Opel Meriva
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.
Meriva diesel 1.6 base
70 kW in the Meriva B – base diesel for the city van.
Engine Weaknesses 4
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.
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.
Typical diesel problem, amplified by the emissions scandal software update: soot deposits in the EGR valve and intake manifold reduce engine performance. Cleaning every 60,000–80,000 km recommended.
Symptoms: Power loss under part throttle, hesitation when pulling away, elevated fuel consumption, black smoke, engine warning light.
Early turbocharger failures were documented, in some cases below 10,000 km. A software update increased oil pressure and resolved the problem in known early-failure batches.
Symptoms: Power loss, whistling noise from the engine bay, bluish smoke, boost pressure fault code P0299.
Vehicle Weaknesses 12
The drain plate on the Meriva B has a design flaw that allows water into the footwell. The accumulated water damages the ABS control unit located beneath it.
Meriva B models up to 2015 were recalled due to material fatigue in the seatbelt retractor housing. In a collision the retractor can fracture and lose its restraint effect.
Meriva B from model year 2013 can develop cracks in the steering rack which in the worst case can lead to steering failure. A recall was carried out for affected vehicles.
Rust forms behind the plastic wheel arch covers, often only visible when removed. Paint blisters appear on lower door edges. Front subframe rusts from the inside.
The hollow front subframe collects moisture and rusts from the inside out. Control arms and track rod ends wear early due to the compact wheelbase.
On the Meriva B the rear brake caliper carriers stick, especially with BOSCH brake pads. Uneven wear and overheating of the rear axle are typical consequences.
On the Meriva B the expansion tank cracks at weld seams. Escaping coolant can damage the ABS control unit located beneath it.
Defective rear light seals allow water into the boot in rain, which collects in the spare wheel well. Additional entry points: blocked AC drain hose.
Window regulator motors and cables fail regularly, especially at the rear FlexDoor doors due to their special hinge geometry. Cable breaks at the door fold are common.
The window regulators of the Meriva B — especially on the rear butterfly doors — fail due to defects in the cable or motor. Windows get stuck open or closed.
On the Meriva B the plastic pin of the blend flap actuator breaks, causing the flap to fall to the cold position. Removal requires stripping the complete dashboard.
On the Meriva B the seat heating fails at the highest setting (level 3), while levels 1 and 2 continue to work. Cause is increased resistance in the heating element.
Reports & Tests
The Meriva B shares many weak points with the Crossland X: oil loss from the first MOT, premature spring wear and brake disc wear. The rear doors opening in opposite directions cause seal problems with age.
