Opel Combo
Modern PSA/Stellantis four-cylinder with excellent fuel consumption, but structurally undersized camshaft chain (7 mm), subject to a mass recall with warranty extension to 10 years/240,000 km. AdBlue system and EGR prone to faults with short-trip use.
Combo diesel minimum
56 kW in the Combo E – absolute minimum, only suitable for short trips.
Engine Weaknesses 5
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.
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.
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.
The EGR valve carbonises with frequent short-trip use. Typical symptoms are engine warning light, fluctuating power and black smoke. Cleaning or replacement necessary.
Symptoms: Engine management light, rough running, power loss under part throttle, black smoke when accelerating.
Instead of a proper gasket the DV5RD uses RTV sealant on the valve cover, which becomes porous over time. Oil leaks appear even on younger vehicles.
Symptoms: Oil smell in engine bay, visible oil stains on the valve cover and below, smoke if oil drips onto hot components.
Vehicle Weaknesses 13
2020 recall: load-induced damage to the tie rods can destabilise the vehicle. Model years 2019–2020 affected, free repair at the dealer.
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.
Insufficient tightening torque of the wheel bolts from the factory. In the worst case, wheels can come loose. Model years 2019–2020 affected.
A crack in the steering rack housing can lead to hydraulic fluid leakage and impaired power steering. KBA recall for affected model years.
Rust on the exhaust system and underbody appears early, especially on commercially used examples with winter operation. Frequent use as a panel van accelerates the problem.
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.
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.
An incorrectly aligned ratchet on the handbrake lever can prevent the brake from latching. Recall affects PSA group, build period November 2017 to February 2019.
The electric locking mechanism of the sliding doors operates unreliably and occasionally jams. Especially in cold weather, the sliding door refuses to fully open or lock via the remote.
The electric locking mechanism of the sliding doors operates unreliably and occasionally jams. Especially in cold weather, the sliding door refuses to fully open or lock via the remote.
Front axle top mounts produce clicking and creaking noises during steering movements. Known issue on the PSA EMP2 platform, shared with Berlingo III and Rifter.
The A/C condensate drain hose clogs, causing condensation water to enter the cabin. Problem shared with Berlingo and Rifter on the PSA platform.
The infotainment system freezes at certain temperatures or after software updates and reboots spontaneously. Software glitches typical of the early PSA platform generation.
