According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017-2026 Opel Combo has 9 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are 1.2 PureTech petrol wet timing belt premature failure (engine destruction risk) ($1,200-$6,500 repair), Air-conditioning compressor stator wiring fault causing powertrain shutdown while driving, 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5R) diesel fuel rail leak with engine-bay fire risk, Steering inner tie rods / steering column not built to specification and Parking brake (handbrake) lever may fail to lock in engaged position ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $150 to $6,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2019-2022 Opel Combo, on affected Combo vehicles the air-conditioning compressor stator wiring can develop a fault, leading to a current loss inside the AC compressor. This electrical fault can trigger a complete powertrain shutdown while the vehicle is being driven, with sudden loss of drive/power. The same defect was recalled across multiple Stellantis/Vauxhall models (Vivaro, Corsa-e, Mokka-e) and was issued via the DVSA in the UK.
Common Symptoms
Sudden loss of power / powertrain shutdown while driving
Warning lights on dash before or during shutdown
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly
AC system fault
How to Fix
Complete the DVSA/manufacturer recall at an authorised dealer. The repair involves inspecting and rectifying the AC compressor stator wiring (rework or replacement of the affected wiring/compressor) to prevent the current loss and shutdown. Check the VIN against the recall database to ensure it has been carried out.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2018-2022 Opel Combo, owners of the Combo Life report the IntelliLink/infotainment touchscreen freezing on start-up, becoming unresponsive to taps and physical buttons, or losing Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connection. The screen may stay lit but ignore input until the system is power-cycled. It is typically a software fault rather than a hardware failure, and is shared across Stellantis/Vauxhall models using the same head unit.
Common Symptoms
Touchscreen frozen / unresponsive on start-up
Buttons do nothing
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto drops or won't connect
Black or blank screen
System reboots on its own
How to Fix
Force a reboot by long-pressing the relevant button combination (e.g. holding the phone button ~5 seconds, or NAV + phone until the screen goes black). Check for and apply the latest infotainment software update via the dealer or Vauxhall/Opel update tool. Persistent cases may need a head-unit software re-flash or replacement under warranty. A full battery disconnect for several minutes can clear stubborn lockups.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2018-2023 Opel Combo 1.2 PureTech / EB2 petrol (110 & 130 hp), the 1.2 PureTech (EB2 family) three-cylinder petrol engine used in the Opel Combo / Combo Life uses a 'wet' timing belt that runs submerged in engine oil. The belt material degrades prematurely when the oil deteriorates (extended service intervals, wrong oil spec, or fuel dilution of the oil). As it breaks down, the belt sheds rubber particles into the oil, which clog the oil pump pickup, oil pump strainer and VVT solenoids, causing oil starvation. In the worst case the belt strips or snaps, and because it is an interference engine, valves collide with pistons and the engine is destroyed. Stellantis has acknowledged the defect, reduced service/belt intervals, and extended warranty coverage (up to ~10 years / ~112,000 miles) plus a claims portal for repair-cost reimbursement.
Rattling or whirring noise from the timing belt area
Rubber debris/sludge in the oil filter or oil
Oil warning light / low oil pressure
High oil consumption (up to ~1L per 1000 miles)
Loss of power or rough running
Engine fails to start or seizes after belt failure
How to Fix
Service the engine annually with the exact correct low-SAPS oil specification and never exceed the (revised, shortened) oil-change and belt-replacement intervals. Have the wet timing belt and oil pump strainer inspected/replaced early per the updated Stellantis schedule. If the car qualifies, claim repair costs through the Stellantis PureTech goodwill/warranty portal. Some specialists convert affected engines to an upgraded belt or recommend earlier renewal; a failed belt usually means a replacement or rebuilt engine.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2025-2026 Opel Combo 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5R) diesel, on Combo diesels fitted with the 1.5 BlueHDi DV5R engine, the common-rail fuel distributor (high-pressure rail) cone may fail to maintain its circular shape, allowing the retaining nut to loosen. Fuel can then seep between the nut and the thread, creating fuel vapours. If diesel leaks onto the hot exhaust/turbo it can ignite, causing a fire in the engine compartment. This was recalled across 14 Stellantis models including the Opel Combo built July to October 2025. A related newer DV5 recall also covers a NOx sensor that may not be properly tightened.
