What are the most common Opel Agila problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Opel Agila has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 1.3 CDTi timing chain and tensioner wear despite being a 'lifetime' chain, Clutch and manual gearbox are the Agila B's most-reported failure, from as little as 38,000 km, 1.3 CDTi injector and injector-seal failure causing power loss and hard cold starting. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Opel Agila reliable?
The 2012 Opel Agila has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 1.3 CDTi timing chain and tensioner wear despite being a 'lifetime' chain. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Opel Agila problems?
Repair costs for known Opel Agila issues range from $50 to $1,400, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 1.3 CDTi timing chain and tensioner wear despite being a 'lifetime' chain, typically costs $500-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2008-2014 Opel Agila 1.3 CDTi timing chain and tensioner wear despite being a 'lifetime' chain?
The 1.3 CDTi is marketed with a maintenance-free timing chain, but reports for this engine family document abnormal chain noise, worn tensioners and outright chain failures at moderate mileages, contradicting the expected chain longevity. On a small interference diesel a chain th… Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2014 Opel Agila Clutch and manual gearbox are the Agila B's most-reported failure, from as little as 38,000 km?
Across French owner reports for the 2008-2015 Agila, gearbox and clutch complaints outnumber every other category. Owners describe the manual gearbox as noisy, baulking on selection or failing outright, and the clutch as short-lived, with the 1.0 65 hp cars logging gearbox failur… Repairs typically run $400-$1,400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2014 Opel Agila 1.3 CDTi injector and injector-seal failure causing power loss and hard cold starting?
The 1.3 CDTi in the Agila is the Fiat 1.3 JTD/Multijet derivative, and its injection system is its single biggest weakness. Failing injectors and leaking injector seals produce power loss, difficult cold starting and rough running, sometimes at relatively modest mileage. Leaking… Repairs typically run $300-$1,100. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2014 Opel Agila Rear suspension struts and top mounts wear early, giving knocking over small bumps?
The Agila B and its Suzuki Splash twin share a rear suspension design in which the strut top mounts and dampers wear quickly. Owners report clonking or knocking over small road irregularities long before the car is old, and used-car guidance for the Splash is explicit that a knoc… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2014 Opel Agila Electric power steering column/rack failure gives heavy steering and a warning light?
The Agila B uses the Suzuki electric power steering system also fitted to the Splash and Swift, and the EPS unit is a known failing component. Symptoms are heavy steering in one or both directions, loss of assistance at idle, a steering warning lamp, fault codes that will not cle… Repairs typically run $250-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2014 Opel Agila 1.3 CDTi turbocharger whistle, boost loss and premature replacement?
Turbocharger complaints are documented across 1.3 CDTi versions, presenting as whistling, loss of boost pressure and premature turbo replacement. On this engine the turbo rarely fails in isolation: a clogged EGR valve and carbonised intake, common on the short-journey town cars t… Repairs typically run $600-$1,400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2014 Opel Agila Fragile paint on bumpers and impact zones rusts rapidly at stone chips?
Paint and corrosion complaints are a recurring theme in owner reports for the 2008-2015 Agila, with owners describing the paint on the bumpers and impact zones as fragile and rust appearing quickly wherever the finish is chipped. On a small city car that spends its life in tight… Repairs typically run $50-$600. Severity: low.
