Opel Combo
The PSA/Stellantis electric motor is fundamentally low-maintenance. However, sporadic drivetrain system faults are known that can lead to vehicle immobilisation. Software updates have resolved many cases.
Combo-e
100 kW electric in the Combo – quiet gliding in the compact MPV, great for the city.
Engine Weaknesses 8
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
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
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.
Sporadic drivetrain fault messages on the Corsa-e/Mokka-e completely block driving. Typically a software reset by disconnecting the battery is sufficient, but a second start attempt after the warning can cause consequential damage.
Symptoms: Drivetrain fault warning light, vehicle won't move, no response to accelerator despite vehicle being switched on.
Electric Opel vans (Vivaro-e/Movano-e) can shut down the drivetrain at speed after DC rapid charging. Software fault — vehicle rolls to a stop, warning lights active.
Symptoms: Vehicle suddenly loses drive power at motorway speed after rapid charging; 'check drivetrain' message; fault usually self-clears after cooling down.
A faulty A/C compressor can deactivate the entire electric drivetrain. Recall carried out for model years 2021–2022. A/C compressor replacement approximately 800–1,500 €.
Symptoms: Drivetrain failure, A/C not working, warning message on display
Early Corsa-e vehicles (build year 2020) had a 12V battery with a production defect. The control unit didn't correctly enter bus sleep mode, leading to complete 12V battery discharge within 24 hours. Replacement under warranty/goodwill.
Symptoms: Vehicle won't start next morning, 12V voltage below 7.5V, all systems dead, no remote wake-up response.
Electric Opel commercial vehicles require regular software updates for battery, charging and drivetrain management. Individual function faults are only resolved by a dealer update.
Symptoms: Irregular charging stops, power reduction, warning messages on display that resolve after software update.
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.
