What are the most common Opel Zafira problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2014-2014 Opel Zafira has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Zafira B Fire Risk — HVAC Blower Resistor (2015-2016 Recall), Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI EGR Cooler Failure, 1.6 CDTi Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch (B16DTH/B16DTE/B16DTL). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Opel Zafira reliable?
The 2014-2014 Opel Zafira has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Zafira B Fire Risk — HVAC Blower Resistor (2015-2016 Recall) and Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI EGR Cooler Failure and 1.6 CDTi Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch (B16DTH/B16DTE/B16DTL) and Electric Power Steering (Delphi EPS) Column Unit Failure. 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 Zafira problems?
Repair costs for known Opel Zafira issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Zafira B Fire Risk — HVAC Blower Resistor (2015-2016 Recall), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2005-2014 Opel Zafira Zafira B Fire Risk — HVAC Blower Resistor (2015-2016 Recall)?
Vauxhall/Opel issued a major safety recall in 2015-2016 for Zafira B (Mk2, 2005-2014) after dozens of vehicles caught fire. The blower-motor resistor pre-resistor and associated wiring could overheat and ignite. Many owners reported repeat fires after the initial recall fix; a se… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2019 Opel Zafira Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI EGR Cooler Failure?
The B16DTH "Whisper Diesel" 1.6 CDTI in Zafira Tourer (and shared Astra J/K) suffers EGR cooler failure with similar symptoms to the 2.0 CDTI: coolant disappearing, white smoke, and sweet smell. Typical onset 80,000-150,000 km. Repairs typically run $550-$1,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2019 Opel Zafira 1.6 CDTi Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch (B16DTH/B16DTE/B16DTL)?
The 'whisper diesel' 1.6 CDTi engines fitted to the Zafira Tourer C suffer a well-documented timing chain failure. The original chain tensioner lacks a gasket, so oil drains out of the tensioner when the engine is switched off. This produces a metallic rattle/ticking on cold star… Repairs typically run $1,700-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2014 Opel Zafira Electric Power Steering (Delphi EPS) Column Unit Failure?
Zafira B models fitted with the Delphi/GM electric power steering (EPS) column-mounted unit commonly lose power assistance, often in both directions. The torque/position sensor inside the column-integrated EPS motor unit degrades, and the system stores fault code C1500 (Torque Po… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2014 Opel Zafira 1.9 CDTi Swirl Flap (Drallklappen) Linkage Failure (Z19DTH/Z19DT)?
The 1.9 CDTi engines in the Zafira B use intake-manifold swirl flaps controlled by a plastic actuator linkage. The linkage rod and bushings wear or break, so the flaps no longer move correctly, triggering limp mode and stored fault codes P2279 (intake air system leak) and/or P207… Repairs typically run $50-$350. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2014 Opel Zafira 1.8 Petrol (Z18XER/A18XER) Coolant Leaks and Water Pump Failure?
The 1.8 16V petrol engine (Z18XER, later A18XER) in the Zafira B is prone to coolant leaks. The water pump seal fails and weeps coolant from the pump pulley area (sometimes spraying onto the air-con compressor), and the plastic coolant pipes/housings and ageing hoses crack and se… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
