Opel Combo E
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Opel Combo E (2018–present) is a Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Rifter with an Opel badge — Stellantis EMP2 platform, built in Spain. Same engines, same weaknesses, same recalls. Searching for parts under the Berlingo name often turns up cheaper prices. The Combo E exists as a commercial vehicle (Cargo) and family van (Life) in two lengths.
Market overview: Used examples in 2026 (model year 2020–2023, 60,000 km) cost 14,000–20,000 EUR as a Life, Cargo slightly less. The Combo-e (electric) from 22,000–28,000 EUR used. For families, the Combo E Life XL (4.75 m) with sliding doors on both sides and a low load floor is a genuine alternative to the classic MPV — a huge interior, practical down to every detail.
Engine choice: Petrol EB2DTS (1.2 PureTech Turbo, 81–96 kW) — the notorious wet belt engine. The timing belt runs in an oil bath and can disintegrate from 50,000 km, causing engine failure without warning (1,000–9,000 EUR). Stellantis goodwill up to 10 years/175,000 km — but only with a complete dealer service history. From model year 2023 with 48V mild hybrid and timing chain instead of wet belt — problem solved. Diesel DV5RD (1.5 BlueHDi, 56–96 kW) in three power levels — the solid everyday engine. A separate timing chain recall for production dates October 2017 to January 2023 — check, goodwill 10 years/240,000 km. DPF clogs with pure short-trip use. AdBlue system can fail (pump or dosing unit, 500–1,500 EUR). Electric Opel-EM (Combo-e, 100 kW/136 PS) — 50 kWh battery, 250–280 km real-world range, no wet belt, no DPF, no AdBlue.
Weak points: Three recalls in the first few years: wheel bolts not correctly torqued, track rods can fracture (safety-critical!), steering rack housing cracked with hydraulic fluid loss. Check whether all three have been completed. Top mounts produce clicking noises — an EMP2 platform issue also affecting Berlingo and Rifter. Infotainment freezes or spontaneously reboots. Central locking on the sliding door sticks. Condensation drain under the dashboard blocks — water in the footwell. Rust on the exhaust system after just a few years.
Test drive checklist: On the EB2DTS, check oil level and oil colour (greyish = belt debris), cold start DV5RD (timing chain?), test both sliding doors via remote and manually, start infotainment and pair Bluetooth, check top mounts at low speed over bumps (clicking at the front?).
Buying advice: The safest choice is the DV5RD (1.5 BlueHDi, 96 kW) with manual gearbox — no wet belt, solid long-distance efficiency. For the EB2DTS, only buy models from 2023 with timing chain or with a complete Stellantis service history. The Combo-e is the most relaxed choice for families with a house and home charger — no combustion engine issues, charging costs under 5 EUR per 100 km. Check recall status for all three KBA actions before buying.
136 PS
Combo · Elektro
Combo-e
Decent100–136 PS
1.2L Turbo PureTech Benzin
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Opel Combo E is available with 3 engine variants — from 76 to 156 hp.
Modern PSA/Stellantis four-cylinder (1.5 L BlueHDi, 96 kW) with excellent fuel consumption, but a structurally undersized camshaft chain (7 mm width) that was subject to a mass recall with warranty extension to 10 years/240,000 km. When buying, absolutely verify whether the chain update has been carried out. AdBlue system and EGR are prone to faults with short-trip use. A capable long-distance diesel with genuine potential.
- !! Camshaft chain: premature wear (recall) from 70,000 km
The original 7 mm camshaft chain wears prematurely and can break, causing severe engine damage. Stellantis recalled over 141,700 vehicles in Germany alone. Warranty extended to 10 years/240,000 km.
Symptoms: Unusual knocking or rattling noises from the engine bay, especially on cold start. In the worst case sudden engine failure while driving. - !! AdBlue system: pump, sensor and dosing valve from 60,000 km
The AdBlue dosing valve and the NOx sensor fail regularly. The pump and tank are one assembly and cannot be replaced individually, making repairs expensive.
Symptoms: AdBlue warning light on, engine management light active, elevated AdBlue consumption. Vehicle risks entering limp mode after several warning cycles. - !! DPF blockage in short-trip operation from 80,000 km
The diesel particulate filter blocks with frequent short trips as regeneration temperature is not reached. A recall for approx. 1,100 Grandland X vehicles for defective DPF was carried out.
Symptoms: Heavy power loss, elevated fuel consumption, engine management light, smoke clouds when accelerating. Vehicle enters limp mode.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The PSA/Stellantis 1.2-litre turbopetrol with a wet timing belt is the most problematic engine in the current Opel generation. The belt can disintegrate with the wrong oil specification or an overdue service interval and block oil passages — with a serious risk of engine damage. Stellantis extended the warranty to 10 years/175,000 km. Used purchase only with a complete maintenance record and correct PSA B71 2312 oil specification.
- !! Wet timing belt disintegrates from 70,000 km
The timing belt running in engine oil swells with the wrong oil specification, becomes porous and generates abrasion. Particles block oil passages and oil pump – engine damage from lubricant starvation is the risk.
