Opel Mokka A

Robust PSA diesel (1.6 L BlueHDi) with SCR exhaust aftertreatment, fitted in the Grandland X and Zafira Tourer. The AdBlue system is the well-known Achilles heel: tank, pump and NOx sensor frequently fail between 60,000 and 100,000 km. Timing belt instead of chain — strictly observe maintenance intervals. With a functioning AdBlue system, this is an economical and torquey diesel for motorway work.

• !! AdBlue system: tank, pump, NOx sensor from 80,000 km

  AdBlue tank, injector nozzle and NOx sensor frequently fail, often together. Tank replacement costs approx. 900 € parts + 1,200 € labour. Known widespread problem with PSA BlueHDi engines from 2014.

  Symptoms: Urea warning light and engine management light on, engine immobilisation after goodwill mileage expires. Fault codes P20E8
  500–2,500 $
  Ad AdBlue Tank DV6FDNOx sensor BlueHDi
• !! Recall DPF – missing spacer

  Recall action "19-C-006": DPF can overheat and be damaged due to a missing spacer. Affected Grandland X models 2018–2019 receive a free DPF replacement including ECU update.

  Symptoms: DPF warning light, reduced engine power, excessive soot emission, elevated fuel consumption.
  0–0 $
  Ad DPF Opel Grandland 1.6 HDIparticulate filter DV6FD
• !! Diesel particulate filter blocked from 120,000 km

  With frequent short-trip use the DPF blocks because regeneration temperature is not reached. Cleaning 300–500 €, replacement up to 1,500 €.

  Symptoms: Engine warning light, power loss, elevated fuel consumption, limp mode
  350–1,500 $
  Ad DPF BlueHDi 1.6particulate filter DV6FD

+ 5 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 of this engine family. Timing chain and tensioner should be inspected regularly at higher mileages, and preventive replacement is advisable before the rattle becomes persistent.

• !! 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.
  1,200–3,500 $
  Ad Opel B16DTH timing chainchain tensioner 55571790Opel 1.6 CDTI timing chain kit
• !! 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
  2,000–6,000 $
  Ad oil pump chain B16DTHoil vacuum pump 1.6 CDTI
• !! 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.

  0–0 $

+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Opel's own 1.7-litre common-rail diesel that replaced the Isuzu-derived Z17DTH. Thermally well designed but with known weaknesses in the EGR system and timing chain — both should be checked from 120,000 km onwards. Short-trip driving is poison for this engine: DPF clogs, EGR carbonises, and engine oil gets diluted with diesel fuel. When used primarily on longer journeys, this is an economical and long-lasting unit. Always use Dexos2 oil.

• !! EGR cooler leaking from 130,000 km

  The EGR cooler can develop an internal leak allowing coolant into the intake. This results in gradual coolant loss and, in worst case, engine failure through overheating.

  Symptoms: Gradual coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, bubbles in coolant reservoir, coolant temperature rising abnormally.
  500–1,200 $
  Ad EGR cooler Opel 1.7 CDTIEGR cooler A17DTS
• !! Turbocharger VTG vanes seized from 150,000 km

  The variable geometry turbocharger can seize at the vanes due to soot deposits. Aggravated by EGR and DPF problems and short trips. Limp mode at 2,500 rpm is typical.

  Symptoms: Engine management light, power loss with limp mode at approx. 2,500 rpm, boost pressure fault code, whistling from turbo.
  600–1,800 $
  Ad Turbocharger Opel A17DTSturbo 1.7 CDTI 49131
• !! Timing chain stretching from 120,000 km

  The timing chain can stretch prematurely with neglected oil change intervals. Rattling on cold start indicates wear. If the chain breaks, catastrophic engine failure follows.

  Symptoms: Rattling or ticking on cold start from the timing chain area, noise fades on warm-up, engine management light at advanced wear.
  800–2,500 $
  Ad Timing chain Opel A17DTSTiming chain kit 1.7 CDTI

+ 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 issues are the classic problems that lead to elevated oil consumption. With well-maintained examples using the correct oil (Dexos1 Gen2) and regular service intervals this engine is reliable — pre-purchase inspection for blue smoke and turbo condition is strongly 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.
  1,200–3,500 $
  Ad Opel A14NET piston ringsOpel 1.4 Turbo piston ring set
• !! 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.
  200–900 $
  Ad Opel A14NET valve coverOpel 1.4 Turbo crankcase ventilationValve cover 55573746
• !! 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.
  250–600 $
  Ad Opel A14NET water pumpWater pump 55561334

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Uncomplicated 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine with timing belt and VVT system. The VVT actuator filter screens can fracture and block oil supply to the VVT system — this manifests as rough idle and power loss. Timing belt change recommended at 150,000 km at the latest, together with the water pump. Overall reliable with regular maintenance, one of the most carefree engines in the Opel range.

• !! 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.
  250–700 $
  Ad Timing belt kit A16XER55558513
• !! 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.
  200–600 $
  Ad VVT actuator A16XER55567050
• !! 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.
  150–270 $
  Ad thermostat A16XER55564891

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses