What are the most common Opel Combo problems?
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.
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 2018-2023 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 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 2018-2024 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.