Common Symptoms
Smell of diesel in the engine bay
Visible fuel leak around the fuel rail
Fuel vapours/fumes
Risk of engine-bay fire
How to Fix
Take the vehicle to an authorised dealer for the recall. Technicians inspect/replace the high-pressure fuel rail and ensure the rail cone/nut interface is correctly formed and torqued so fuel cannot escape. Owners of recent diesel Combos should check their VIN against the recall database and act on any leak smell of diesel immediately.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2019-2020 Opel Combo, two separate official recalls cover steering components on the Combo. On some 2019-2020 vehicles the steering inner tie rods were built with incorrect components, and on some 2019 vehicles the steering column was not manufactured to specification. Either issue can compromise steering system integrity, potentially leading to abnormal steering feel or, in the worst case, loss of steering control.
Common Symptoms
Unusual play or knocking in the steering
Steering feels loose or imprecise
Vehicle pulls or wanders
Clunk over bumps from the front
How to Fix
Have the relevant DVSA/manufacturer recall completed at an authorised dealer. Technicians inspect and replace the affected inner tie rods or steering column with correctly specified parts. Owners should verify their VIN against the recall list and report any unusual steering noise, play or pulling to the dealer.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2017-2021 Opel Combo, on affected early Combo / Combo Life vehicles there is a possible misalignment of the ratchet in the handbrake lever latching mechanism. As a result the handbrake may not lock when applied, or can unexpectedly disengage. A parked vehicle can then roll away on its own, especially on a slope. This was the subject of an official EU/UK recall (Opel recall code E19-190092; RAPEX). A separate, later handbrake recall also covers a short batch of 2021 vehicles where the lever may not engage correctly.
Common Symptoms
Handbrake lever does not hold the car
Lever feels loose or does not click/latch
Vehicle rolls when parked with handbrake applied
Handbrake releases on its own
How to Fix
Have the recall completed at an authorised Opel/Vauxhall dealer. Technicians inspect the handbrake lever ratchet/latching mechanism and correct the misalignment or replace the lever assembly. Owners should check their VIN against the recall database to confirm the fix has been applied. Until repaired, always leave the vehicle in gear and chock wheels when parked on an incline.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2018-2024 Opel Combo, combo diesels with the BlueHDi SCR (AdBlue) emissions system can display escalating warnings such as 'Add AdBlue: Start impossible in X km' or 'Engine restart disabled in X km'. Beyond simply running low on AdBlue, the warnings are commonly triggered by SCR/NOx sensor faults, AdBlue tank-level or quality sensor errors, AdBlue crystallisation, or the use of non-ISO 22241 fluid. Once the countdown reaches zero the ECU disables engine restart by emissions regulation, leaving the owner stranded.
Top up with genuine ISO 22241-compliant AdBlue and complete a steady driving cycle to let the ECU validate the correction. If the warning persists, have the SCR system, NOx sensors and AdBlue level/quality sensors diagnosed (Opel MDI/diagnostic tool) and replace the faulty sensor or injector. Avoid cheap/contaminated AdBlue, which damages the SCR catalyst and sensors. Crystallised AdBlue lines may need cleaning/replacement.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2018-2023 Opel Combo 1.5 BlueHDi diesel, combo diesels (1.5 BlueHDi) used mainly for short, low-speed urban trips suffer from EGR valve carbon build-up and diesel particulate filter (DPF) blockage. The engine never reaches the temperature needed for passive/active DPF regeneration, so soot accumulates. A clogged DPF raises exhaust back-pressure, which alters EGR flow, while a sooty EGR increases soot output, creating a feedback loop that produces multiple emissions faults at once. Symptoms include rough idle, power loss, higher fuel use and limp mode. This is a well-known characteristic of the PSA/Stellantis diesels shared with the Berlingo/Rifter.
Drive for at least 10-15 minutes at 65 km/h (~40 mph) or more regularly to allow the DPF to regenerate. Use the correct low-ash (low-SAPS) diesel oil. If already clogged, perform a forced regeneration via diagnostics, clean or replace the EGR valve, and clean or replace the DPF. Address any leaking injectors or weak turbo boost that overload the DPF with soot. Buyers doing only short trips should consider the petrol model instead of the diesel.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2018-2024 Opel Combo, a widely reported owner complaint is that the front seats of the Combo Life only recline part-way, to roughly a 45-degree angle at most, and cannot be laid flat. This frustrates owners who want to sleep in the front on trips. It is a built-in design limitation of the seat frame, shared with the platform siblings (Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter), rather than a mechanical fault. There is no factory fix.
Common Symptoms
Front seatback only reclines to about 45 degrees
Cannot lay the front seat flat
Limited seat adjustment for sleeping/resting
How to Fix
There is no official remedy because it is by design. Owners work around it with aftermarket seat cushions/extenders or sleep using the folded rear seats instead. Prospective buyers who need full front-seat recline should test this before purchase, as the platform does not support it.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017-2026 Opel Combo has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 1.2 PureTech petrol wet timing belt premature failure (engine destruction risk), Air-conditioning compressor stator wiring fault causing powertrain shutdown while driving, 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5R) diesel fuel rail leak with engine-bay fire risk. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Opel Combo reliable?
The 2017-2026 Opel Combo has 9 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: 1.2 PureTech petrol wet timing belt premature failure (engine destruction risk) and Air-conditioning compressor stator wiring fault causing powertrain shutdown while driving and 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5R) diesel fuel rail leak with engine-bay fire risk and Steering inner tie rods / steering column not built to specification and Parking brake (handbrake) lever may fail to lock in engaged position. 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 Combo problems?
Repair costs for known Opel Combo issues range from $0 to $6,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 1.2 PureTech petrol wet timing belt premature failure (engine destruction risk), typically costs $1,200-$6,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Opel Combo is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Opel Combo. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2017-2026 Opel Combo with 9 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
What is the 2018-2023 Opel Combo 1.2 PureTech petrol wet timing belt premature failure (engine destruction risk)?
The 1.2 PureTech (EB2 family) three-cylinder petrol engine used in the Opel Combo / Combo Life uses a 'wet' timing belt that runs submerged in engine oil. The belt material degrades prematurely when the oil deteriorates (extended service intervals, wrong oil spec, or fuel dilutio… Repairs typically run $1,200-$6,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2022 Opel Combo Air-conditioning compressor stator wiring fault causing powertrain shutdown while driving?
On affected Combo vehicles the air-conditioning compressor stator wiring can develop a fault, leading to a current loss inside the AC compressor. This electrical fault can trigger a complete powertrain shutdown while the vehicle is being driven, with sudden loss of drive/power. T… Severity: high.
What is the 2025-2026 Opel Combo 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5R) diesel fuel rail leak with engine-bay fire risk?
On Combo diesels fitted with the 1.5 BlueHDi DV5R engine, the common-rail fuel distributor (high-pressure rail) cone may fail to maintain its circular shape, allowing the retaining nut to loosen. Fuel can then seep between the nut and the thread, creating fuel vapours. If diesel… Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2020 Opel Combo Steering inner tie rods / steering column not built to specification?
Two separate official recalls cover steering components on the Combo. On some 2019-2020 vehicles the steering inner tie rods were built with incorrect components, and on some 2019 vehicles the steering column was not manufactured to specification. Either issue can compromise stee… Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2021 Opel Combo Parking brake (handbrake) lever may fail to lock in engaged position?
On affected early Combo / Combo Life vehicles there is a possible misalignment of the ratchet in the handbrake lever latching mechanism. As a result the handbrake may not lock when applied, or can unexpectedly disengage. A parked vehicle can then roll away on its own, especially… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2024 Opel Combo Diesel AdBlue / SCR system failure preventing engine restart?
Combo diesels with the BlueHDi SCR (AdBlue) emissions system can display escalating warnings such as 'Add AdBlue: Start impossible in X km' or 'Engine restart disabled in X km'. Beyond simply running low on AdBlue, the warnings are commonly triggered by SCR/NOx sensor faults, AdB… Repairs typically run $150-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2018-2023 Opel Combo Diesel EGR valve and DPF clogging on short-journey use?
Combo diesels (1.5 BlueHDi) used mainly for short, low-speed urban trips suffer from EGR valve carbon build-up and diesel particulate filter (DPF) blockage. The engine never reaches the temperature needed for passive/active DPF regeneration, so soot accumulates. A clogged DPF rai… Repairs typically run $200-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2018-2024 Opel Combo Front seats do not fully recline (design limitation, not a defect)?
A widely reported owner complaint is that the front seats of the Combo Life only recline part-way, to roughly a 45-degree angle at most, and cannot be laid flat. This frustrates owners who want to sleep in the front on trips. It is a built-in design limitation of the seat frame,… Severity: low.
What is the 2018-2022 Opel Combo Infotainment touchscreen freezing, crashing and failing to respond?
Owners of the Combo Life report the IntelliLink/infotainment touchscreen freezing on start-up, becoming unresponsive to taps and physical buttons, or losing Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connection. The screen may stay lit but ignore input until the system is power-cycled. It is typ… Repairs typically run $0-$350. Severity: low.
