Opel Signum
Direct-injection variant of the 2.2 L Ecotec with elevated injection system pressure. The high-pressure pump is the most common and most expensive individual weakness. EGR valve carbonises quickly. The engine is not E10-compatible.
Signum standard
114 kW in the Signum – acceptable engine for the large saloon.
Engine Weaknesses 4
When faulty, the high-pressure pump delivers insufficient fuel to the common rail. Cause is often oil sludge deposits or a stuck pressure control valve. E10 fuel accelerates wear considerably. Rail pressure below 600 kPa at idle is an indicator.
Symptoms: Juddering and misfires especially at high revs and on the motorway; engine cuts out when accelerating from standstill; limp mode
On the Z22YH, the timing chain also drives the high-pressure pump, placing more load on it than on the Z22SE. Chain stretch typically sets in between 100,000 and 140,000 km. Improved tensioner design available.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start in the timing chain area; engine warning light with fault code for implausible camshaft position; phase error in fault memory
The electric EGR valve clogs particularly quickly from direct injection. Heavy soot deposits can damage the actuator motor gears after just 10,000 km. Opel offered a field fix (EGR deactivation + software update, approx. 300 EUR).
Symptoms: Noticeable power loss especially in the lower rev range; increased fuel consumption; black deposits in intake manifold
The pressure control valve in the high-pressure pump tends to stick, causing excessive rail pressure. Valves built before week 26/2009 are particularly susceptible. Replacing the control valve often only provides temporary relief — the pump itself frequently needs replacing too.
Symptoms: Rough engine running, misfires; fault code P1191; engine in limp mode
Vehicle Weaknesses 12
Electronically controlled ZF-Sachs dampers fail around 90,000–130,000 km. OEM parts over 1,600 €; aftermarket from 150 € per unit.
At the rear roof rail end cap, moisture penetrates between two sheet metal layers causing corrosion.
Cold solder joints in the CIM cause intermittent warning lights without actual fault. Diagnosis requires specialist equipment (Tech2).
On the Signum 1.9 CDTI the EGR valve and swirl flaps clog with soot deposits, causing power loss and smoke. Removal and cleaning costs approx. 100–200 €; replacement is more expensive.
The main radiator of the Signum rusts and leaks from approx. 150,000 km. Radiator replacement requires complete front-end disassembly including AC condenser.
KBA recall for Vectra C and Signum (build years 2002–2007): insufficient spring force in the handbrake lever ratchet.
Track rods and track rod ends show play from approx. 100,000 km. Parts are inexpensive but wheel alignment must be done afterwards.
Rotary knob potentiometers develop contact weaknesses through cold solder joints. Blower occasionally fails completely.
Even without IDS, shock absorbers wear from approx. 100,000–130,000 km. Short-trip use accelerates wear.
The electro-hydraulic steering rack (EHPS) of the Signum leaks oil from approx. 140,000 km. Dashboard warning; sudden loss of steering assistance possible when oil level empty.
On the Signum water enters through leaking tailgate seals or rear light seals into the boot. Spare wheel well fills up.
In the Signum the adhesive between the headliner support rails and fabric deteriorates after 15–20 years due to heat. Foam crumbles; fabric droops.
