Opel Combo
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.
Combo diesel
51 kW in the Combo – absolute base spec.
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 12
The engine control unit on the Combo C can fail and cause issues such as running on only 3 cylinders or sporadic power loss. OBD diagnosis required; repair often expensive.
Rubber entry strips collect water; the metal band abrades the paint. Corrosion on the door sills is only visible after the strips are removed.
Deep corrosion forms at the front and rear wheel arches and underbody during winter use.
Control arms, anti-roll bar drop links, and steering bushings wear quickly with commercial use and frequent full loads.
The mechanical handbrake frequently shows insufficient holding force. Brake cables stretch or seize.
On the Combo C, steering bushings and tie rod joints wear faster than on a private car in everyday and commercial use. Typical problem at higher mileages, especially on frequently loaded vehicles.
Lower and middle guide rail of the sliding door: paint flakes off, rust develops. Pre-2004 vehicles used inferior-quality material.
Faulty actuator motors at the sliding door and tailgate. Cable breaks at moving door components or corroded connectors.
The heater matrix becomes blocked by coolant sludge, especially if water rather than coolant concentrate was topped up frequently. The cabin stays cold despite a warm engine.
Leaking gaskets at the thermostat housing lead to slow coolant loss. Head gasket damage can follow if left unaddressed.
The sliding door guide rail corrodes; the plastic protective strip becomes brittle and breaks. Stiff sliding door and moisture ingress.
Plastic clips and connections in the dashboard loosen with age. Rattling noises especially in cold weather and over poor road surfaces.
