Opel Meriva A
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
101–131 PS
1.7L CDTI Diesel
Meriva diesel
Decent87–95 PS
1.4L 16V Twinport Benzin
4 weaknesses
Good Choice60–80 PS
1.7L DI Diesel
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Opel Meriva A is available with 6 engine variants — from 60 to 131 hp.
The Opel 1.3L CDTI (Diesel, 69–75 PS) has the Z13DTH (1.3L CDTI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Opel 1.7L CDTI (Diesel, 101 PS) has the Z17DTH (1.7L CDTI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Opel 1.7L DI (Diesel, 75 PS) has the Y17DTL (1.7L DI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 8 known weaknesses.
The Opel 1.4L 16V Twinport (Petrol, 90 PS) has the Z14XEP (1.4L 16V Twinport) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.
The Opel 1.6L 16V (Petrol, 101–105 PS) has the Z16XER (1.6L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Opel 1.8L 16V (Petrol, 125 PS) has the Z18XE (1.8L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
Explore more
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| M32 gearbox: bearing failure 6-speed manual M32 suffers from excessive bearing preload. Tapered roller surfaces can fracture; in the worst case complete failure. Symptoms: Nodding movement of gearknob when accelerating, increasing bearing noise, shifting problems. from 100,000 km | High | |
| Easytronic: traction loss and stalling The Easytronic automated gearbox of the Meriva A is notorious: it loses traction, stalls the engine and makes jerky gear changes. Repairs are expensive and often short-lived. Symptoms: Vehicle does not move despite D selection, engine stalls at standstill, jerky gear changes, gearbox warning light. from 80,000 km | Medium | |
| Easytronic clutch overheating The automated clutch of the Easytronic is heavily stressed in stop-and-go traffic and wears significantly faster than a conventional manual. Symptoms: Jerky pull-away, vehicle stalls at a standstill, creep movements erratic. from 80,000 km | Medium | |
| Gear linkage sticking (1st/2nd gear) On Meriva A models before the facelift (up to 2005) the gear linkage sticks, especially in 1st and 2nd gear. Shifting feels vague or notchy. Symptoms: Gears don't engage cleanly, especially 1st and 2nd gear notchy, clutch must be depressed further. from 60,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 46 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Meriva A (2003–2010) — 31 engine-related and 15 vehicle-related. One problem engine: Y17DTL (1.7L DI). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Rust, Steering, Suspension. Considered reliable: Z14XEP (1.4L 16V Twinport).
Meriva (Y17DTL, 2003–2010) — Stay Away!: Injection pump ECU (EDU) faulty, Timing belt — engine damage if it breaks, Injection pump ECU (EDU) faulty — engine cuts out. Power: 75 PS.
Meriva (Z17DTH, 2003–2010) — Be Careful: Injectors worn — high return volume, Turbocharger bearing failure, EGR valve coked up and sticking. Power: 101 PS.
Meriva (Z13DTH, 2005–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain: stretch and chain failure, Turbo wastegate: seizing and pressure loss, Swirl flaps: sooting and blockage. Power: 69–75 PS.
Meriva (Z16XER, 2003–2010) — Be Careful: Timing belt neglected, Map-controlled thermostat faulty, Oil pressure switch leaking. Power: 101–105 PS.
Meriva (Z18XE, 2003–2010) — Be Careful: Crankshaft sensor: failure from oil wetting, Cylinder head: hairline crack and coolant loss, Valve stem seals: increased oil consumption. Power: 125 PS.
What to watch out for with the Opel Meriva? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Opel Meriva A have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Meriva A? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Opel Meriva A engine is the most reliable? +
Which Opel Meriva A engine is the most fun? +
Is the Opel Meriva A worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Meriva A? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee