Opel Combo
Simple, robust naturally aspirated engine without turbocharging, fundamentally easy to maintain. Main weakness is the combination of timing chain and mechanical water pump, both in the same drive area and often needing renewal together.
Combo D naturally aspirated
70 kW in the compact MPV – solid everyday engine.
Engine Weaknesses 4
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.
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.
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.
Like the larger Z18XER, the A14XER is prone to valve cover gasket leaks at higher mileage. The hardened gasket lets oil escape onto exhaust components.
Symptoms: Burning oil smell, oil film on outside of valve cover, light smoke from hot engine, oil loss relevant at MOT.
Vehicle Weaknesses 12
Recall: The ratchet on the handbrake lever pawl is incorrectly aligned; the lever releases spontaneously.
Fiat Doblo platform: Top mounts fail frequently, sometimes after just 20,000–40,000 km. Commercial use exacerbates the problem.
Worn top mounts cause the springs to twist during steering movements, leading to spring breakage. On commercially used vehicles already from 60,000 km.
On commercially used vehicles with frequent full loads, a common wear item from 70,000–90,000 km.
The exhaust system rusts through from around 70,000 km. The centre box and rear silencer are particularly susceptible.
Permanently flashing trip meter display, failed Bluetooth connection, or complete system crash.
The 5-speed gearbox suffers from synchromesh problems with commercial use. Gearbox oil leaks through worn shaft seals.
Window regulator motors and plastic cable pulleys wear out; windows do not close fully.
Front brake discs and pads need replacing as early as 20,000–45,000 km. Cooling problems at the brake back plate promote overheating.
The blower motor fails or only works on individual speeds. Worn carbon brushes or faulty resistors. Typical issue on the Fiat Doblo platform.
The thermostat sticks in the open position, coolant circulates permanently. Engine does not reach operating temperature, increased fuel consumption.
Seat upholstery, door handles, and controls wear noticeably faster with intensive use. The sliding door plastic guard becomes brittle.
