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Opel · Mid-Size · 2000–2002 Custom Search

Opel Vectra B

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

147–150 PS

2.2L 16V Benzin

Vectra B top

Decent

Generations

Engine Overview

The Opel Vectra B is available with 5 engine variants — from 75 to 150 hp.

2.2L DTI · Diesel· 120–125 PS
2000 2002
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L · Petrol· 75 PS
2000 2002
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L 16V · Petrol· 101 PS
2000 2002
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.8L 16V · Petrol· 122–125 PS
2000 2002
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.2L 16V · Petrol· 147 PS
2000 2002
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Opel 2.2L DTI (Diesel, 120–125 PS) has the Y22DTR (2.2L DTI) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.6L (Petrol, 75 PS) has the Z16SE (1.6L) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.6L 16V (Petrol, 101 PS) has the Z16XE (1.6L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.8L 16V (Petrol, 122–125 PS) has the Z18XE (1.8L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Opel 2.2L 16V (Petrol, 147 PS) has the Z22SE (2.2L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Double-panel rust on wheel arches

Wheel arches and wings rust from the inside out through double-panel construction. Surface repairs only temporarily effective.

Symptoms: Blistering on rear wheel arches, paint flaking at wing edges, rust returns after repair.
from 120,000 km
Ad wheel arch Opel Vectra Bfender Vectra B
 Medium
✖Lower door edges and longitudinal members rust through

Lower door edges, door frames and longitudinal members are susceptible to through-rust between weld seams. Pre-facelift models before 1999 particularly affected.

Symptoms: Rust on lower door edges and sills, bubbling underbody protection, through-rust at door corner points.
from 130,000 km
Ad rocker panel Vectra Bdoor panel Vectra B
 High

Alternatives

Same Segment

Audi A4 B6

Mid-Size (2000–2004)

Same Segment

Volvo S60 I

Mid-Size (2000–2009)

Same Segment

Volvo V70 II

Mid-Size (2000–2007)

Same Segment

VW Passat B5-GP

Mid-Size (2000–2005)

Same Segment

Hyundai XG XG

Mid-Size (1999–2005)

Same Segment

Lancia Lybra 839

Mid-Size (1999–2005)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 41 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Vectra B (2000–2002) — 30 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Brakes, Electronics.

Vectra (Y22DTR, 2000–2002) — Be Careful: VP44 injection pump faulty, VP44 injection pump control unit faulty, VTG turbocharger sticking. Power: 120–125 PS.

Vectra (Z16SE, 2000–2002) — Be Careful: Timing belt breaks → engine damage, Head gasket leaking, Thermostat sticking. Power: 75 PS.

Vectra (Z16XE, 2000–2002) — Be Careful: Timing belt breaks → engine damage, EGR valve coked up, Electronic throttle body faulty. Power: 101 PS.

Vectra (Z18XE, 2000–2002) — Be Careful: Crankshaft sensor: failure from oil wetting, Cylinder head: hairline crack and coolant loss, Valve stem seals: increased oil consumption. Power: 122–125 PS.

Vectra (Z22SE, 2000–2002) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail bolt breaks, Secondary chain balance shaft breaks, Oil consumption from worn piston rings. Power: 147 PS.

What to watch out for with the Opel Vectra? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Opel Vectra B have? +
The Opel Vectra B has 30 known engine weaknesses and 11 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Vectra B? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: Z16SE (1.6L), Z16XE (1.6L 16V), Z18XE (1.8L 16V), Z22SE (2.2L 16V), Y22DTR (2.2L DTI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the Z22SE (2.2L 16V).
Which Opel Vectra B engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Opel Vectra B — rated: "Decent". {description} 108 kW from 2.2 litres in the Vectra B – effortless naturally aspirated engine for the midsize class.
Is the Opel Vectra B worth buying used? +
The Opel Vectra B requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Vectra B? +
The Opel Vectra B is available with engine variants from 75 to 150 hp. Petrol: Z16SE (1.6L), Z16XE (1.6L 16V), Z18XE (1.8L 16V), Z22SE (2.2L 16V). Diesel: Y22DTR (2.2L DTI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee