Opel Insignia A
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Opel/Vauxhall Insignia A (2008–2017) was Opel's answer to the Passat and Mondeo — and technically better than its reputation. But: this car has some expensive pitfalls that are decisive when buying used. The most important: rear tie rod recall (572,000 vehicles, 10 documented fractures). Always check if completed — a broken tie rod means an uncontrollable vehicle.
Engine choice: The A20DTH (2.0 CDTi, 81–125 kW) is the volume diesel and fundamentally durable — but know two weak spots: the oil suction pipe seal hardens from 150,000 km ("Oil pressure low" warning on cold start, $330–880) and the EGR valve cokes up on short trips (limp mode, $330–660). Both fixable, but factor into the purchase price. The A16XER (1.6, 85 kW) is underpowered for 1,600+ kg. A14NET (1.4 Turbo, 103 kW) — acceptable for city driving. A28NET (2.8 V6 Turbo, 191–239 kW) in the OPC — timing chain stretches from 85,000 km ($2,200–2,750), engines built before summer 2011 particularly affected.
Multitronic CVT: The killer topic. Total failure $1,650–9,900. Affects front-wheel drive models only. The quattro equivalent AF40 Tiptronic is better but judders on 1→2 shifts (solenoids, $165–1,650). Haldex coupling on 4x4 models (incl. OPC): seal rings leak from 80,000 km, oils mix, $330–4,400.
FlexRide suspension: If fitted, expect damper replacement from 130,000 km ($440–2,200). Brake discs wear above average. Rust on sills and under tail light trim — the Insignia A is only partially galvanised.
Test-drive checklist: Cold start A20DTH — oil pressure warning? Multitronic: jerk-free acceleration? Gear lever M32 wobbly? FlexRide dampers clunking? Underside rust?
2026 market: 2012–2015 with 100,000 km $6,600–11,000. OPC $13,200–19,800. Sports Tourer (estate) +$550–1,100 premium. Insider pick: 2.0 CDTi (A20DTH) facelift from 2014 with 6-speed manual — M32 bearings improved, EGR revised. Categorically avoid Multitronic and Easytronic.
325 PS
Insignia · Benzin
Saloon sportster
Fun to Drive!260–325 PS
2.8L V6 Turbo Benzin
4 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Opel Insignia A is available as Sports Tourer and Sedan — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Opel Insignia A is available with 8 engine variants — from 95 to 325 hp.
The 1.6-litre CDTI from the GM/PSA partnership is economical and powerful, but suffers from a systemic timing chain problem. Rattling on cold start is widespread and regarded as a known weakness. Timing chain and tensioner should be checked regularly at higher mileage.
- !! Timing chain rattles – tensioner problem from 80,000 km
The timing chain rattles on cold start due to a slow-reacting tensioner. The tensioner is mounted on the gearbox side and is difficult to access. Opel developed a revised tensioner.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling for 1–4 seconds on cold start, sometimes also under load changes when warm. Noise originates from the gearbox side of the engine. - !! Oil pump chain breaks from 150,000 km
Plastic coating on chain guide rail detaches and destroys oil pump chain. Combined oil/vacuum pump means brake assist also fails.
Symptoms: Red oil pressure warning after start, heavy brake pedal, rattling from engine bay - !! Recall emissions scandal – coke deposits after update
Mandatory recall for illegal defeat device. The software update significantly raises the EGR rate, leading to accelerated carbon buildup in the EGR valve, intake manifold and pressure sensors.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Powerful 2.0-litre diesel with good long-distance characteristics, but characteristic weak points in the oil supply and emissions system. The oil suction pipe seal is the best-known and sometimes critical issue. With regular maintenance and primarily motorway use a reliable unit – short-trip use should be avoided due to DPF problems.
- !! Oil suction pipe seal hardened from 150,000 km
The seal on the oil suction pipe to the oil pump hardens over time and draws in false air. This results in low oil pressure which causes the engine to shut down. Affects nearly all A20DTH at higher mileage.
Symptoms: Warning 'Oil pressure low — switch off engine' especially on cold start or after long standstill, engine shutdown by protection system. - !! Critical timing belt interval from 150,000 km
The A20DTH uses a timing belt (not a chain). As an interference engine, belt failure causes immediate engine damage. Strictly follow the replacement interval, always replace water pump and tensioner.
Symptoms: No warning — belt failure causes immediate valve damage - !! EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up from 100,000 km
The EGR valve and intake manifold carbon up with typical diesel use on frequent short trips. After the emissions scandal software update the problem worsens due to increased EGR rate.
Symptoms: Power loss, misfires at mid rpm, increased fuel consumption, black smoke on acceleration, engine management light.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Solid 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine from the GM era with good power output, but several known weak points. Piston ring damage and crankcase ventilation are the classic problems leading to elevated oil consumption. With well-maintained examples using correct oil (Dexos1 Gen2) and regular intervals it is reliable – pre-purchase inspection for blue smoke and turbo condition recommended.
- !! Piston ring land fractures and high oil consumption from 90,000 km
Prematurely worn or fractured piston ring lands cause elevated oil consumption. Misdiagnosis often leads to unnecessary turbo or crankcase ventilation replacement without effect.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, oil consumption above 0.5 l/1,000 km, oil sludge under filler cap, possible catalytic converter damage. - !! Turbocharger blowing oil into intake from 100,000 km
The turbocharger pushes oil into the intake tract and intercooler. Often caused by a failed membrane in the valve cover crankcase breather or a worn turbo bearing.
Symptoms: Oil film in intake and intercooler, blue or white smoke on acceleration, fault code P0299, power loss. - !! Water pump failure from 80,000 km
Water pumps fail early, sometimes before 50,000 km. Failure risks overheating and engine damage. Noise or whistling often precedes the fault.
Symptoms: Squealing or whistling from the engine bay, coolant temperature rises abnormally, coolant loss.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Uncomplicated 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine with timing belt. VVT filter screens can fracture and block oil passages. Generally reliable with regular maintenance.
- !! Timing belt failure → engine failure from 150,000 km
Interference engine. Replacement interval 6 years or 150,000 km. Belt breakage causes immediate total engine failure.
Symptoms: Engine suddenly fails to start or dies while driving. - !! VVT actuator filter breaks from 80,000 km
Filter element in the VVT solenoid valve breaks and blocks the oil gallery. Fault codes P0011/P0014. In worst case, oil starvation at the camshafts.
Symptoms: Ticking from cylinder head area, MIL with P0011/P0014, rough cold start. - !! Thermostat failure from 80,000 km
Thermostat can fail in open or closed position. Open: operating temperature not reached. Closed: overheating.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge permanently cold or rapidly in the red, increased fuel consumption.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Turbocharged Ecotec petrol engine with 132 kW for the sporting Astra J and Insignia A. Turbocharger and oil consumption are the biggest risk factors — careful inspection of oil level and intake tract for oil traces before purchase is essential.
- !! Turbo bearing leaking — oil in intake from 120,000 km
Turbo shaft bearings wear and allow oil to migrate into the intake or exhaust. Blue smoke and oil residue in charge air pipes are early warning signs.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust after switch-off or on cold start, oil traces in intake pipes near throttle body, rising oil consumption with no visible external leak. - !! Timing chain stretching from neglect from 130,000 km
The timing chain is prone to premature wear with long oil change intervals and frequent short trips. Cold-start rattling is the typical early warning symptom.
Symptoms: Rattling or ticking from the timing chain area on cold start, noise subsides after warm-up, engine management light at advanced wear. - !! Elevated oil consumption due to piston rings from 90,000 km
The A16LET develops elevated oil consumption from approx. 80,000 km due to undersized piston rings. In severe cases 1–2 litres per 1,000 km is not uncommon.
Symptoms: Significant oil consumption of 0.5–2 litres per 1,000 km, blue smoke on acceleration, oil level drops quickly with no visible leaks.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Tractable 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine with VVT on both intake and exhaust camshafts. Camshaft sprockets are a known weak point (Opel field action). Regular oil changes are essential.
- !! VVT sprockets worn from 80,000 km
Documented issue with an Opel field action. Filter elements in the solenoid valves break and block oil passages. Full repair €800–1,000.
Symptoms: Rattling after cold start, MIL with P0011/P0014, power loss at low rpm, low oil pressure. - !! Timing belt failure → engine failure from 150,000 km
Interference engine with toothed belt drive. Replacement interval 6 years or 150,000 km. Belt breakage causes immediate total engine failure.
Symptoms: Engine fails to start or dies while driving. No prior warning. - !! Oil cooler gaskets leaking from 100,000 km
O-ring seals on the oil cooler become porous. Oil enters the cooling system, visible as an emulsion in the coolant reservoir.
Symptoms: Brownish sludge in coolant reservoir, oil film on coolant, burning smell.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Evolved direct-injection turbopetrol engine from the second Ecotec generation. The timing chain is the most critical weakness: plastic guide rails can fracture from 60,000–100,000 km. As a direct-injection engine it tends to carbon deposits on the intake valves.
- !! Timing chain guide rail breaks — engine failure risk from 80,000 km
The plastic timing chain guide rails can break and fall into the sump. The fragments affect oil supply to the turbocharger, triggering secondary camshaft and turbo damage. Opel goodwill known up to 6 years / 100,000 km.
Symptoms: Rattling and cracking on cold start (stops after approx. 30 s), engine management light, oil pressure warning, blue exhaust as secondary symptom - !! Turbocharger (BorgWarner twin-scroll) worn from 120,000 km
The A20NHT uses a BorgWarner twin-scroll turbocharger. Oil supply after shutdown should be secured by 1–2 minutes idling. Often occurs as secondary damage after timing chain problems.
Symptoms: High-pitched whistling on load changes, power loss, blue exhaust plume, oil residue in intake tract - !! Carbon deposits on intake valves from 80,000 km
As a direct-injection engine the A20NHT cannot clean the intake valves with fuel. Oil mist from crankcase ventilation deposits as a sooty-oily sludge on the intake valves, causing rough running and poor cold starts.
Symptoms: Rough idle and cold start, increased fuel consumption, misfire codes P0300/P0301, MIL for mixture control out of range
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Impressive V6 bi-turbo with high power output but demanding maintenance. Engines up to engine number HN 055387 (summer 2011) suffer from a weak timing chain. The leaking exhaust manifold damages the turbocharger if not addressed. Only recommended with a complete service history.
- !! Timing chain stretch / tensioner from 90,000 km
Engines before engine number HN 055387 (summer 2011) use a wear-prone chain component. Chain stretch often between 80,000 and 100,000 km. Opel frequently refused goodwill claims despite full service records. Parts cost approx. €1,500, installation 8 labour hours.
Symptoms: Rattling and gnawing from engine bay on cold start and at idle; engine management light with P0008/P0018; turbo without boost pressure, limp mode - !! Exhaust manifold leaking / warped from 80,000 km
The exhaust manifold warps under thermal stress and develops leaks. In worst case internal components come loose and destroy the turbocharger. Replacement parts were sometimes on back-order for months. Third-party stainless steel manifold as a solution.
Symptoms: Hissing or whistling from engine bay under load; increased fuel consumption; turbocharger secondary damage with severe power loss - !! Turbocharger damage from oil starvation from 130,000 km
The turbocharger is lubricated by oil film bearings. Insufficient oil supply from infrequent oil changes, low oil level or prior manifold damage causes bearing seizure. Complete turbocharger replacement then unavoidable.
Symptoms: Whistling or metallic rattling from turbocharger; heavy blue smoke; significant power loss and elevated oil consumption
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| FlexRide damper failure The electronically controlled FlexRide dampers wear from approx. 100,000–150,000 km. Connectors oxidise, cables break in the wheel arch. Replacement costs approx. 400–500 € per unit. Symptoms: Driving mode switch (Sport/Comfort) without noticeable difference, warning light 'check shock absorbers', clunking over bumps. from 130,000 km | Medium |
Test Reports
AUTO BILD TÜV-Report
Springs and dampers are flagged above average, with additional lighting faults on front and rear lights as well as gearbox noise and faulty seat heating. Starter batteries and turbochargers cause problems with increasing age.
2024-11Alternatives
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 53 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Insignia A (2008–2017) — 37 engine-related and 16 vehicle-related. One problem engine: A28NET (2.8L V6 Turbo). Typical issues affect Suspension, Steering, Body, Brakes.
Insignia (A20DTH, 2008–2017) — Be Careful: Oil suction pipe seal hardened, Critical timing belt interval, EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up. Power: 110 PS.
Insignia (A20DTH, 2008–2017) — Be Careful: Oil suction pipe seal hardened, Critical timing belt interval, EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up. Power: 131 PS.
Insignia (A20DTH, 2008–2017) — Be Careful: Oil suction pipe seal hardened, Critical timing belt interval, EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up. Power: 160–163 PS.
Insignia (A20DTH, 2013–2017) — Be Careful: Oil suction pipe seal hardened, Critical timing belt interval, EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up. Power: 163–170 PS.
Insignia (A20DTH, 2013–2017) — Be Careful: Oil suction pipe seal hardened, Critical timing belt interval, EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up. Power: 160–170 PS.
Insignia (B16DTH, 2015–2017) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattles – tensioner problem, Oil pump chain breaks, Recall emissions scandal – coke deposits after update. Power: 120 PS.
Insignia (B16DTH, 2015–2017) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattles – tensioner problem, Oil pump chain breaks, Recall emissions scandal – coke deposits after update. Power: 136 PS.
Insignia (A16XER, 2008–2013) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure → engine failure, VVT actuator filter breaks, Thermostat failure. Power: 116 PS.
Insignia (A16LET, 2008–2017) — Be Careful: Turbo bearing leaking — oil in intake, Timing chain stretching from neglect, Elevated oil consumption due to piston rings. Power: 170 PS.
Insignia (A16LET, 2008–2017) — Be Careful: Turbo bearing leaking — oil in intake, Timing chain stretching from neglect, Elevated oil consumption due to piston rings. Power: 179 PS.
Insignia (A18XER, 2008–2017) — Be Careful: VVT sprockets worn, Timing belt failure → engine failure, Oil cooler gaskets leaking. Power: 140 PS.
Insignia (A20NHT, 2008–2017) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks — engine failure risk, Turbocharger (BorgWarner twin-scroll) worn, Carbon deposits on intake valves. Power: 220 PS.
Insignia (A28NET, 2008–2017) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretch / tensioner, Exhaust manifold leaking / warped, Turbocharger damage from oil starvation. Power: 260 PS.
Insignia (A28NET, 2009–2017) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretch / tensioner, Exhaust manifold leaking / warped, Turbocharger damage from oil starvation. Power: 325 PS.
Insignia (A14NET, 2011–2017) — Be Careful: Piston ring land fractures and high oil consumption, Turbocharger blowing oil into intake, Water pump failure. Power: 140 PS.
Insignia (A20NHT, 2011–2017) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks — engine failure risk, Turbocharger (BorgWarner twin-scroll) worn, Carbon deposits on intake valves. Power: 250 PS.
What to watch out for with the Opel Insignia? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Opel Insignia A have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Insignia A? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Opel Insignia A engine is the most fun? +
Is the Opel Insignia A worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Insignia A? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee