Opel Vivaro B(X82) — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Opel Vivaro B was built at Sandouville from June 2014 to January 2019 alongside the Renault Trafic III, to which it is identical apart from the grille and badging - both share the body, chassis, engines and gearboxes. As a Combi, Opel offered it exclusively with the 1.6-litre dCi (badged 1.6 CDTI at Opel, technically identical to the R9M) in power outputs from 66 to 107 kW - the stronger versions from 92 kW using a twin-turbo setup. Unlike the Trafic, the Vivaro B never received the 2.0-litre successor engine or a dual-clutch gearbox, because production ended in 2019 before Renault introduced that technology - so anyone wary of EDC risk starts on safe ground with the Vivaro B.
Mechanically the Vivaro B therefore shares all the strengths and weaknesses of the early Trafic III: the 1.6 dCi engine is considered robust as long as oil changes are kept up and the van isn't run purely on short trips, which stresses the diesel particulate filter and EGR valve. The clutch is a recurring wear item in commercial use with frequent starting - workshop estimates for the 1.6 CDTI put a full clutch replacement including parts at around 1,750 euros.
In the TÜV Report for commercial vehicles the Vivaro fares even worse than the Trafic: with a 27.1 percent defect rate at five to six years it ranks last in its class, and at eleven to twelve years the rate of significant defects reaches 44.9 percent. The report attributes this to the close technical relationship with the Trafic and names steering joints, axle suspension, brake discs, brake performance and rear lighting as the main causes - all issues typically linked to high mileage and sustained load.
Recalls also run largely in parallel with the Trafic: KBA recalls cover a handbrake cable that can come loose, a parking brake without reliable holding function, insufficiently torqued suspension bolts on the Panhard rod and wishbones, a faulty brake booster vacuum pump, an incorrectly installed passenger airbag module, and a leaking EGR system. Checking the recall history via the VIN is essential before buying.
Anyone using the Vivaro B as a family or club Combi should also know that, per the owner's manual, children under 36 kg may not sit in the third row - an Opel spokesperson publicly confirmed the issue, but it's rarely mentioned in the sales pitch.
Overall the Vivaro B is a solid but statistically defect-prone used vehicle. The buying advice mirrors that for the Trafic: complete service history, a recall check via the VIN, and a critical look at suspension and brakes on high-mileage examples. Since every Vivaro B runs a manual gearbox, at least the EDC risk of the later Trafic generations doesn't apply.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Opel Vivaro B is available with 7 engine variants — from 90 to 145 hp.
Modern 1.6-litre common-rail diesel with timing chain, powerful torque in the bi-turbo version — constructively complex and repair-intensive when damaged. Timing chain frequently elongates from 140,000–150,000 km; piezo injectors, EGR valve and DPF are known trouble sources. On short trips the particulate filter sooths up quickly. Only buy with complete service history and after engine inspection; short oil change intervals noticeably extend timing chain life.
- !! Timing Chain Stretch from 145,000 km
The R9M timing chain sometimes stretches from as early as 140,000–150,000 km, despite a stated 250,000 km service life. Chain failure leads to valve contact and total engine damage — a costly risk.
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start, engine warning light, harsh engine noise - !! Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water) from 80,000 km
The R9M 452 repeatedly suffers connecting rod failures attributed to condensation water ingested from the intercooler. Short oil change intervals and frequent short trips increase the risk.
Symptoms: Loud knock from the engine, sudden engine stop, oil pressure loss - !! EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss from 100,000 km
The EGR cooler on the R9M is prone to cracking, allowing coolant to enter the intake system. The result is not only power loss but in extreme cases engine damage from water ingestion.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible cause, white smoke, exhaust smell in the cabin
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern 1.6-litre common-rail diesel with timing chain, powerful torque in the bi-turbo version — constructively complex and repair-intensive when damaged. Timing chain frequently elongates from 140,000–150,000 km; piezo injectors, EGR valve and DPF are known trouble sources. On short trips the particulate filter sooths up quickly. Only buy with complete service history and after engine inspection; short oil change intervals noticeably extend timing chain life.
- !! Timing Chain Stretch from 145,000 km
The R9M timing chain sometimes stretches from as early as 140,000–150,000 km, despite a stated 250,000 km service life. Chain failure leads to valve contact and total engine damage — a costly risk.
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start, engine warning light, harsh engine noise - !! Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water) from 80,000 km
The R9M 452 repeatedly suffers connecting rod failures attributed to condensation water ingested from the intercooler. Short oil change intervals and frequent short trips increase the risk.
Symptoms: Loud knock from the engine, sudden engine stop, oil pressure loss - !! EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss from 100,000 km
The EGR cooler on the R9M is prone to cracking, allowing coolant to enter the intake system. The result is not only power loss but in extreme cases engine damage from water ingestion.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible cause, white smoke, exhaust smell in the cabin
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern 1.6-litre common-rail diesel with timing chain, powerful torque in the bi-turbo version — constructively complex and repair-intensive when damaged. Timing chain frequently elongates from 140,000–150,000 km; piezo injectors, EGR valve and DPF are known trouble sources. On short trips the particulate filter sooths up quickly. Only buy with complete service history and after engine inspection; short oil change intervals noticeably extend timing chain life.
- !! Timing Chain Stretch from 145,000 km
The R9M timing chain sometimes stretches from as early as 140,000–150,000 km, despite a stated 250,000 km service life. Chain failure leads to valve contact and total engine damage — a costly risk.
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start, engine warning light, harsh engine noise - !! Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water) from 80,000 km
The R9M 452 repeatedly suffers connecting rod failures attributed to condensation water ingested from the intercooler. Short oil change intervals and frequent short trips increase the risk.
Symptoms: Loud knock from the engine, sudden engine stop, oil pressure loss - !! EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss from 100,000 km
The EGR cooler on the R9M is prone to cracking, allowing coolant to enter the intake system. The result is not only power loss but in extreme cases engine damage from water ingestion.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible cause, white smoke, exhaust smell in the cabin
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern 1.6-litre common-rail diesel with timing chain, powerful torque in the bi-turbo version — constructively complex and repair-intensive when damaged. Timing chain frequently elongates from 140,000–150,000 km; piezo injectors, EGR valve and DPF are known trouble sources. On short trips the particulate filter sooths up quickly. Only buy with complete service history and after engine inspection; short oil change intervals noticeably extend timing chain life.
- !! Timing Chain Stretch from 145,000 km
The R9M timing chain sometimes stretches from as early as 140,000–150,000 km, despite a stated 250,000 km service life. Chain failure leads to valve contact and total engine damage — a costly risk.
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start, engine warning light, harsh engine noise - !! Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water) from 80,000 km
The R9M 452 repeatedly suffers connecting rod failures attributed to condensation water ingested from the intercooler. Short oil change intervals and frequent short trips increase the risk.
Symptoms: Loud knock from the engine, sudden engine stop, oil pressure loss - !! EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss from 100,000 km
The EGR cooler on the R9M is prone to cracking, allowing coolant to enter the intake system. The result is not only power loss but in extreme cases engine damage from water ingestion.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible cause, white smoke, exhaust smell in the cabin
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern 1.6-litre common-rail diesel with timing chain, powerful torque in the bi-turbo version — constructively complex and repair-intensive when damaged. Timing chain frequently elongates from 140,000–150,000 km; piezo injectors, EGR valve and DPF are known trouble sources. On short trips the particulate filter sooths up quickly. Only buy with complete service history and after engine inspection; short oil change intervals noticeably extend timing chain life.
- !! Timing Chain Stretch from 145,000 km
The R9M timing chain sometimes stretches from as early as 140,000–150,000 km, despite a stated 250,000 km service life. Chain failure leads to valve contact and total engine damage — a costly risk.
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start, engine warning light, harsh engine noise - !! Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water) from 80,000 km
The R9M 452 repeatedly suffers connecting rod failures attributed to condensation water ingested from the intercooler. Short oil change intervals and frequent short trips increase the risk.
Symptoms: Loud knock from the engine, sudden engine stop, oil pressure loss - !! EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss from 100,000 km
The EGR cooler on the R9M is prone to cracking, allowing coolant to enter the intake system. The result is not only power loss but in extreme cases engine damage from water ingestion.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible cause, white smoke, exhaust smell in the cabin
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern 1.6-litre common-rail diesel with timing chain, powerful torque in the bi-turbo version — constructively complex and repair-intensive when damaged. Timing chain frequently elongates from 140,000–150,000 km; piezo injectors, EGR valve and DPF are known trouble sources. On short trips the particulate filter sooths up quickly. Only buy with complete service history and after engine inspection; short oil change intervals noticeably extend timing chain life.
- !! Timing Chain Stretch from 145,000 km
The R9M timing chain sometimes stretches from as early as 140,000–150,000 km, despite a stated 250,000 km service life. Chain failure leads to valve contact and total engine damage — a costly risk.
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start, engine warning light, harsh engine noise - !! Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water) from 80,000 km
The R9M 452 repeatedly suffers connecting rod failures attributed to condensation water ingested from the intercooler. Short oil change intervals and frequent short trips increase the risk.
Symptoms: Loud knock from the engine, sudden engine stop, oil pressure loss - !! EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss from 100,000 km
The EGR cooler on the R9M is prone to cracking, allowing coolant to enter the intake system. The result is not only power loss but in extreme cases engine damage from water ingestion.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible cause, white smoke, exhaust smell in the cabin
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern 1.6-litre common-rail diesel with timing chain, powerful torque in the bi-turbo version — constructively complex and repair-intensive when damaged. Timing chain frequently elongates from 140,000–150,000 km; piezo injectors, EGR valve and DPF are known trouble sources. On short trips the particulate filter sooths up quickly. Only buy with complete service history and after engine inspection; short oil change intervals noticeably extend timing chain life.
- !! Timing Chain Stretch from 145,000 km
The R9M timing chain sometimes stretches from as early as 140,000–150,000 km, despite a stated 250,000 km service life. Chain failure leads to valve contact and total engine damage — a costly risk.
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start, engine warning light, harsh engine noise - !! Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water) from 80,000 km
The R9M 452 repeatedly suffers connecting rod failures attributed to condensation water ingested from the intercooler. Short oil change intervals and frequent short trips increase the risk.
Symptoms: Loud knock from the engine, sudden engine stop, oil pressure loss - !! EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss from 100,000 km
The EGR cooler on the R9M is prone to cracking, allowing coolant to enter the intake system. The result is not only power loss but in extreme cases engine damage from water ingestion.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible cause, white smoke, exhaust smell in the cabin
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall series: parking brake and handbrake cable KBA recalls from 2015 (5100, handbrake cable can come loose) and 2019 (8755, manufacturing defect leaving no holding function) cover the parking brake. Affected vehicles could roll away. Symptoms: The vehicle does not hold securely with the parking brake applied and can roll away, especially on a slope. | Low | |
| Recall series: suspension and Panhard rod fasteners KBA recalls from 2015 (5098, wishbone bolts) and 2017 (6584, Panhard rod) cover insufficiently torqued or faulty fastenings on rear-axle suspension parts. Symptoms: Altered handling, rattling or play in the suspension area can indicate loosened fasteners. | Low | |
| Recall: faulty brake booster vacuum pump A KBA recall (5694) from 2015/2016 covers a faulty rotor in the vacuum pump that can cause loss of brake assist and engine power. The recall simultaneously affected the related Movano. Symptoms: Noticeably higher pedal effort when braking plus a perceptible loss of engine power. | Low | |
| Recall series: passenger airbag module and seatbelt guide KBA recalls from 2016 (6003, incorrectly installed passenger airbag module) and 2018/2019 (8254, imprecisely manufactured third-row seatbelt guide) cover the restraint system. | Low | |
| Recall: poorly welded front passenger bench frame A KBA recall (5097) from 2015 covers a poorly welded front passenger bench seat frame that can fail in a crash. | Low | |
| Recall: leak in the EGR system A KBA recall (6336) from 2016 covers a leak in the diesel engine's EGR system on vehicles built between 2014 and 2016. Symptoms: Stronger diesel smell in the engine bay, possibly an exhaust system warning light. | Low |
Test Reports
auto motor und sport - TÜV-Report Nutzfahrzeuge 2026
The Vivaro ranks last in its class (position 30) among five- to six-year-old vehicles with a 27.1 percent defect rate. The brake system, lighting and steering show up particularly often.
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 17 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Vivaro B (2014–2019) — 8 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. One problem engine: R9M (1.6L dCi). Typical issues affect Other, Gearbox, Suspension, Brakes.
Vivaro (R9M, 2014–2019) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch, Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water), EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss. Power: 90–95 PS.
Vivaro (R9M, 2014–2019) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch, Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water), EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss. Power: 116–121 PS.
Vivaro (R9M, 2014–2019) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch, Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water), EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss. Power: 116–125 PS.
Vivaro (R9M, 2014–2019) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch, Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water), EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss. Power: 140–145 PS.
Vivaro (R9M, 2016–2019) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch, Connecting Rod Failure (Condensation Water), EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss. Power: 120–125 PS.
What to watch out for with the Opel Vivaro? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Opel Vivaro B have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Vivaro B? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Opel Vivaro B engine is the most fun? +
Is the Opel Vivaro B worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Vivaro B? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee