Opel Astra H (2004-2010): known problems and buying guide

Buy only with service records, and check the M32 gearbox, cam phasers and steering column module first.

Updated 24 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
GTC 1.6, 115 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€435	€2,299	375	Petrol	Z16XER	Manual (5)	2007–2010
1.4 LPG, 89 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€338	€2,300	311	LPG	Z14XEP	Manual (5)	2010
1.4 Twinport, 90 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€405	€2,300	310	Petrol	Z14XEP	Manual (5)	2007–2010
1.7 CDTI, 110 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€414	€1,799	103	Diesel	Z17DTR	Manual (6)	2007–2010
GTC 1.8, 140 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€445	€2,300	98	Petrol	Z18XER	Manual (5)	2007–2010
1.6 Twinport, 105 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€430	€2,000	64	Petrol	Z16XEP	Manual (5)	2007–2008
Twintop 1.8, 140 PS, 5-speed manual, convertible Research	€451	€3,500	58	Petrol	Z18XER	Manual (5)	2007–2010

Years: built 2004 to 2010. The facelift came between late 2006 and February 2007.
Reliability: 3/5. Several known faults. The gearbox and steering column repairs are the costliest.
DIY: 2/5. Gearbox bearing repair is a specialist job. The main faults have no simple home fix in the sources.
Prefer: cars with a service record showing regular oil changes. Avoid: an M32 manual with a whine or hum, and a Z16XER or Z18XER that rattles at start-up.
Biggest risk: M32 gearbox bearing wear, from about 100,000 km.

1.4 Twinport, Z14XEP, 90 hp: the timing chain can stretch early after frequent short trips.
1.6 Twinport, Z16XEP, 105-115 hp: the ignition coils fail often and are a typical weak point.
1.6, Z16XER (post-facelift): cam phasers rattle, the oil cooler seal under the exhaust manifold leaks, and the ignition module can fail from 50,000 km.
1.8, Z18XE (pre-facelift, 125 hp) and Z18XER (post-facelift, 140 hp): the Z18XER has cam phasers, and the oil cooler seal can leak on XER engines.
2.0 Turbo, Z20LEL (170 hp) and Z20LER (200 hp): fitted with the M32 six-speed gearbox.
1.3 CDTI, Z13DTH, 90 hp: the EGR valve can coke up.
1.7 CDTI, Z17DTH, 100-125 hp: the alternator can fail.
1.9 CDTI, Z19DTH, 120 or 150 hp: EGR valve coking, and swirl flap and alternator problems, mainly on cars built up to 2005.

Gearboxes:

F17 five-speed manual: fitted to the non-turbo petrols.
M32 six-speed manual: fitted to the turbo and diesel versions. Its bearings wear, see below.
Easytronic: an automated manual on engines up to 1.6 litres, with clutch and actuator failures.
Aisin four-speed automatic (1.8 only): on cars built 2004 to 2007, the radiator can leak oil into the coolant.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
M32 six-speed gearbox bearings	M32 six-speed manual (turbo and diesel)	Around 100,000 km	599 EUR (year not stated); 30,000-60,000 RUB (year not stated)
Steering column module	All engines	Not stated	20,000-40,000 RUB (year not stated)
Cam phasers on XER engines	Z16XER and Z18XER	From about 30,000 km	30,000-35,000 RUB (year not stated)
Easytronic clutch and actuator	Easytronic, engines up to 1.6 litres	Not stated	15,000-30,000 RUB for a contract unit (year not stated)
Alternator on diesels	1.7 and 1.9 CDTI	From about 140,000 km (1.7 CDTI)	27,000 RUB for a new generator (parts, January 2012)
Ignition module	1.6 Z16XEP and Z16XER	50,000-70,000 km (Z16XER)	12,100 RUB for a new module (parts, January 2012)

Listen to the M32 gearbox on the test drive for a whine or hum. Ask for proof that the gearbox bearings were checked or replaced.
Check that the horn works and that no airbag warning light is on. Ask whether the steering column module was repaired.
On a Z16XER or Z18XER, listen for a rattle at start-up on a cold engine. Ask for proof of cam phaser and valve work.
Test the car in town traffic: it should pull away and shift smoothly. Ask whether the Easytronic clutch and actuator were replaced.
On a diesel, check that the battery warning light goes out after start. Look at the right splash guard for damage, and ask whether the generator was replaced.
Ask for ignition module and spark plug records on a 1.6 Twinport or Z16XER.
Ask an Opel dealer (Vauxhall in the UK) to check the car's VIN for the Takata airbag recall. The repair is free.

Operational	€192
Workshop	€123
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€110
Total per month	€425
New-car depreciation (not included)	€43

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.