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Opel · Microvan · 2002–2011 Custom Search

Opel Combo C

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

101–131 PS

1.7L CDTI Diesel

Combo diesel top

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

87–95 PS

1.4L 16V Twinport Benzin

4 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

60–80 PS

1.7L DI Diesel

8 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Opel Combo C is available with 5 engine variants — from 60 to 131 hp.

1.3L CDTI · Diesel· 69–75 PS
2003 2011
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.7L CDTI · Diesel· 101 PS
2003 2011
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.7L DI · Diesel· 75 PS
2002 2011
Stay Away! 8 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.4L 16V Twinport · Petrol· 90–95 PS
2003 2011
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L 16V · Petrol· 87 PS
2002 2011
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Opel 1.3L CDTI (Diesel, 69–75 PS) has the Z13DTH (1.3L CDTI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.7L CDTI (Diesel, 101 PS) has the Z17DTH (1.7L CDTI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.7L DI (Diesel, 75 PS) has the Y17DTL (1.7L DI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 8 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.4L 16V Twinport (Petrol, 90–95 PS) has the Z14XEP (1.4L 16V Twinport) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.6L 16V (Petrol, 87 PS) has the Z16XER (1.6L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Rust under entry strips

Rubber entry strips collect water; the metal band abrades the paint. Corrosion on the door sills is only visible after the strips are removed.

Symptoms: Blistering under entry strips, visible rust on the sill.
from 80,000 km
Ad entry strip Combo Csill panel Combo C
 Low
!Corrosion at wheel arches and underbody

Deep corrosion forms at the front and rear wheel arches and underbody during winter use.

Symptoms: Rust blisters at inner wheel arch edges, flaking when tapping the underbody.
from 100,000 km
Ad Combo C wheel archcavity wax
 Medium

Alternatives

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Kia Venga YN

Microvan (2009–2019)

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Nissan NV200 M20

Microvan (2009–2025)

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Citroën Berlingo II

Microvan (2008–2018)

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Citroën Nemo I

Microvan (2008–2017)

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Skoda Roomster 5J

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Peugeot 1007 A08

Microvan (2005–2009)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 39 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Combo C (2002–2011) — 26 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. One problem engine: Y17DTL (1.7L DI). Typical issues affect Rust, Body, Suspension, Brakes. Considered reliable: Z14XEP (1.4L 16V Twinport).

Combo (Y17DTL, 2002–2011) — Stay Away!: Injection pump ECU (EDU) faulty, Timing belt — engine damage if it breaks, Injection pump ECU (EDU) faulty — engine cuts out. Power: 75 PS.

Combo (Z13DTH, 2003–2011) — Be Careful: Timing chain: stretch and chain failure, Turbo wastegate: seizing and pressure loss, Swirl flaps: sooting and blockage. Power: 69–75 PS.

Combo (Z17DTH, 2003–2011) — Be Careful: Injectors worn — high return volume, Turbocharger bearing failure, EGR valve coked up and sticking. Power: 101 PS.

Combo (Z16XER, 2002–2011) — Be Careful: Timing belt neglected, Map-controlled thermostat faulty, Oil pressure switch leaking. Power: 87 PS.

What to watch out for with the Opel Combo? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Opel Combo C have? +
The Opel Combo C has 26 known engine weaknesses and 13 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Combo C? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: Z14XEP (1.4L 16V Twinport). The most reliable engine is the Z14XEP (1.4L 16V Twinport) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the Z17DTH (1.7L CDTI). Problem engine: Y17DTL (1.7L DI) — stay away!
Which Opel Combo C engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Opel Combo C. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Opel Combo C engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Opel Combo C — rated: "Decent". {description} 74 kW diesel in the Combo – the most powerful diesel, pulls well.
Is the Opel Combo C worth buying used? +
The Opel Combo C requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Combo C? +
The Opel Combo C is available with engine variants from 60 to 131 hp. Petrol: Z14XEP (1.4L 16V Twinport), Z16XER (1.6L 16V). Diesel: Y17DTL (1.7L DI), Z13DTH (1.3L CDTI), Z17DTH (1.7L CDTI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee