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Opel · Van · 2005–2014 Custom Search

Opel Zafira B

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.7 / 5.0 · Based on 14 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

192–241 PS

2.0L Turbo OPC Benzin

Zafira OPC

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

150 PS

1.9L CDTI Diesel

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Opel Zafira B is available with 7 engine variants — from 87 to 241 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.7L CDTI · Diesel· 125 PS
2007 2014
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.9L CDTI · Diesel· 101–150 PS Engine Change
2005 2014
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2005 2014
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2005 2014
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
1.6L 16V · Petrol· 101–116 PS Engine Change
2005 2008
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2008 2014
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
1.8L 16V · Petrol· 140 PS
2005 2014
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.0L Turbo · Petrol· 200 PS
2005 2014
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2.0L Turbo OPC · Petrol· 241 PS
2005 2014
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.2L 16V Direct · Petrol· 147–150 PS
2005 2014
Stay Away! 4 weaknesses

The Opel 1.7L CDTI (Diesel, 125 PS) has the A17DTS (1.7L CDTI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Opel 1.9L CDTI (Diesel, 101–150 PS) comes with 3 different engines: Z19DT (2005–2014, Be Careful) and Z19DT (2005–2014, Be Careful) and Z19DTH (2005–2014, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.9L CDTI!

The Opel 1.6L 16V (Petrol, 101–116 PS) comes with 2 different engines: Z16XER (2005–2008, Be Careful) and A16XER (2008–2014, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L 16V!

The Opel 1.8L 16V (Petrol, 140 PS) has the Z18XER (1.8L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 2.0L Turbo (Petrol, 200 PS) has the Z20LET (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Opel 2.0L Turbo OPC (Petrol, 241 PS) has the Z20LEH (2.0L Turbo OPC) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Opel 2.2L 16V Direct (Petrol, 147–150 PS) has the Z22YH (2.2L 16V Direct) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.

Explore more

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Power steering failure

The hydraulic power steering pump frequently fails from 100,000 km. Additionally CIM module defects lead to intermittent steering failure. Typical problem of the GM Epsilon platform.

Symptoms: Whistling or wailing noise when turning, suddenly heavy steering when manoeuvring, servo pump fuse blows.
from 100,000 km
Medium

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 76 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Zafira B (2005–2014) — 62 engine-related and 14 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: Z22YH (2.2L 16V Direct), Z19DTH (1.9L CDTI). Typical issues affect Steering, HVAC, Suspension, Electronics.

Zafira (Z19DT, 2005–2014) — Be Careful: Dual mass flywheel worn, Timing belt breaks when replacement interval is exceeded, EGR valve coked up. Power: 101 PS.

Zafira (Z19DT, 2005–2014) — Be Careful: Dual mass flywheel worn, Timing belt breaks when replacement interval is exceeded, EGR valve coked up. Power: 120 PS.

Zafira (Z19DTH, 2005–2014) — Stay Away!: Swirl flap failure in intake manifold, Turbocharger failure (Garrett GT1749MV), Dual mass flywheel and M32 gearbox. Power: 150 PS.

Zafira (A17DTS, 2007–2014) — Be Careful: EGR cooler leaking, Turbocharger VTG vanes seized, Timing chain stretching. Power: 125 PS.

Zafira (A20DTH, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Oil suction pipe seal hardened, EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up, Diesel particulate filter clogged. Power: 110 PS.

Zafira (A20DTH, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Oil suction pipe seal hardened, EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up, Diesel particulate filter clogged. Power: 131 PS.

Zafira (A20DTH, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Oil suction pipe seal hardened, EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up, Diesel particulate filter clogged. Power: 165–170 PS.

Zafira (B16DTH, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattles – tensioner problem, Recall emissions scandal – coke deposits after update, Intake manifold and EGR valve coked up. Power: 120 PS.

Zafira (B16DTH, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattles – tensioner problem, Recall emissions scandal – coke deposits after update, Intake manifold and EGR valve coked up. Power: 135–136 PS.

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

Zafira (Z18XER, 2005–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain and tensioner worn, Electric thermostat faulty, Increased oil consumption at high mileage. Power: 140 PS.

Zafira (Z20LET, 2005–2014) — Be Careful: K04 turbocharger shaft seal leaking, Oil feed line to turbocharger ruptures, Oil consumption from piston rings and valve stem seals. Power: 200 PS.

Zafira (Z20LEH, 2005–2014) — Be Careful: Turbocharger bearing failure, Piston rings worn, Clutch prematurely worn. Power: 241 PS.

Zafira (Z22YH, 2005–2014) — Stay Away!: High-pressure pump faulty, Timing chain stretch, EGR valve coking / actuator gear failure. Power: 147–150 PS.

Zafira (A16XER, 2008–2014) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure → engine failure, VVT actuator filter breaks, Thermostat failure. Power: 116 PS.

Zafira (A18XER, 2011–2019) — Be Careful: VVT sprockets worn, Timing belt failure → engine failure, Oil cooler gaskets leaking. Power: 116–120 PS.

Zafira (A18XER, 2011–2019) — Be Careful: VVT sprockets worn, Timing belt failure → engine failure, Oil cooler gaskets leaking. Power: 140 PS.

Zafira (A14NET, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Piston ring land fractures and high oil consumption, Turbocharger blowing oil into intake, Water pump failure. Power: 120 PS.

Zafira (A14NET, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Piston ring land fractures and high oil consumption, Turbocharger blowing oil into intake, Water pump failure. Power: 140 PS.

Zafira (A16LET, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Turbo bearing leaking — oil in intake, Timing chain stretching from neglect, Elevated oil consumption due to piston rings. Power: 170 PS.

Zafira (A16LET, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Turbo bearing leaking — oil in intake, Timing chain stretching from neglect, Elevated oil consumption due to piston rings. Power: 200 PS.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Opel Zafira B have? +
The Opel Zafira B has 62 known engine weaknesses and 14 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Zafira B? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: A14NET (1.4L Turbo), Z16XER (1.6L 16V), A16XER (1.6L 16V), A16LET (1.6L Turbo), Z18XER (1.8L 16V), A18XER (1.8L 16V), Z20LET (2.0L Turbo), Z20LEH (2.0L Turbo OPC), A17DTS (1.7L CDTI), Z19DT (1.9L CDTI), A20DTH (2.0L CDTI), B16DTH (1.6L CDTI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the Z20LEH (2.0L Turbo OPC). Problem engine: Z19DTH (1.9L CDTI) — stay away!
Which Opel Zafira B engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Opel Zafira B — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 141 kW turbo in the Zafira A – the fastest family van of its time.
Is the Opel Zafira B worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Opel Zafira B — 2 of 14 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Zafira B? +
The Opel Zafira B is available with engine variants from 87 to 241 hp. Petrol: A14NET (1.4L Turbo), Z16XER (1.6L 16V), A16XER (1.6L 16V), A16LET (1.6L Turbo), Z18XER (1.8L 16V), A18XER (1.8L 16V), Z20LET (2.0L Turbo), Z20LEH (2.0L Turbo OPC), Z22YH (2.2L 16V Direct). Diesel: A17DTS (1.7L CDTI), Z19DT (1.9L CDTI), Z19DTH (1.9L CDTI), A20DTH (2.0L CDTI), B16DTH (1.6L CDTI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee