Opel Zafira Tourer — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Opel/Vauxhall Zafira C Tourer (2011–2019) was Opel's last genuine MPV before the Zafira Life (a PSA van). Bigger than the Zafira B, with the FlexConnect seat system, but technically on the GM D2XX platform with known weaknesses.
Engine choice: A14NET (1.4 Turbo, 88–103 kW) — the volume engine, but the timing chain stretches from 80,000 km, especially on 2011–2016 cars (600–1,800 EUR). Take rattling on cold start seriously. A18XER (1.8, 85–103 kW) — a solid naturally aspirated engine without turbo risk. A16LET (1.6 Turbo, 125–147 kW) — sporty, with fewer problems than the 1.4T. Diesel A20DTH (2.0 CDTi, 81–125 kW) — the long-distance king, but the EGR valve cokes up and DPF regeneration fails on short trips (particularly on the A20DTR bi-turbo variant). The dual-mass flywheel on diesels with manual gearbox is due from 120,000 km (800–1,800 EUR). B16DTH (1.6 CDTi, 88–100 kW) — economical.
Springs break — the most common MOT problem; the heavier vehicle loads the springs more than the Zafira B did. The track rod end can work loose (recall, a thread problem). Water ingress through the roof seams. Rust on the lower door edges and wheel arches — but noticeably better than on the predecessor. The Navi 900 restarts constantly (a temperature problem, fault code U0257). The water pump is an ADAC breakdown focus (model years 2015–2018). The coolant expansion tank cracks (a perennial Opel issue).
Test drive: A14NET cold start (chain rattle?), A20DTH DPF status (regeneration message?), springs visually, track rod: play when steering?, Navi: does it restart?
Market in 2026: 2014–2017 with 80,000 km 7,000–12,000 EUR. Insider pick: A18XER (1.8) or A16LET (1.6 Turbo) with manual gearbox — no timing chain risk as with the 1.4T, and none of the diesel complex (EGR, DPF, dual-mass flywheel).
200 PS
Zafira · Benzin
Zafira top petrol
DecentGenerations
Engine Overview
The Opel Zafira Tourer is available with 9 engine variants — from 110 to 200 hp.
The 1.6-litre CDTI from the GM/PSA partnership is economical and powerful, but suffers from a systemic timing chain problem. Rattling on cold start is widespread and regarded as a known weakness of this engine family. Timing chain and tensioner should be inspected regularly at higher mileages, and preventive replacement is advisable before the rattle becomes persistent.
- !! Timing chain rattles – tensioner problem from 80,000 km
The timing chain rattles on cold start due to a slow-reacting tensioner. The tensioner is mounted on the gearbox side and is difficult to access. Opel developed a revised tensioner.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling for 1–4 seconds on cold start, sometimes also under load changes when warm. Noise originates from the gearbox side of the engine. - !! Oil pump chain breaks from 150,000 km
Plastic coating on chain guide rail detaches and destroys oil pump chain. Combined oil/vacuum pump means brake assist also fails.
Symptoms: Red oil pressure warning after start, heavy brake pedal, rattling from engine bay - !! Recall emissions scandal – coke deposits after update
Mandatory recall for illegal defeat device. The software update significantly raises the EGR rate, leading to accelerated carbon buildup in the EGR valve, intake manifold and pressure sensors.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 1.6-litre CDTI from the GM/PSA partnership is economical and powerful, but suffers from a systemic timing chain problem. Rattling on cold start is widespread and regarded as a known weakness of this engine family. Timing chain and tensioner should be inspected regularly at higher mileages, and preventive replacement is advisable before the rattle becomes persistent.
- !! Timing chain rattles – tensioner problem from 80,000 km
The timing chain rattles on cold start due to a slow-reacting tensioner. The tensioner is mounted on the gearbox side and is difficult to access. Opel developed a revised tensioner.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling for 1–4 seconds on cold start, sometimes also under load changes when warm. Noise originates from the gearbox side of the engine. - !! Oil pump chain breaks from 150,000 km
Plastic coating on chain guide rail detaches and destroys oil pump chain. Combined oil/vacuum pump means brake assist also fails.
Symptoms: Red oil pressure warning after start, heavy brake pedal, rattling from engine bay - !! Recall emissions scandal – coke deposits after update
Mandatory recall for illegal defeat device. The software update significantly raises the EGR rate, leading to accelerated carbon buildup in the EGR valve, intake manifold and pressure sensors.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Powerful 2.0-litre diesel with good long-distance characteristics but characteristic weak points in the oil supply and emissions system areas. The oil suction pipe seal is the best-known and sometimes critical issue that requires attention. With regular maintenance and primarily motorway use this is a reliable unit — short-trip driving should be avoided due to DPF blockage problems.
- !! Oil suction pipe seal hardened from 150,000 km
The seal on the oil suction pipe to the oil pump hardens over time and draws in false air. This results in low oil pressure which causes the engine to shut down. Affects nearly all A20DTH at higher mileage.
Symptoms: Warning 'Oil pressure low — switch off engine' especially on cold start or after long standstill, engine shutdown by protection system. - !! Critical timing belt interval from 150,000 km
The A20DTH uses a timing belt (not a chain). As an interference engine, belt failure causes immediate engine damage. Strictly follow the replacement interval, always replace water pump and tensioner.
Symptoms: No warning — belt failure causes immediate valve damage - !! EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up from 100,000 km
The EGR valve and intake manifold carbon up with typical diesel use on frequent short trips. After the emissions scandal software update the problem worsens due to increased EGR rate.
Symptoms: Power loss, misfires at mid rpm, increased fuel consumption, black smoke on acceleration, engine management light.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Powerful 2.0-litre diesel with good long-distance characteristics but characteristic weak points in the oil supply and emissions system areas. The oil suction pipe seal is the best-known and sometimes critical issue that requires attention. With regular maintenance and primarily motorway use this is a reliable unit — short-trip driving should be avoided due to DPF blockage problems.
- !! Oil suction pipe seal hardened from 150,000 km
The seal on the oil suction pipe to the oil pump hardens over time and draws in false air. This results in low oil pressure which causes the engine to shut down. Affects nearly all A20DTH at higher mileage.
Symptoms: Warning 'Oil pressure low — switch off engine' especially on cold start or after long standstill, engine shutdown by protection system. - !! Critical timing belt interval from 150,000 km
The A20DTH uses a timing belt (not a chain). As an interference engine, belt failure causes immediate engine damage. Strictly follow the replacement interval, always replace water pump and tensioner.
Symptoms: No warning — belt failure causes immediate valve damage - !! EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up from 100,000 km
The EGR valve and intake manifold carbon up with typical diesel use on frequent short trips. After the emissions scandal software update the problem worsens due to increased EGR rate.
Symptoms: Power loss, misfires at mid rpm, increased fuel consumption, black smoke on acceleration, engine management light.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Powerful 2.0-litre diesel with good long-distance characteristics but characteristic weak points in the oil supply and emissions system areas. The oil suction pipe seal is the best-known and sometimes critical issue that requires attention. With regular maintenance and primarily motorway use this is a reliable unit — short-trip driving should be avoided due to DPF blockage problems.
- !! Oil suction pipe seal hardened from 150,000 km
The seal on the oil suction pipe to the oil pump hardens over time and draws in false air. This results in low oil pressure which causes the engine to shut down. Affects nearly all A20DTH at higher mileage.
Symptoms: Warning 'Oil pressure low — switch off engine' especially on cold start or after long standstill, engine shutdown by protection system. - !! Critical timing belt interval from 150,000 km
The A20DTH uses a timing belt (not a chain). As an interference engine, belt failure causes immediate engine damage. Strictly follow the replacement interval, always replace water pump and tensioner.
Symptoms: No warning — belt failure causes immediate valve damage - !! EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up from 100,000 km
The EGR valve and intake manifold carbon up with typical diesel use on frequent short trips. After the emissions scandal software update the problem worsens due to increased EGR rate.
Symptoms: Power loss, misfires at mid rpm, increased fuel consumption, black smoke on acceleration, engine management light.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Solid 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine from the GM era with good power output but several known weak points. Piston ring damage and crankcase ventilation issues are the classic problems that lead to elevated oil consumption. With well-maintained examples using the correct oil (Dexos1 Gen2) and regular service intervals this engine is reliable — pre-purchase inspection for blue smoke and turbo condition is strongly recommended.
- !! Piston ring land fractures and high oil consumption from 90,000 km
Prematurely worn or fractured piston ring lands cause elevated oil consumption. Misdiagnosis often leads to unnecessary turbo or crankcase ventilation replacement without effect.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, oil consumption above 0.5 l/1,000 km, oil sludge under filler cap, possible catalytic converter damage. - !! Turbocharger blowing oil into intake from 100,000 km
The turbocharger pushes oil into the intake tract and intercooler. Often caused by a failed membrane in the valve cover crankcase breather or a worn turbo bearing.
Symptoms: Oil film in intake and intercooler, blue or white smoke on acceleration, fault code P0299, power loss. - !! Water pump failure from 80,000 km
Water pumps fail early, sometimes before 50,000 km. Failure risks overheating and engine damage. Noise or whistling often precedes the fault.
Symptoms: Squealing or whistling from the engine bay, coolant temperature rises abnormally, coolant loss.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Solid 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine from the GM era with good power output but several known weak points. Piston ring damage and crankcase ventilation issues are the classic problems that lead to elevated oil consumption. With well-maintained examples using the correct oil (Dexos1 Gen2) and regular service intervals this engine is reliable — pre-purchase inspection for blue smoke and turbo condition is strongly recommended.
- !! Piston ring land fractures and high oil consumption from 90,000 km
Prematurely worn or fractured piston ring lands cause elevated oil consumption. Misdiagnosis often leads to unnecessary turbo or crankcase ventilation replacement without effect.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, oil consumption above 0.5 l/1,000 km, oil sludge under filler cap, possible catalytic converter damage. - !! Turbocharger blowing oil into intake from 100,000 km
The turbocharger pushes oil into the intake tract and intercooler. Often caused by a failed membrane in the valve cover crankcase breather or a worn turbo bearing.
Symptoms: Oil film in intake and intercooler, blue or white smoke on acceleration, fault code P0299, power loss. - !! Water pump failure from 80,000 km
Water pumps fail early, sometimes before 50,000 km. Failure risks overheating and engine damage. Noise or whistling often precedes the fault.
Symptoms: Squealing or whistling from the engine bay, coolant temperature rises abnormally, coolant loss.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Turbocharged Ecotec petrol engine with 132 kW, derived from the Z16LET of the OPC models. Turbocharger and oil consumption are the biggest risk factors — careful inspection of oil level and intake tract for oil traces before purchase is essential. The exhaust manifold tends to crack, which can damage the turbo. Timing chain is unproblematic up to 200,000 km on well-maintained examples. Super Plus fuel recommended.
- !! Turbo bearing leaking — oil in intake from 120,000 km
Turbo shaft bearings wear and allow oil to migrate into the intake or exhaust. Blue smoke and oil residue in charge air pipes are early warning signs.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust after switch-off or on cold start, oil traces in intake pipes near throttle body, rising oil consumption with no visible external leak. - !! Timing chain stretching from neglect from 130,000 km
The timing chain is prone to premature wear with long oil change intervals and frequent short trips. Cold-start rattling is the typical early warning symptom.
Symptoms: Rattling or ticking from the timing chain area on cold start, noise subsides after warm-up, engine management light at advanced wear. - !! Elevated oil consumption due to piston rings from 90,000 km
The A16LET develops elevated oil consumption from approx. 80,000 km due to undersized piston rings. In severe cases 1–2 litres per 1,000 km is not uncommon.
Symptoms: Significant oil consumption of 0.5–2 litres per 1,000 km, blue smoke on acceleration, oil level drops quickly with no visible leaks.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Turbocharged Ecotec petrol engine with 132 kW, derived from the Z16LET of the OPC models. Turbocharger and oil consumption are the biggest risk factors — careful inspection of oil level and intake tract for oil traces before purchase is essential. The exhaust manifold tends to crack, which can damage the turbo. Timing chain is unproblematic up to 200,000 km on well-maintained examples. Super Plus fuel recommended.
- !! Turbo bearing leaking — oil in intake from 120,000 km
Turbo shaft bearings wear and allow oil to migrate into the intake or exhaust. Blue smoke and oil residue in charge air pipes are early warning signs.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust after switch-off or on cold start, oil traces in intake pipes near throttle body, rising oil consumption with no visible external leak. - !! Timing chain stretching from neglect from 130,000 km
The timing chain is prone to premature wear with long oil change intervals and frequent short trips. Cold-start rattling is the typical early warning symptom.
Symptoms: Rattling or ticking from the timing chain area on cold start, noise subsides after warm-up, engine management light at advanced wear. - !! Elevated oil consumption due to piston rings from 90,000 km
The A16LET develops elevated oil consumption from approx. 80,000 km due to undersized piston rings. In severe cases 1–2 litres per 1,000 km is not uncommon.
Symptoms: Significant oil consumption of 0.5–2 litres per 1,000 km, blue smoke on acceleration, oil level drops quickly with no visible leaks.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Good-natured 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine with VVT on both intake and exhaust camshafts — versatile and refined in operation. Camshaft sprockets are the best-known weak point; Opel carried out a field action to address the issue. The map-controlled thermostat frequently fails and leads to fluctuating engine temperature. Regular oil changes are essential as the VVT system relies on clean oil. With good care, easily exceeds 250,000 km.
- !! VVT sprockets worn from 80,000 km
Documented issue with an Opel field action. Filter elements in the solenoid valves break and block oil passages. Full repair €800–1,000.
Symptoms: Rattling after cold start, MIL with P0011/P0014, power loss at low rpm, low oil pressure. - !! Timing belt failure → engine failure from 150,000 km
Interference engine with toothed belt drive. Replacement interval 6 years or 150,000 km. Belt breakage causes immediate total engine failure.
Symptoms: Engine fails to start or dies while driving. No prior warning. - !! Oil cooler gaskets leaking from 100,000 km
O-ring seals on the oil cooler become porous. Oil enters the cooling system, visible as an emulsion in the coolant reservoir.
Symptoms: Brownish sludge in coolant reservoir, oil film on coolant, burning smell.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Good-natured 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine with VVT on both intake and exhaust camshafts — versatile and refined in operation. Camshaft sprockets are the best-known weak point; Opel carried out a field action to address the issue. The map-controlled thermostat frequently fails and leads to fluctuating engine temperature. Regular oil changes are essential as the VVT system relies on clean oil. With good care, easily exceeds 250,000 km.
- !! VVT sprockets worn from 80,000 km
Documented issue with an Opel field action. Filter elements in the solenoid valves break and block oil passages. Full repair €800–1,000.
Symptoms: Rattling after cold start, MIL with P0011/P0014, power loss at low rpm, low oil pressure. - !! Timing belt failure → engine failure from 150,000 km
Interference engine with toothed belt drive. Replacement interval 6 years or 150,000 km. Belt breakage causes immediate total engine failure.
Symptoms: Engine fails to start or dies while driving. No prior warning. - !! Oil cooler gaskets leaking from 100,000 km
O-ring seals on the oil cooler become porous. Oil enters the cooling system, visible as an emulsion in the coolant reservoir.
Symptoms: Brownish sludge in coolant reservoir, oil film on coolant, burning smell.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear axle bushings worn out Rear axle rubber bushings wear out and become loose. MOT inspectors flag this as excessive play in suspension arms. Wheel alignment is required after replacement. Symptoms: Creaking or clunking from the rear axle, control arms flagged at MOT, unsettled rear handling. from 110,000 km | Medium | |
| Broken suspension springs Suspension springs break after just a few years, especially on the front axle. Frequent MOT failures. Symptoms: Knocking noises over bumps, vehicle sagging on one side, MOT failures. from 90,000 km | Low |
Test Reports
AUTO BILD TÜV-Report / Gebrauchtwagentest
Oil loss from engine and gearbox is the most common reason for failing the MOT. Axle springs fail earlier than usual under the higher vehicle weight. Compared to its predecessor, clear quality improvements in suspension and electronics.
2023-11Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 43 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Zafira Tourer (2011–2019) — 24 engine-related and 19 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Gearbox, HVAC.
Zafira (A20DTH, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Oil suction pipe seal hardened, Critical timing belt interval, EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up. Power: 110 PS.
Zafira (A20DTH, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Oil suction pipe seal hardened, Critical timing belt interval, EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up. Power: 131 PS.
Zafira (A20DTH, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Oil suction pipe seal hardened, Critical timing belt interval, EGR valve and intake manifold carboned up. Power: 165–170 PS.
Zafira (B16DTH, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattles – tensioner problem, Oil pump chain breaks, Recall emissions scandal – coke deposits after update. Power: 120 PS.
Zafira (B16DTH, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattles – tensioner problem, Oil pump chain breaks, Recall emissions scandal – coke deposits after update. Power: 135–136 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 Tourer have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Zafira Tourer? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Opel Zafira Tourer engine is the most fun? +
Is the Opel Zafira Tourer worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Opel Zafira Tourer? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee