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Opel · Microvan · 2018–2025 Custom Search

Opel Combo E

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

1.7 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

113–156 PS

Elektro Elektro

Combo-e

Decent
Problem Engine

100–136 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. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.5L BlueHDi · Diesel· 76–131 PS Engine Change
2018 2025
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2018 2025
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2018 2025
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
1.2L Turbo PureTech · Petrol· 110–131 PS Engine Change
2018 2025
Stay Away! 8 weaknesses
2018 2025
Stay Away! 8 weaknesses
Elektro · Electric· 136 PS
2021 2025
Be Careful 8 weaknesses

The Opel 1.5L BlueHDi (Diesel, 76–131 PS) comes with 3 different engines: DV5RD (2018–2025, Stay Away!) and DV5RD (2018–2025, Stay Away!) and DV5RD (2018–2025, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.5L BlueHDi!

The Opel 1.2L Turbo PureTech (Petrol, 110–131 PS) comes with 2 different engines: EB2DTS (2018–2025, Stay Away!) and EB2DTS (2018–2025, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L Turbo PureTech!

The Opel Elektro (Electric, 136 PS) has the Opel-EM (Elektro) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
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
!AdBlue tank with pump defective

The AdBlue dosing pump fails on the 1.5 CDTI diesel Combo E. A recall covers model years 2019–2022 due to a faulty SCR pump diagnosis that gives no warning on system failure.

Symptoms: SCR/AdBlue warning message in the instrument cluster, engine keeps running but power is reduced, no warning on system failure.
from 80,000 km
Medium
!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

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 34 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Combo E (2018–2025) — 21 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: EB2DTS (1.2L Turbo PureTech), DV5RD (1.5L BlueHDi). Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Rust, 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? +
The Opel Combo E has 21 known engine weaknesses and 13 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Combo E? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: Opel-EM (Elektro). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the Opel-EM (Elektro). Problem engine: EB2DTS (1.2L Turbo PureTech) — stay away!
Which Opel Combo E engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Opel Combo E — rated: "Decent". {description} 100 kW electric in the Combo – quiet gliding in the compact MPV, great for the city.
Is the Opel Combo E worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Opel Combo E — 2 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Combo E? +
The Opel Combo E is available with engine variants from 76 to 156 hp. Petrol: EB2DTS (1.2L Turbo PureTech). Diesel: DV5RD (1.5L BlueHDi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee