Opel Zafira Tourer
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
192–241 PS
2.0L Turbo OPC Benzin
Family rocket
Fun to Drive!150 PS
1.9L CDTI Diesel
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Opel Zafira Tourer is available with 5 engine variants — from 95 to 241 hp. 5 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Opel 1.6L CDTI (Diesel, 120–136 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B16DTH (2013–2019, Be Careful) and B16DTH (2013–2019, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L CDTI!
The Opel 2.0L CDTI (Diesel, 110–170 PS) comes with 3 different engines: A20DTH (2012–2019, Be Careful) and A20DTH (2012–2019, Be Careful) and A20DTH (2012–2019, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L CDTI!
The Opel 1.4L Turbo (Petrol, 120–140 PS) comes with 2 different engines: A14NET (2012–2019, Be Careful) and A14NET (2012–2019, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.4L Turbo!
The Opel 1.6L Turbo (Petrol, 170–200 PS) comes with 2 different engines: A16LET (2013–2019, Be Careful) and A16LET (2013–2019, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L Turbo!
The Opel 1.8L 16V (Petrol, 116–140 PS) comes with 2 different engines: A18XER (2011–2019, Be Careful) and A18XER (2011–2019, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.8L 16V!
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Springs fail prematurely Suspension springs cannot cope with the high kerb weight and full 7-person loading. Broken springs lead to MOT failures. Symptoms: Vehicle sags to one side, metallic clacking noise over bumps, lopsided stance. from 100,000 km | Low | |
| 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
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 73 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Zafira Tourer (2011–2019) — 57 engine-related and 16 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: Z22YH (2.2L 16V Direct), Z19DTH (1.9L CDTI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Gearbox, HVAC.
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 (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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee