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Opel · Supermini · 2006–2014 Custom Search

Opel Corsa D

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 9 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

192 PS

1.6L Turbo Benzin

Pocket rocket with real bite

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

87–95 PS

1.4L 16V Twinport Benzin

4 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

192 PS

1.6L Turbo Benzin

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Opel Corsa D is available with 8 engine variants — from 58 to 192 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.3L CDTI · Diesel· 69–95 PS Engine Change
2006 2011
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2006 2011
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2011 2014
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2011 2014
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.7L CDTI · Diesel· 125–131 PS
2006 2011
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.0L 12V Twinport · Petrol· 60–65 PS
2006 2009
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
1.2L · Petrol· 86 PS
2011 2014
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
1.2L 16V Twinport · Petrol· 80–86 PS
2006 2011
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
1.4L · Petrol· 101 PS
2011 2014
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
1.4L 16V Twinport · Petrol· 87–90 PS
2006 2011
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
Corsa OPC · Petrol· 192 PS
2007 2014
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses

The Opel 1.3L CDTI (Diesel, 69–95 PS) comes with 4 different engines: Z13DTH (2006–2011, Be Careful) and Z13DTH (2006–2011, Be Careful) and A13DTE (2011–2014, Be Careful) and A13DTE (2011–2014, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.3L CDTI!

The Opel 1.7L CDTI (Diesel, 125–131 PS) has the Z17DTH (1.7L CDTI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.0L 12V Twinport (Petrol, 60–65 PS) has the Z10XEP (1.0L 12V Twinport) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.2L (Petrol, 86 PS) has the A12XER (1.2L) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.2L 16V Twinport (Petrol, 80–86 PS) has the Z12XEP (1.2L 16V Twinport) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.4L (Petrol, 101 PS) has the A14XER (1.4L) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.4L 16V Twinport (Petrol, 87–90 PS) has the Z14XEP (1.4L 16V Twinport) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel Corsa OPC (Petrol, 192 PS) has the Z16LER (1.6L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

Explore more

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Electric power steering EPS defective

The electric power steering of the Corsa D fails due to defective control unit electronics (fault code C0550). Broken solder joints and faulty capacitors caused by thermal cycling are typical causes.

Symptoms: Power steering warning light on, steering suddenly heavy, steering only assists in one direction or fails completely.
from 90,000 km
Medium

Test Reports

tuev

AUTO BILD TÜV-Report

Below average

Oil loss occurs about twice as often as average and leads to higher follow-up costs on older vehicles. Axle springs and steering joints are flagged above average. From the third MOT onwards, rear light and indicator failures are added.

2024-11

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 59 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Corsa D (2006–2014) — 45 engine-related and 14 vehicle-related. One problem engine: Z16LER (1.6L Turbo). Typical issues affect Steering, Gearbox, Rust, Brakes. Considered reliable: Z14XEP (1.4L 16V Twinport).

Corsa (Z13DTH, 2006–2011) — Be Careful: Timing chain: stretch and chain failure, Turbo wastegate: seizing and pressure loss, Swirl flaps: sooting and blockage. Power: 69–75 PS.

Corsa (Z13DTH, 2006–2011) — Be Careful: Timing chain: stretch and chain failure, Turbo wastegate: seizing and pressure loss, Swirl flaps: sooting and blockage. Power: 90–95 PS.

Corsa (Z17DTH, 2006–2011) — Be Careful: Injectors worn — high return volume, Turbocharger bearing failure, EGR valve coked up and sticking. Power: 125–131 PS.

Corsa (A13DTE, 2011–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain: stretch and rattle, Turbocharger: bearing failure from oil starvation, DPF clogging on short-trip use. Power: 75 PS.

Corsa (A13DTE, 2011–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain: stretch and rattle, Turbocharger: bearing failure from oil starvation, DPF clogging on short-trip use. Power: 95 PS.

Corsa (Z10XEP, 2006–2009) — Be Careful: Head gasket faulty, Timing chain — guide rail breaks, Head gasket faulty. Power: 60–65 PS.

Corsa (Z12XEP, 2006–2011) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched, Oil pressure switch leaking → oil migrating through wiring loom, Coil pack faulty. Power: 80–86 PS.

Corsa (Z16LER, 2007–2014) — Stay Away!: Turbocharger failure (premature), Radiator leaking / coolant loss, M32 gearbox bearing failure — design fault. Power: 192 PS.

Corsa (A12XER, 2011–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner worn, Timing cover seal leaking, Ignition coil module failure. Power: 86 PS.

Corsa (A14XER, 2011–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner and guide rails worn, Water pump failing prematurely, Alternator failing prematurely. Power: 101 PS.

What to watch out for with the Opel Corsa? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Opel Corsa D have? +
The Opel Corsa D has 45 known engine weaknesses and 14 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Corsa D? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: Z14XEP (1.4L 16V Twinport). The most reliable engine is the Z14XEP (1.4L 16V Twinport) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the Z16LER (1.6L Turbo). Problem engine: Z16LER (1.6L Turbo) — stay away!
Which Opel Corsa D engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Opel Corsa D. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Opel Corsa D engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Opel Corsa D — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} Under 1,300 kg, over 140 kW – the Corsa OPC feels like a catapult. The direct steering with noticeable torque steer demands full concentration. From 4,000 rpm the turbo develops its throaty character; gear changes through the short-throw 'box are as precise as a stapler. Not pedigreed, but honestly and unfiltered fast.
Is the Opel Corsa D worth buying used? +
The Opel Corsa D requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Corsa D? +
The Opel Corsa D is available with engine variants from 58 to 192 hp. Petrol: Z10XEP (1.0L 12V Twinport), Z12XEP (1.2L 16V Twinport), A12XER (1.2L), Z14XEP (1.4L 16V Twinport), A14XER (1.4L), Z16LER (1.6L Turbo). Diesel: Z13DTH (1.3L CDTI), A13DTE (1.3L CDTI), Z17DTH (1.7L CDTI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee