Opel Vectra
Solid naturally aspirated engine with good refinement, but known weaknesses in the timing chain drive. Examples before engine number 11065400 (March 2002) have an inadequately lubricated primary chain. Piston rings with insufficient tangential tension lead to elevated oil consumption.
Vectra B top
108 kW from 2.2 litres in the Vectra B – effortless naturally aspirated engine for the midsize class.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The guide rail retaining bolt in the cylinder head can come loose or break, causing chain slap. In the worst case, a cylinder head replacement is needed. Engines before no. 11065400 (up to March 2002) are particularly affected.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering noises in the timing chain area, especially on cold start; in advanced stages misfires and engine warning light
The secondary chain for the balance shafts can fail together with the chain tensioner. A break leads to severe engine vibrations and secondary damage. A complete chain replacement always includes both chain sets.
Symptoms: Strong irregular vibrations, metallic clattering from engine bay; sudden severe power loss when chain breaks
Engines in the serial number range 11300883–11378500 were produced with piston rings whose tangential preload was outside specification. The rings lose radial force prematurely; oil consumption up to 0.5–1 L/1,000 km.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust at higher revs; strong airflow from the oil dipstick with the engine running indicates piston rings
The ignition control module on the Z22SE is sensitive to heat and can fail when it gets hot. The engine then will not start or runs rough. Replacing the module resolves the problem permanently.
Symptoms: Engine will not start or starts with a delay, intermittent misfires at operating temperature
The plastic coolant expansion tank on the Z22SE tends to crack at higher mileages. Excessive coolant loss can lead to overheating. Regular visual inspection recommended.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, visible cracks or moisture on reservoir, temperature rise
The thermostat tends to stick or open with a delay at higher mileages, causing fluctuating operating temperatures. On the motorway in particular, temperature swings of 10–15 °C are visible.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge fluctuating between 80 °C and 100 °C; engine does not reach normal operating temperature at high speed
The Z22SE has no conventional camshaft sensor; its function is taken over by the ignition module. Faulty connectors or a worn ignition module trigger fault code P0340. Checking the cable connections is often sufficient.
Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, engine warning light with fault code P0340; engine hard to start or briefly will not start
Vehicle Weaknesses 11
Wheel arches and wings rust from the inside out through double-panel construction. Surface repairs only temporarily effective.
Lower door edges, door frames and longitudinal members are susceptible to through-rust between weld seams. Pre-facelift models before 1999 particularly affected.
Control arm rubber bushings corrode and seize with age, making replacement considerably more difficult.
Rear disc brakes with integrated drum for the parking brake. Drum area rusts and seizes.
ABS control unit fails at higher mileages or after moisture damage. Completely disables ABS.
Recall for Opel Vectra C and Signum (model years 2002–2007): insufficient spring force in the handbrake lever ratchet. Vehicle may roll unintentionally.
On-board computer display suffers pixel dropout due to ageing solder joints. Instrument cluster and radio display affected.
Rear axle bearings become noisy with increasing mileage. Bearings often seize; replacement is labour-intensive.
On the Vectra B the connector at the blower pre-resistor and the resistor itself scorches. Typical: fan goes off on all speeds except full power. Connector shows clear burn marks.
The hydraulic steering rack of the Vectra B leaks from approx. 150,000–200,000 km. Pre-facelift models particularly affected. TÜV defect due to oil loss.
The adhesive between the headliner cross-members and fabric in the Vectra B hardens and crumbles with age. Headliner fabric then sags. Typically occurs after 15–20 years.
