Opel Combo D
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Opel Combo D (2011–2018) is not really an Opel — it is a Fiat Doblo with a lightning bolt badge. PSA/Fiat cooperation, built in Turkey. Knowing this means searching for parts under both names and saving considerably. The Combo D was widely used as a commercial vehicle and family van (Combo Tour), with high production numbers.
Market overview: In 2026, well-maintained examples (2014–2017, 80,000 km) start from 5,000–9,000 EUR. Panel vans are cheaper, Tour (5/7-seater) with glazing slightly more. Long-wheelbase versions (L2H1) for tradespeople are most common. The Combo D is technically more complex than its predecessor — more electronics, more sensors, more potential failure points.
Engine choice: Petrol A14XER (1.4, 70 kW) only in the Tour — adequate for city driving, overwhelmed when loaded. No turbo, no turbo problems. The diesels are the heart of the Combo D: A13DTE (1.3 CDTi, 70 kW) is the volume engine — economical (under 6 litres on long runs), but with known weaknesses: timing chain stretches from 80,000 km (rattling on cold start = act immediately, 600–1,200 EUR), turbo bearing failure with neglected oil changes (check valve 55563097 for 50 EUR as a preventive measure), EGR valve cokes up, and oil cooler seal becomes porous (oil leak beneath the oil filter housing, 150–400 EUR). The A16FDL (1.6 CDTi, 66–77 kW) is more powerful and the better long-distance diesel — fewer timing chain problems, but DPF clogs with pure city driving (plan a motorway regeneration run every two weeks).
Weak points: Front brake discs wear after just 20,000–45,000 km — design-related poor cooling at the brake backing plate, budget for them as a consumable (150–300 EUR per axle). Handbrake releases on its own — check for recall (ratchet mechanism incorrectly adjusted). Thermostat sticks open, engine does not reach operating temperature, heater blows lukewarm (80–200 EUR). Blue&Me infotainment from the Fiat world: mileage display blinks, Bluetooth dead, system hangs — live with it or fit an aftermarket head unit. Window regulators fail, manual gearbox becomes stiff with commercial use (shaft seals leak, change gearbox oil regularly). Blower motor fails — carbon brushes worn, a Fiat Doblo inheritance.
Test drive checklist: Cold start A13DTE (chain rattle for 2–5 seconds?), check brakes for juddering (warped discs?), test handbrake on a slope, watch the temperature gauge (does the engine reach operating temperature?), all windows up and down, switch on Blue&Me.
Buying advice: The A16FDL (1.6 CDTi, 77 kW) with 5-speed manual is the insider pick — enough power even when loaded, less prone than the 1.3. On the A13DTE: use chain, EGR and oil cooler seal as negotiation leverage. Service history is more important than usual for the Combo D — commercial previous owners tend to skimp on maintenance. Finding a Tour with a verifiably private previous owner and under 100,000 km means one of the most spacious family vans in its class.
105 PS
Combo · Diesel
Combo D petrol top
Decent90–105 PS
1.6L CDTI Diesel
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Opel Combo D is available with 3 engine variants — from 75 to 105 hp.
Successor to the Z13DTH with slightly higher output, structurally closely related to the Fiat MultiJet. The timing chain was not fundamentally improved and remains the biggest concern — check chain stretch regularly from 130,000 km onwards. The DPF makes this engine particularly sensitive to short-trip use: soot accumulation and clogged EGR passages are the typical consequences. Only sensible to operate with regular motorway runs and shortened oil change intervals.
- !! Timing chain: stretch and rattle from 150,000 km
Like its predecessor Z13DTH, the timing chain stretches with contaminated oil and extended change intervals. Cold-start rattle is the first warning sign; chain jump or breakage causes immediate engine failure.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling from the timing chain area on cold start for 2–5 seconds, fading at operating temperature. Power loss, increased consumption. - !! Turbocharger: bearing failure from oil starvation from 130,000 km
The turbocharger suffers bearing wear when oil supply is compromised by dirty oil or extended intervals. A non-return valve (55563097) for approx. €50 can prevent oil leaking into the intake.
Symptoms: Whistling or squealing noise on load changes, oil spots at the rear, oil mist in intake, power loss, blue smoke from exhaust. - !! DPF clogging on short-trip use from 100,000 km
The DPF clogs on frequent short trips as full regeneration cannot occur. Fault code P160D. New OEM DPF costs up to €2,000; cleaning approx. 25% of that.
Symptoms: Power loss, increased fuel consumption, black smoke clouds on acceleration, limp mode, engine management light.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
GM-Fiat joint engine (Fiat MultiJet base) with a proven basic design but a known timing chain problem. The chain tensioner rattles during half-warm starts — a revised tensioner is available and should be fitted preventively. EGR valve and DPF are the typical trouble spots with short-trip use. With correct oil (ACEA C2) and regular oil changes this is a decent commuter diesel.
- !! Timing chain rattles, tensioner fails from 80,000 km
The chain tensioner is notoriously weak and rattles especially with a semi-warm engine (40–80 °C). Chain wear accelerates. Revised tensioner available; repair costs €1,500–3,500.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start and with semi-warm engine, sounds like a loose chain. Disappears at operating temperature - !! Turbocharger wear from oil starvation from 150,000 km
With neglected oil changes or oil contaminated by timing chain issues, the turbocharger wears prematurely. Replacement €800–2,000 depending on variant.
Symptoms: Whistling noise on acceleration, blue smoke from exhaust, visible oil consumption - !! Oil pump chain snapped — engine failure from 80,000 km
On the A16FDL the oil pump chain snaps due to low oil pressure. Plastic guide rails break off and jam the oil pump chain. Result: catastrophic engine failure. Repair €2,000–4,000; Opel modified tensioners from model year 2017.
Symptoms: Red oil pressure warning light, rattling from the lower engine area, engine stops abruptly, cannot be restarted.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Simple, robust naturally aspirated engine without turbocharging, fundamentally easy to maintain and designed for high mileage. The main weakness is the combination of timing chain and mechanical water pump, which both sit in the same drive area and often need renewal together. The plastic thermostat housing becomes brittle over time. On examples with over 150,000 km, listen for chain rattle on cold start — rattling indicates a worn tensioner.
- !! Timing chain tensioner and guide rails worn from 100,000 km
The hydraulic chain tensioner cannot adequately tension the chain at low oil pressure (cold start). Plastic guide rails wear out. The problem occurs significantly earlier with neglected oil changes.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling immediately after cold start (disappears after 10–30 seconds), rhythmic clattering from the front of the engine, audible even when warm at advanced stages. - !! Water pump failing prematurely from 60,000 km
The mechanical water pump often fails as early as 18,000–79,000 km, well before its theoretical replacement interval. Its location in the timing chain area makes replacement labour-intensive.
Symptoms: Coolant loss (reddish fluid under vehicle), whistling from engine bay, temperature gauge rising, coolant level in reservoir visibly dropping. - !! Alternator failing prematurely from 90,000 km
Failures of the Hitachi alternator documented, particularly on vehicles with frequent short trips. Repair at an independent garage is significantly cheaper than at a main dealer.
Symptoms: Battery warning in instrument cluster, battery no longer charging fully, car fails to start after short standstill.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Front strut top mounts wear early Fiat Doblo platform: Top mounts fail frequently, sometimes after just 20,000–40,000 km. Commercial use exacerbates the problem. Symptoms: Clunking when steering, imprecise steering feel, clunking in cold weather. from 30,000 km | Low | |
| Rear shock absorbers wear prematurely On commercially used vehicles with frequent full loads, a common wear item from 70,000–90,000 km. Symptoms: Poor rear wheel contact, excessive bounce, oil film on the damper rod. from 80,000 km | Low |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 29 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Combo D (2012–2018) — 17 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. One problem engine: A16FDL (1.6L CDTI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Other, Rust, Electronics.
Combo (A13DTE, 2012–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain: stretch and rattle, Turbocharger: bearing failure from oil starvation, DPF clogging on short-trip use. Power: 95 PS.
Combo (A16FDL, 2012–2018) — Stay Away!: Timing chain rattles, tensioner fails, Turbocharger wear from oil starvation, Oil pump chain snapped — engine failure. Power: 90–95 PS.
Combo (A16FDL, 2012–2018) — Stay Away!: Timing chain rattles, tensioner fails, Turbocharger wear from oil starvation, Oil pump chain snapped — engine failure. Power: 105 PS.
Combo (A14XER, 2012–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner and guide rails worn, Water pump failing prematurely, Alternator failing prematurely. Power: 95 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 D have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Combo D? +
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Which Opel Combo D engine is the most fun? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee