Opel Combo
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 overdue maintenance interval and block oil passages – with engine damage risk. Stellantis extended warranty to 10 years/175,000 km. Used purchase only with a complete service history and correct PSA B71 2312 oil specification.
Combo E petrol base
81 kW in the Combo E – decent for the compact MPV.
Engine Weaknesses 8
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.
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.
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.
Stellantis extended the warranty in 2024 for older EB2 PureTech generations to 10 years/175,000 km due to wet timing belt problems. Requirement: complete service history in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
Degraded belt material in the oil blocks oil passages in the EB2DTS. Connecting rod bearings seize and cause catastrophic engine damage. Exchange engine: 3,000–6,000 €. Early belt replacement every 50,000 km minimises risk.
Symptoms: Knocking engine noise, oil pressure warning light, sudden engine shutdown, metal particles in oil at oil change.
The EB2DTS absolutely requires PSA B71 2312 certified oil. Standard oils dissolve the wet timing belt; abraded particles block oil passages and the pump. Annual oil changes are mandatory.
Symptoms: No early warning symptom – engine failure occurs suddenly. Only detectable through oil inspections.
Stellantis has extended the warranty for all affected PureTech engines to 10 years or 175,000 km. Requirement: proof of prescribed maintenance intervals with the correct oil.
In the Opel Grandland X 1.2 PureTech (EB2DTS) spark plugs wear before the scheduled 50,000 km interval, which can cause starting difficulties with fault code P1032.
Symptoms: Poor starting, fault code P1032, rough idle, slightly elevated consumption.
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.
