Opel Mokka
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.
Mokka diesel top
100 kW diesel in the Mokka – well powered, especially on the motorway.
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 15
The Haldex coupling of the Mokka A AWD variants becomes sludged due to infrequent coupling oil changes. The pre-pressure pump fails and the rear wheels are no longer driven.
Opel recalled Mokka A models due to defective airbag igniter modules. Ignition chemistry can decompose and emit fragments. Affects certain build years and production batches.
The rear brake calipers of the Mokka A tend to stick due to corrosion build-up. Especially on vehicles used predominantly on motorways where the brakes are rarely used hard, corrosion locks the pistons.
The AC system of the Mokka A fails due to a defective compressor. Refrigerant loss through leaking pipe connections is also known. According to owner reports this occurred within the first two years on some vehicles.
The AC system of the Mokka A fails due to compressor defects or refrigerant loss. Stone chip damage to the condenser and age-related hose leaks are common causes.
The rear brake calipers of the Mokka A tend to seize due to corroded guide pins. Brake pads are loaded unevenly and prematurely destroy the discs.
Ignition switch and starter motor on the Mokka A fail prematurely. The starter cranks but no longer reliably fires the engine — especially on older high-mileage examples.
The EPS control unit of the Mokka A shuts down during voltage drops. Defective capacitor in the ECU or weak alternator as cause. Sudden failure while driving possible.
The M32 6-speed manual gearbox has excessive bearing preload from the factory. Bearings in the gearbox cover wear prematurely. Particularly affects gears 1, 5 and 6.
The Navi 950 IntelliLink of the Mokka A crashes regularly or freezes in navigation mode — a fault officially acknowledged by Opel. Software updates only helped to a limited degree; map updates were discontinued in 2018.
Water enters through all four doors and the tailgate and runs over the door sill when opening — a known design fault. The door drainage holes are suboptimally positioned so water collects in the cavities.
Exhaust hangers, rear subframe edges and spring seat plates of the Mokka A rust comparatively early. The affected areas have only paint without wax preservation, which quickly leads to visible rust on winter vehicles.
The rubber bushings of the front axle control arms wear on the Mokka A and cause clunking noises. Incorrect torque can lead to sudden loss of driving stability.
On the Mokka A (1.4 Turbo) the front coolant flange made of plastic cracks or the expansion tank splits. Loss of approx. 0.2 l/1,000 km possible. The supply line to the turbocharger also leaks.
The dashboard of the Mokka A rattles or ticks in the area above the speedo, especially in cold weather and on start-up. Chrome plastic trim strips and loose trim clips are common causes.
Reports & Tests
Oil loss is the dominant weak point with costly repairs. Exhaust system (particularly flex pipes) shows increased wear from four to nine years of age. Suspension deteriorates noticeably from the second MOT.
