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Opel · Mid-Size · 2002–2008 Custom Search

Opel Vectra C

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.6 / 5.0 · Based on 14 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

250–280 PS

2.8L V6 Turbo VCT Benzin

V6 bi-turbo in a suit

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

150 PS

1.9L CDTI Diesel

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Body Variants

The Opel Vectra C is available as Sports Tourer and Sedan and Hatchback — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Sports Tourer
14 Engines 3× Stay Away!
View Sports Tourer →
Sedan
14 Engines 3× Stay Away!
View Sedan →
Hatchback
14 Engines 3× Stay Away!
View Hatchback →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Opel Vectra C is available with 13 engine variants — from 82 to 280 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.9L CDTI · Diesel· 120–150 PS Engine Change
2004 2008
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2004 2008
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2.0L DTI · Diesel· 101 PS
2002 2005
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.2L DTI · Diesel· 120–125 PS
2002 2004
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
3.0L CDTI V6 · Diesel· 177–184 PS
2003 2005
Stay Away! 4 weaknesses
1.6L 16V · Petrol· 101–105 PS
2005 2008
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.8L 16V · Petrol· 122–140 PS Engine Change
2002 2005
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2005 2008
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.0L Turbo · Petrol· 175 PS
2003 2008
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.2L 16V · Petrol· 147 PS
2002 2005
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2.2L 16V Direct · Petrol· 155 PS
2004 2008
Stay Away! 4 weaknesses
2.8L V6 Turbo · Petrol· 230 PS
2005 2008
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.8L V6 Turbo VCT · Petrol· 250–256 PS
2006 2008
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
3.2L V6 · Petrol· 211 PS
2002 2005
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Vectra OPC · Petrol· 280 PS
2006 2008
Be Careful 4 weaknesses

The Opel 1.9L CDTI (Diesel, 120–150 PS) comes with 2 different engines: Z19DT (2004–2008, Be Careful) and Z19DTH (2004–2008, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.9L CDTI!

The Opel 2.0L DTI (Diesel, 101 PS) has the Y20DTH (2.0L DTI) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

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

The Opel 3.0L CDTI V6 (Diesel, 177–184 PS) has the Y30DT (3.0L CDTI V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.6L 16V (Petrol, 101–105 PS) has the Z16XER (1.6L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.8L 16V (Petrol, 122–140 PS) comes with 2 different engines: Z18XE (2002–2005, Be Careful) and Z18XER (2005–2008, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.8L 16V!

The Opel 2.0L Turbo (Petrol, 175 PS) has the Z20NET (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

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

The Opel 2.2L 16V Direct (Petrol, 155 PS) has the Z22YH (2.2L 16V Direct) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 2.8L V6 Turbo (Petrol, 230 PS) has the Z28NEL (2.8L V6 Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 2.8L V6 Turbo VCT (Petrol, 250–256 PS) has the Z28NET (2.8L V6 Turbo VCT) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 3.2L V6 (Petrol, 211 PS) has the Z32SE (3.2L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel Vectra OPC (Petrol, 280 PS) has the Z28NET (2.8L V6 Turbo VCT) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!CIM module failure

The steering column module (CIM) controls indicators, wipers, immobiliser and steering angle sensor. Contact corrosion on internal slip contacts leads to system failures. Models before 2005 particularly affected.

Symptoms: ESP light on permanently, intermittent power steering warning, horn not working, indicators respond with delay, in extreme cases vehicle won't start.
from 120,000 km
Ad CIM module Vectra C13190056steering columnnmodul Opel Vectra
 Medium
!Instrument cluster total failure

The instrument cluster drops out completely while driving — all needles rest at zero. Cause is defective solder connections or stepper motors on the instrument PCB.

Symptoms: Speedo needle suddenly stays at 0, all warning lights go out or illuminate simultaneously, fuel gauge and rev counter unresponsive.
from 130,000 km
Ad instrument cluster Vectra Cspeedometer Opel Vectra C repair13228878
 Low
!Instrument cluster contact fault

In the Vectra C poor connector contact leads to instrument cluster failures: speedo needle rests at zero, odometer missing, or complete display blank.

Symptoms: Speedo shows 0 km/h while moving, rev counter failed, no fuel level visible, all warning lights on simultaneously.
from 100,000 km
Ad instrument cluster Vectra C repairspeedometer Opel Vectra CInstrumenteneinheit Z18XER Vectra
 Low

Alternatives

Same Segment

Audi S6 C6

Mid-Size (2006–2011)

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Hyundai Azera TG

Mid-Size (2006–2011)

Same Segment

Lexus IS XE20

Mid-Size (2006–2013)

Same Segment

Alfa Romeo 159 939

Mid-Size (2005–2011)

Same Segment

Audi RS4 B7

Mid-Size (2005–2009)

Same Segment

BMW 3er E90

Mid-Size (2005–2013)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 80 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Vectra C (2002–2008) — 66 engine-related and 14 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: Z22YH (2.2L 16V Direct), Z19DTH (1.9L CDTI), Y30DT (3.0L CDTI V6). Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Rust, Steering.

Vectra (Y20DTH, 2002–2005) — Be Careful: Injectors leaking, Dual mass flywheel faulty, Variable turbine geometry sticking. Power: 101 PS.

Vectra (Y22DTR, 2002–2004) — Be Careful: VP44 injection pump faulty, VP44 injection pump control unit faulty, VTG turbocharger sticking. Power: 120–125 PS.

Vectra (Y30DT, 2003–2005) — Stay Away!: Cylinder liner sinking — compression into cooling system, High-pressure pump metering unit clogged, M32 gearbox: bearing failure. Power: 177–184 PS.

Vectra (Z19DT, 2004–2008) — Be Careful: Dual mass flywheel worn, Timing belt breaks when replacement interval is exceeded, EGR valve coked up. Power: 120 PS.

Vectra (Z19DTH, 2004–2008) — Stay Away!: Swirl flap failure in intake manifold, Turbocharger failure (Garrett GT1749MV), Dual mass flywheel and M32 gearbox. Power: 150 PS.

Vectra (Z18XE, 2002–2005) — 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, 2002–2005) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail bolt breaks, Secondary chain balance shaft breaks, Oil consumption from worn piston rings. Power: 147 PS.

Vectra (Z32SE, 2002–2005) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking (between cylinder banks), Head gasket faulty, Cam cover and oil pressure switch leaking. Power: 211 PS.

Vectra (Z20NET, 2003–2008) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched / tensioner faulty (pre-facelift), Turbocharger failure at high mileage, Bypass valve membrane torn — boost pressure loss. Power: 175 PS.

Vectra (Z22YH, 2004–2008) — Stay Away!: High-pressure pump faulty, Timing chain stretch, EGR valve coking / actuator gear failure. Power: 155 PS.

Vectra (Z16XER, 2005–2008) — Be Careful: Timing belt neglected, Map-controlled thermostat faulty, Oil pressure switch leaking. Power: 101–105 PS.

Vectra (Z18XER, 2005–2008) — Be Careful: Timing chain and tensioner worn, Electric thermostat faulty, Increased oil consumption at high mileage. Power: 140 PS.

Vectra (Z28NEL, 2005–2008) — Be Careful: Timing chains stretch (V6 turbo), Misfires / juddering at idle, Turbocharger wastegate rattling. Power: 230 PS.

Vectra (Z28NET, 2006–2008) — Be Careful: Timing chains stretch (V6 turbo VCT), Misfires / juddering at idle, Turbocharger wastegate / boost pressure loss. Power: 250–256 PS.

Vectra (Z28NET, 2006–2008) — Be Careful: Timing chains stretch (V6 turbo VCT), Misfires / juddering at idle, Turbocharger wastegate / boost pressure loss. Power: 280 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 C have? +
The Opel Vectra C has 66 known engine weaknesses and 14 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Vectra C? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: Z16XER (1.6L 16V), Z18XE (1.8L 16V), Z18XER (1.8L 16V), Z20NET (2.0L Turbo), Z22SE (2.2L 16V), Z19DT (1.9L CDTI), Y20DTH (2.0L DTI), Y22DTR (2.2L DTI), Z28NEL (2.8L V6 Turbo), Z28NET (2.8L V6 Turbo VCT), Z32SE (3.2L V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the Z28NET (2.8L V6 Turbo VCT). Problem engine: Z19DTH (1.9L CDTI) — stay away!
Which Opel Vectra C engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Opel Vectra C — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 250 hp V6 bi-turbo in a Vectra saloon – effortless long-distance runner with enough reserves for every overtake. The turbo flutter on lift-off reveals the engine; the rest stays under a veneer of composed anonymity.
Is the Opel Vectra C worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Opel Vectra C — 3 of 14 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Vectra C? +
The Opel Vectra C is available with engine variants from 82 to 280 hp. Petrol: Z16XER (1.6L 16V), Z18XE (1.8L 16V), Z18XER (1.8L 16V), Z20NET (2.0L Turbo), Z22SE (2.2L 16V), Z22YH (2.2L 16V Direct), Z28NEL (2.8L V6 Turbo), Z28NET (2.8L V6 Turbo VCT), Z32SE (3.2L V6). Diesel: Z19DT (1.9L CDTI), Z19DTH (1.9L CDTI), Y20DTH (2.0L DTI), Y22DTR (2.2L DTI), Y30DT (3.0L CDTI V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee