Opel Astra H
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
192–241 PS
2.0L Turbo OPC Benzin
OPC precursor
Fun to Drive!87–95 PS
1.4L 16V Twinport Benzin
4 weaknesses
Good Choice150 PS
1.9L CDTI Diesel
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Opel Astra H is available as Coupé and Sports Tourer and Hatchback — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Opel Astra H is available with 8 engine variants — from 69 to 241 hp. 4 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Opel 1.3L CDTI (Diesel, 90–95 PS) has the Z13DTH (1.3L CDTI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Opel 1.7L CDTI (Diesel, 101–125 PS) comes with 2 different engines: Z17DTH (2004–2010, Be Careful) and Z17DTH (2007–2010, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.7L CDTI!
The Opel 1.9L CDTI (Diesel, 120–150 PS) comes with 2 different engines: Z19DT (2004–2010, Be Careful) and Z19DTH (2004–2010, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.9L CDTI!
The Opel 1.4L 16V Twinport (Petrol, 87–90 PS) has the Z14XEP (1.4L 16V Twinport) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.
The Opel 1.6L 16V (Petrol, 101–105 PS) has the Z16XER (1.6L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Opel 1.8L 16V (Petrol, 125–140 PS) comes with 2 different engines: Z18XER (2004–2010, Be Careful) and Z18XER (2005–2010, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.8L 16V!
The Opel 2.0L Turbo (Petrol, 170–200 PS) comes with 2 different engines: Z20LET (2004–2010, Be Careful) and Z20NEL (2004–2007, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L Turbo!
The Opel 2.0L Turbo OPC (Petrol, 241 PS) has the Z20LEH (2.0L Turbo OPC) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| M32 gearbox bearing failure The M32 6-speed manual gearbox has undersized bearings in the gearbox casing. The bearings cannot cope with the factory tolerances long-term, resulting in whining in 5th/6th gear and gear lever vibration on load changes. Symptoms: Whining noise in 5th and 6th gear, gear lever noticeably vibrates on acceleration and engine braking; in worst case oil loss through a cracked casing. from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Easytronic gearbox control unit failure The automated Easytronic gearbox is prone to control unit failures (fault code P1607) and clutch wear. The gearbox shifts sluggishly and harshly. Symptoms: Display shows a permanent 'F' or '-', vehicle will not start, judder on pull-away. from 90,000 km | Medium |
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 88 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Astra H (2004–2010) — 76 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. One problem engine: Z19DTH (1.9L CDTI). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Rust, Suspension, HVAC. Considered reliable: Z14XEP (1.4L 16V Twinport).
Astra (Z17DTH, 2004–2010) — Be Careful: Injectors worn — high return volume, Turbocharger bearing failure, EGR valve coked up and sticking. Power: 101 PS.
Astra (Z19DT, 2004–2010) — Be Careful: Dual mass flywheel worn, Timing belt breaks when replacement interval is exceeded, EGR valve coked up. Power: 120 PS.
Astra (Z19DTH, 2004–2010) — Stay Away!: Swirl flap failure in intake manifold, Turbocharger failure (Garrett GT1749MV), Dual mass flywheel and M32 gearbox. Power: 150 PS.
Astra (Z13DTH, 2005–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain: stretch and chain failure, Turbo wastegate: seizing and pressure loss, Swirl flaps: sooting and blockage. Power: 90–95 PS.
Astra (Z17DTH, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Injectors worn — high return volume, Turbocharger bearing failure, EGR valve coked up and sticking. Power: 125 PS.
Astra (A13DTE, 2009–2013) — Be Careful: Timing chain: stretch and rattle, Turbocharger: bearing failure from oil starvation, DPF clogging on short-trip use. Power: 90–95 PS.
Astra (A17DTS, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: EGR cooler leaking, Turbocharger VTG vanes seized, Timing chain stretching. Power: 110 PS.
Astra (A17DTS, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: EGR cooler leaking, Turbocharger VTG vanes seized, Timing chain stretching. Power: 125–131 PS.
Astra (A20DTH, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: Oil suction pipe seal hardened, EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up, Diesel particulate filter clogged. Power: 160–165 PS.
Astra (Z16XER, 2004–2010) — Be Careful: Timing belt neglected, Map-controlled thermostat faulty, Oil pressure switch leaking. Power: 101–105 PS.
Astra (Z18XER, 2004–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain and tensioner worn, Electric thermostat faulty, Increased oil consumption at high mileage. Power: 125 PS.
Astra (Z20LET, 2004–2010) — Be Careful: K04 turbocharger shaft seal leaking, Oil feed line to turbocharger ruptures, Oil consumption from piston rings and valve stem seals. Power: 200 PS.
Astra (Z20NEL, 2004–2007) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks (pre-facelift), Bypass valve membrane porous — boost pressure drop, Water pump difficult to access — high labour costs. Power: 170 PS.
Astra (Z18XER, 2005–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain and tensioner worn, Electric thermostat faulty, Increased oil consumption at high mileage. Power: 140 PS.
Astra (Z20LEH, 2005–2010) — Be Careful: Turbocharger bearing failure, Piston rings worn, Clutch prematurely worn. Power: 241 PS.
Astra (A14XER, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner and guide rails worn, Water pump failing prematurely, Alternator failing prematurely. Power: 101 PS.
Astra (A14NET, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: Piston ring land fractures and high oil consumption, Turbocharger blowing oil into intake, Water pump failure. Power: 120–125 PS.
Astra (A14NET, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: Piston ring land fractures and high oil consumption, Turbocharger blowing oil into intake, Water pump failure. Power: 140 PS.
Astra (A16XER, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure → engine failure, VVT actuator filter breaks, Thermostat failure. Power: 116 PS.
Astra (A16LET, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: Turbo bearing leaking — oil in intake, Timing chain stretching from neglect, Elevated oil consumption due to piston rings. Power: 179 PS.
Astra (A16LET, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: Turbo bearing leaking — oil in intake, Timing chain stretching from neglect, Elevated oil consumption due to piston rings. Power: 170 PS.
What to watch out for with the Opel Astra? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee