Opel Combo
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.
Combo petrol base
66 kW in the Combo C – solid base for the compact MPV.
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 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.
