Opel Astra
Robust 1.4 L naturally aspirated engine with chain drive. Typical problem: thermostat and throttle body. Long-lived with good maintenance, past 250,000 km.
Economical, not sprightly
The 1.4 in the Astra H is a patient companion – 66 kW for a 1,200 kg car is tight.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The thermostat tends to stick, leading to overheating or a permanently cold engine. Common from 80,000 km, coolant temperature gauge fluctuates significantly.
Symptoms: Engine temperature does not reach operating temperature or rises above normal. Heater output deteriorates.
Oil mist from the crankcase ventilation contaminates the electronic throttle body. Engine stalls at idle or runs rough.
Symptoms: Rough idle, engine stalls when coming to a stop, engine warning light illuminated.
The cassette coil module fails partially or completely. Particularly affects early build years up to 2006.
Symptoms: Misfires, rough engine running, engine warning light flashing, power loss.
The cam cover gasket becomes brittle and leaks with age. Oil drips onto the exhaust manifold, burning smell from engine bay.
Symptoms: Oil smell after switching off, visible oil traces on cam cover, slight oil consumption.
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
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.
The AC condenser sits low in the front end and is heavily exposed to stone damage. Damaged fins lead to refrigerant loss.
The rear brake discs on the Astra H are prone to heavy surface corrosion, especially on vehicles that see little use. Discs often need replacing due to rust rather than wear.
On the Astra H 1.8 petrol engine the oil cooler gaskets fail, creating an oily, sludgy residue in the coolant expansion tank. If ignored, the cooling circuit becomes contaminated.
The electrohydraulic power steering on the Astra H fails intermittently or permanently. Cause: earth fault at the A-pillar to the CIM control unit, or faulty power steering pump. Steering becomes heavy.
Moisture penetrates through the chrome strip at the tailgate lower edge. The sealing is inadequate, leading to zinc bloom and rust under the paint.
The front axle anti-roll bar drop links wear comparatively quickly on the Astra H. Worn drop links cause dull knocking when cornering or over bumps.
Water enters the Astra H estate's boot through porous tailgate seals or leaking roof rail seam sealant. Moisture damage to the carpet and electronics is possible.
Recall (Opel): A contact fault in the steering column module (CIM) causes the horn to fail on Astra H and Zafira B (2004–2010). Affects hundreds of thousands of vehicles.
In the Astra H, plastic clips and trim around the interior mirror, instrument cluster, and centre console loosen. Creaking and rattling at certain RPM levels or road surfaces.