Symptoms: Oil warning light, engine stuttering, rough running, sometimes no warning before total engine failure. - !! Oil starvation from blocked oil passages from 80,000 km
Timing belt abrasion settles in fine oil passages and the oil pump strainer. Bearings receive insufficient lubrication – bearing damage and engine failure result, often without warning.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light, engine noise (knocking), sudden power loss, engine failure. - !! Wet belt degrades in oil – oil contamination from 60,000 km
The EB2DTS PureTech wet belt slowly abrades and contaminates the engine oil with rubber residue. These block oil passages and cause bearing seizure. Stellantis extended warranty to 10 years/175,000 km (service history required).
Symptoms: Black, rapidly degrading oil, oil pressure drop, engine noise from bearing starvation, in extreme cases engine damage at 50,000–80,000 km.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The PSA/Stellantis electric motor (100 kW / 136 hp) is fundamentally low-maintenance and free from classic combustion engine problems. However, sporadic drivetrain system faults are known that can lead to complete vehicle immobilisation — software updates have resolved many of these cases. The 50 kWh battery shows good ageing characteristics so far. The onboard charger (7.4 kW AC) and heat pump are occasional sources of faults.
- !! Electric drivetrain fault — vehicle blocked from 15,000 km
Sporadic 'electric drivetrain system fault' message blocks the vehicle: gearbox stays in park. Occurs from around 10,000 km, often self-resolving after 30 min. Software update brought improvement.
Symptoms: Display shows 'electric drivetrain system fault: stop vehicle'. Gearbox cannot be moved out of P - !! Gearbox oil loss, reduction gear defective from 40,000 km
Isolated cases of gearbox oil loss through a crack in the gearbox casing. Complete gearbox replacement required. Long parts lead times.
Symptoms: Gearbox clunking, power loss, oil under the vehicle, gearbox fault message - !! OBC (onboard charger) defective — AC charging failed from 30,000 km
The onboard charger (OBC) of the Corsa-e/Mokka-e fails frequently on early build years (2020–2021): AC charging via Type 2 no longer possible, DC rapid charging still works. Opel acknowledged the structural defect and offers special goodwill. OBC replacement approximately 4,000 €.
Symptoms: AC charging aborts immediately after plugging in, LED shows red, vehicle attempts to charge but connector unlocks immediately, DC charging still works.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: tie rods may break 2020 recall: load-induced damage to the tie rods can destabilise the vehicle. Model years 2019–2020 affected, free repair at the dealer. Symptoms: Steering feels vague or pulls to one side; in extreme cases the tie rod breaks and steering is lost | Low | |
| Recall: steering rack crack, oil loss Crack in the steering rack housing leads to oil loss and steering problems. KBA recall for model years 2019–2020. Free replacement at the dealer. Symptoms: Heavy or uneven steering, oil spot under the vehicle in the front axle area | Low | |
| Recall: wheel bolts not properly torqued Insufficient tightening torque of the wheel bolts from the factory. In the worst case, wheels can come loose. Model years 2019–2020 affected. Symptoms: Rattling noises at the wheel; in the worst case a wheel comes loose while driving | Low | |
| Diesel particulate filter clogs on short trips The DPF on the 1.5 CDTI diesel does not regenerate completely with predominantly short-trip driving. Soot and ash loading increases until the filter is irreparably blocked and must be replaced. Symptoms: DPF warning in the cockpit, increased fuel consumption, power loss, engine in limp mode. from 100,000 km | High |
Alternatives
Nissan Townstar JE0
Microvan (2022–2025)
VW Caddy V
Microvan (2020–2026)
Citroën Berlingo III
Microvan (2018–2026)
Peugeot Rifter K9
Microvan (2018–2024)
Mercedes-Benz Citan W415
Microvan (2012–2021)
Nissan NV200 M20
Microvan (2009–2025)
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 33 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Combo E (2018–2025) — 21 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: EB2DTS (1.2L Turbo PureTech), DV5RD (1.5L BlueHDi). Typical issues affect Other, Rust, Electronics, Suspension.
Combo (DV5RD, 2018–2025) — Stay Away!: Camshaft chain: premature wear (recall), AdBlue system: pump, sensor and dosing valve, DPF blockage in short-trip operation. Power: 76 PS.
Combo (DV5RD, 2018–2025) — Stay Away!: Camshaft chain: premature wear (recall), AdBlue system: pump, sensor and dosing valve, DPF blockage in short-trip operation. Power: 102 PS.
Combo (DV5RD, 2018–2025) — Stay Away!: Camshaft chain: premature wear (recall), AdBlue system: pump, sensor and dosing valve, DPF blockage in short-trip operation. Power: 131 PS.
Combo (EB2DTS, 2018–2025) — Stay Away!: Wet timing belt disintegrates, Oil starvation from blocked oil passages, Wet belt degrades in oil – oil contamination. Power: 110 PS.
Combo (EB2DTS, 2018–2025) — Stay Away!: Wet timing belt disintegrates, Oil starvation from blocked oil passages, Wet belt degrades in oil – oil contamination. Power: 131 PS.
Combo (Opel-EM, 2021–2025) — Be Careful: Electric drivetrain fault — vehicle blocked, Gearbox oil loss, reduction gear defective, OBC (onboard charger) defective — AC charging failed. Power: 136 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 E have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Combo E? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Opel Combo E engine is the most fun? +
Is the Opel Combo E worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee