Opel Insignia B
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Opel/Vauxhall Insignia B (2017–2022) was the last GM-developed Insignia — technically a good car on the D2XX platform, but with one dominant weakness: oil loss. MOT report: one in ten 8–9 year-olds fails, two inspections later every fifth. Rear crankshaft seal (sometimes from just 3,000 km!), oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket.
Engine choice: The LFV (1.5 Turbo, 103–121 kW) is the volume petrol — direct injection, economical, but prone to oil leaks. The LTG (2.0 Turbo, 147–191 kW) in the GSi — powerful but same oil problem amplified. Diesel: A20DTH (2.0 CDTi, 125–154 kW) — timing chain stretches, engine damage if snapped ($880–6,600). EGR valve cokes on short trips. DPF clogs from 33,000 km in city use ($330–1,430).
The 9-speed automatic (AF9): torque converter slip, harsh reverse engagement when hot, unexpected upshifts downhill. Software update helps. Gearbox oil change every 60,000 km recommended.
IntelliLux matrix LED headlights fail ($880–2,200). NOx sensor failure triggers DPF cascade problems. Rear sensors corrode.
Test-drive checklist: Drive engine warm, then look under the car (oil traces?), engage reverse with 9-speed auto at operating temperature, diesel cold start listen (timing chain?), test IntelliLux headlights in darkness.
2026 market: 2018–2020 with 50,000 miles $13,200–19,800. GSi $19,800–26,400. Insider pick: 1.5 Turbo (LFV) with 6-speed manual, facelift from 2020 — no 9-speed risk. Check oil level and look for leak traces under the car before buying.
260 PS
Insignia · Benzin
Insignia B top
Fun to Drive!170–177 PS
2.0L BlueHDi Diesel
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Opel Insignia B is available as Sports Tourer and Sedan — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Opel Insignia B is available with 6 engine variants — from 95 to 260 hp.
Modern PSA diesel of the latest generation with good fundamental reliability. Early high-pressure pump problems (recall). DPF blockage and EGR issues with short-trip drivers. Timing belt – observe maintenance intervals.
- !! High-pressure fuel pump faulty (early production) from 50,000 km
In early production variants the high-pressure fuel pump failed, causing starting problems and power loss. Issue subject to recalls; fixed free of charge on warranty vehicles.
Symptoms: Engine hard to start or won't start, engine warning light, significant power loss - !! Narrow timing chain (7 mm) breaks – engine damage from 71,000 km
The DV5RC has a chain only 7 mm wide that tends to premature wear and failure. Chain breakages documented from around 70,000 km. From mid-2023 Opel fitted a more robust 8 mm chain. Repair: complete engine replacement 4,000–8,000 €.
Symptoms: Engine shutdown without warning while driving, broken chain strikes valves, engine cannot be restarted. - !! Camshaft chain – recall MXL from 80,000 km
Recall for 1.5 BlueHDi DV5RC (Opel models 2017–2023): camshaft chain can stretch prematurely and in the worst case break. Stellantis grants 10-year/240,000 km warranty.
Symptoms: Unusual noises and vibrations from the engine bay; in extreme cases engine damage without warning from chain breakage.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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
Long-lived PSA diesel with high torque. Like all BlueHDi engines the AdBlue system is a known weak point. Water pump drives the timing belt – a pump failure can break the belt.
- !! AdBlue pump and NOx system faulty from 60,000 km
AdBlue pump, tank float and NOx sensor of the SCR system fail frequently. Pump not available separately — complete tank replacement required (~1,300 €). Known PSA mass problem.
Symptoms: Urea warning light, fault message 'exhaust aftertreatment', engine immobilisation after countdown expires - !! Water pump drives timing belt — critical from 120,000 km
The water pump is integrated into the timing belt drive. If the pump fails the timing belt breaks, causing valve damage and total engine failure. Cases documented from as low as 50,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating warning shortly before failure. Often no warning at all - !! Injectors worn / leaking from 150,000 km
High-pressure injectors tend to wear and can cause fuel dilution of the oil. Oil dilution promotes consequential damage. One injector 300–600 €, all four 1,500–2,500 €.
Symptoms: Hesitation and cold-start difficulties, rising oil level, diesel smell in oil, elevated fuel consumption
+ 5 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
Modern GM Ecotec Gen III four-cylinder with direct injection and turbocharging. LSPI risk absolutely requires Dexos1 Gen 2 oil. Crankcase ventilation tends to oil contamination at high mileage. Regular oil changes (max. 15,000 km) essential.
- !! LSPI (pre-ignition) at low RPM from 80,000 km
Low-Speed Pre-Ignition is an uncontrolled pre-ignition event at partial load, low RPM, and high boost pressure. Wrong oil specification, short-trip driving, or poor fuel are typical triggers. Opel mandates Dexos1 Gen 2 oil.
Symptoms: Knocking or banging noise from the engine at low RPM under load; power drop; in worst case engine damage - !! Recall: turbo oil supply line leaking
Recall 18-C-059 (July 2018) for Astra K, Zafira C, and Insignia B with 1.5 Turbo. The plastic sealing washer on the turbo oil feed line connection is not properly secured and can cause an oil leak.
- !! Wastegate actuator: pivot joint wear from 80,000 km
The wastegate actuator arm wears at its pivot joint and loses the tension needed to regulate boost pressure. Vacuum actuators are prone to diaphragm failure. Fault codes P0299 (boost pressure too low) and P0234 (boost pressure too high) are typical indicators.
Symptoms: Power loss, engine management light (P0299/P0234), whistling or hissing sound under acceleration, fluctuating engine power output.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
GM Ecotec Gen II with direct injection and twin-scroll turbo. Powerful but with known weaknesses in the timing chain and VVT actuator at higher mileage. Regular oil changes with fully synthetic oil are critical.
- !! Timing chain stretched / guide rail broken from 90,000 km
Timing chain stretches from around 80,000–100,000 km; the plastic guide rails break and can fall into the sump. Rattling on cold start is the first warning sign. Replacing the tensioner alone often does not solve the problem.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start that disappears once warmed up; check engine light; in worst case engine damage - !! Carbon deposits on intake valves from 90,000 km
As a direct-injection engine without port injection, the intake valves are never washed by fuel and accumulate carbon deposits. Power loss and rough running result. Walnut blasting is the standard remedy.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss, increased fuel consumption, occasional stumble under load - !! VVT solenoid contaminated from 100,000 km
The VVT solenoids become clogged by oil sludge (fault code P0017), resulting in rough running and power loss. Often caused by excessively long oil change intervals.
Symptoms: Fault code P0017, rough idle, power drop, engine management light
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Springs and shock absorbers worn prematurely According to TÜV reports the Insignia B shows premature wear on suspension springs and shock absorbers, especially on poor roads. Suspension noise and poor response are the result. Symptoms: Clunking or banging over road bumps, vehicle bounces excessively, unsettled motorway behaviour. from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Rear axle creaking The rubber bushings of the rear axle lose lubrication over time, causing noticeable creaking during compression and rebound. Often occurs from as low as 35,000 km. Symptoms: Creaking noises from the rear at low speed over bumps, when manoeuvring or parking. Noise changes with load. from 50,000 km | Medium |
Test Reports
AUTO BILD TÜV-Report
Oil loss from engine and drivetrain is the primary weak point and can lead to expensive repairs. Brake disc wear occurs above average. Interior noise and deteriorating door seals are also criticised.
2024-11Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 54 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Insignia B (2017–2022) — 36 engine-related and 18 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: DW10FD (2.0L BlueHDi), DV5RC (1.5L BlueHDi). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Brakes, Other.
Insignia (A20DTH, 2017–2022) — Be Careful: Oil suction pipe seal hardened, Critical timing belt interval, EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up. Power: 163–174 PS.
Insignia (A20DTH, 2017–2022) — Be Careful: Oil suction pipe seal hardened, Critical timing belt interval, EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up. Power: 209 PS.
Insignia (B16DTH, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattles – tensioner problem, Oil pump chain breaks, Recall emissions scandal – coke deposits after update. Power: 110 PS.
Insignia (B16DTH, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattles – tensioner problem, Oil pump chain breaks, Recall emissions scandal – coke deposits after update. Power: 136 PS.
Insignia (DW10FD, 2020–2022) — Stay Away!: AdBlue pump and NOx system faulty, Water pump drives timing belt — critical, Injectors worn / leaking. Power: 170–174 PS.
Insignia (DV5RC, 2020–2022) — Stay Away!: High-pressure fuel pump faulty (early production), Narrow timing chain (7 mm) breaks – engine damage, Camshaft chain – recall MXL. Power: 122 PS.
Insignia (LFV, 2017–2022) — Be Careful: LSPI (pre-ignition) at low RPM, Recall: turbo oil supply line leaking, Wastegate actuator: pivot joint wear. Power: 140 PS.
Insignia (LFV, 2017–2022) — Be Careful: LSPI (pre-ignition) at low RPM, Recall: turbo oil supply line leaking, Wastegate actuator: pivot joint wear. Power: 165 PS.
Insignia (LTG, 2017–2022) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched / guide rail broken, Carbon deposits on intake valves, VVT solenoid contaminated. Power: 200 PS.
Insignia (LTG, 2017–2022) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched / guide rail broken, Carbon deposits on intake valves, VVT solenoid contaminated. Power: 260 PS.
Insignia (LTG, 2020–2022) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched / guide rail broken, Carbon deposits on intake valves, VVT solenoid contaminated. Power: 230 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee