gearbox damage — the clutch is undersized for the SUV weight. Alternator failure is a recurring issue. The engine itself is robust; the peripherals cause the problems. Timing chain is long-lived with regular oil changes.
- !! Thermostat faulty — overheating risk from 90,000 km
On the Z24XE in the Vectra C and Antara, the thermostat frequently fails in the open position (engine does not warm up) or the closed position (overheating). Inexpensive wear item but often identified late.
Symptoms: Engine does not reach operating temperature or overheats; coolant temperature gauge behaves erratically. - !! Timing chain tensioner blocked by oil sludge from 140,000 km
If engine oil is changed too infrequently, sludge forms and blocks the timing chain tensioner. The chain stretches and knocks; in the worst case engine damage from a jumped timing chain.
Symptoms: Knocking from the upper engine area, rattling on cold start that does not improve. - !! Gearbox and clutch fail early from 50,000 km
The manual gearbox shows early clutch and gearbox damage, sometimes below 50,000 km. In individual cases, 4 gearbox failures in 3 years have been documented.
Symptoms: Gearbox stiff, clutch slipping, noises from gearbox area
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Further development of the Z24XE for the Antara from the 2011 facelift with 123 kW. The 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is fundamentally robust but shares the typical GM Ecotec weaknesses: timing chain stretch with neglected oil changes and susceptible VVT actuators. Clutch and manual gearbox damage occurs earlier with typical SUV usage patterns. Alternator failure is a known recurring issue.
- !! Thermostat failure — overheating risk from 90,000 km
The A24XE in the Antara shares the thermostat weakness with the Z24XE. A failure in the closed position risks rapid overheating; replacement is an inexpensive preventive service.
Symptoms: Engine stays cold or overheats; coolant temperature fluctuates erratically; heater barely produces warmth. - !! Oil sludge blocking chain tensioner from 140,000 km
Extended oil change intervals promote sludge that blocks the A24XE timing chain tensioner. If the chain stretches too far it jumps a tooth and causes total engine failure.
Symptoms: Tapping from the valve train, cold-start rattle, MIL from over-stretched chain. - !! Clutch wearing out early from 60,000 km
The clutch wears prematurely from the high vehicle weight of the SUV.
Symptoms: Clutch biting high, slip under load, burning smell
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rust on tailgate and wheel arch edges The tailgate panel and rear wheel arch edges rust prematurely on the Antara A. Vehicles from 2010 onwards in particular show paint bubbling at the rear bumper corners. Symptoms: Blistering at the bottom edge of the tailgate, rust spots at the rear wheel arches, paint lifting at bumper transitions from 40,000 km | Medium | |
| Rear chrome trim oxidises The chrome trim on the Antara's tailgate and bumpers dulls prematurely and shows oxidation spots. The surface peels over a wide area; replacement parts are hard to find. Symptoms: White or brown oxidation spots on chrome trim, peeling chrome layer, unsightly appearance. from 60,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
BMW X4 F26
Mid-Size SUV (2014–2018)
Infiniti QX60 L50
Mid-Size SUV (2014–2020)
Nissan X-Trail T32
Mid-Size SUV (2014–2017)
Toyota Highlander XU50
Mid-Size SUV (2014–2019)
Audi SQ5 8R
Mid-Size SUV (2013–2017)
Nissan Pathfinder R52
Mid-Size SUV (2013–2020)
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 45 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Antara A (2006–2016) — 32 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Electronics, Gearbox, Suspension.
Antara (A22DM, 2010–2016) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretching, Injector clamp bolt breaks, Timing chain stretching — oil pump chain at risk. Power: 163 PS.
Antara (A22DMH, 2010–2016) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretching, Injector clamp bolt breaks, Timing chain + oil pump chain — double risk. Power: 184 PS.
Antara (Z24XE, 2006–2010) — Be Careful: Thermostat faulty — overheating risk, Timing chain tensioner blocked by oil sludge, Gearbox and clutch fail early. Power: 140 PS.
Antara (A24XE, 2010–2016) — Be Careful: Thermostat failure — overheating risk, Oil sludge blocking chain tensioner, Clutch wearing out early. Power: 167 PS.
What to watch out for with the Opel Antara? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Opel Antara A have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Antara A? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Opel Antara A engine is the most fun? +
Is the Opel Antara A worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Antara A? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee