Opel Astra J (2009-2015): known problems and buying guide

Buy with a service record. Check the 2.0 diesel oil pump, turbo engine coolant, gearbox noise and recall repairs before paying.

Updated 24 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
1.4 LPG, 140 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€446	€5,250	252	LPG / Petrol	B14NET, LUJ	Manual (6)	2011–2018
1.6 CDTI, 110 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€406	€3,990	219	Diesel	B16DTL, LVM	Manual (6)	2014–2018
1.7 CDTI, 110 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€422	€3,490	186	Diesel	A17DTS, LUE	Manual (6)	2011–2014
1.4 Turbo, 120 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€439	€5,700	148	Petrol	B14NET, LUJ	Manual (6)	2011–2018
2.0 CDTI, 165 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€444	€4,100	118	Diesel	A20DTH, LBS	Manual (6)	2011–2015
1.6, 115 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€469	€5,770	117	Petrol	B16XER, LDE	Manual (5)	2012–2018
1.6 CDTI, 136 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€418	€4,440	111	Diesel	B16DTH, LVL	Manual (6)	2013–2018
1.7 CDTI, 130 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€425	€3,600	74	Diesel	A17DTS, LUD	Manual (6)	2011–2014
1.4 ecoFlex, 100 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€416	€4,450	52	Petrol	A14XER, B14XER, LDD	Manual (5)	2011–2014
2.0 CDTI, 165 PS, 6-speed automatic Research	€481	€4,840	52	Diesel	A20DTH, LBS	Automatic (6)	2011–2015

Years: built 2009 to 2015. The Sports Tourer estate came at the end of 2010, the three-door GTC in 2012.
Reliability: 2/5. Turbo petrols and the 2.0 diesel have the most reported faults, and oil loss is common across the range.
DIY: 2/5. Gearbox bearings, timing chains and the oil pump need a workshop.
Prefer: cars with a service record showing coolant and oil checks. Avoid: 2.0 CDTI cars with oil pressure warnings and any turbo petrol with no service history.
Biggest risk: the 2.0 CDTI oil pump seal, which can destroy the engine's bearings.

1.4 Turbo, A14NET (ADAC: B14NET), 120-140 PS: coolant loss from the water pump, and timing chain wear. Crankcase valve diaphragm faults are also reported.
1.6 Turbo, A16LET, 180 PS: cooling is weak, and cylinder 4 can overheat and damage pistons.
1.6 SIDI Turbo, A16XHT (ADAC: B16SHT), 170 PS (200 PS in the GTC): pistons, timing chain and injector coking. Early cars, built before 2013, are most affected.
1.4 and 1.6 non-turbo, A14XER/B14XER and A16XER/B16XER, 87-115 PS: oil cooler gasket leaks.
2.0 CDTI, A20DTH and A20DTR: oil pump suction seal and oil pressure loss.
1.3, 1.6 and 1.7 CDTI: no common fault confirmed.

Gearboxes are listed separately:

M32 6-speed manual (1.4 Turbo, 1.6 Turbo and diesels): bearing wear, humming and lever movement. Replacing the bearings is the usual fix.
F17 5-speed manual (non-turbo petrols): differential and secondary-shaft bearings wear, and leaks are common.
F40 manual (2.0 engines): the dual-mass flywheel may need replacing.
6-speed automatic (GM 6T40 or 6T45; an Aisin unit on the 2.0 diesel): the hydraulic block wears. A torque converter automatic needs regular fluid changes.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
1.4 Turbo coolant loss and water pump	1.4 Turbo (A14NET, B14NET)	60,000-80,000 km	No confirmed price
1.4 Turbo timing chain	1.4 Turbo (A14NET, B14NET)	100,000-150,000 km	No confirmed price
1.6 SIDI Turbo pistons, chain and injectors	1.6 SIDI Turbo (A16XHT, B16SHT)	50,000-100,000 km	No confirmed price
1.6 Turbo cooling and pistons	1.6 Turbo (A16LET)	Not stated	No confirmed price
M32 6-speed gearbox bearings	M32 6-speed manual	60,000-100,000 km	No confirmed price
2.0 CDTI oil pump suction seal	2.0 CDTI (A20DTH, A20DTR)	Not stated	No confirmed price
Oil loss	Most engines	Not stated	No confirmed price
Oil cooler gasket on non-turbo engines	1.4 and 1.6 non-turbo	50,000-100,000 km	No confirmed price

Ask for proof that the 2.0 CDTI oil pump seal was checked or replaced. Look for oil pressure warnings and metal in the oil.
On a 1.6 Turbo, check the cooling system and ask for coolant work records. Cylinder 4 is the usual casualty.
On a 1.6 SIDI Turbo, ask for timing chain and injector work. Listen for a chain rattle and knocking under load.
On a 1.4 Turbo, check the timing chain for rattle and ask for chain history at 100,000-150,000 km.
On a manual with M32, drive in 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th and listen for a whine or hum.
On a 1.4 Turbo, check the coolant level and the water pump for leaks. Ask whether the pump was replaced.
Check the oil level after the test drive and ask for an oil service record. Oil loss is typical for the model.
Check the oil cooler gasket on non-turbo petrols for oil leaks at the front of the engine.
On an automatic, ask for proof of regular fluid changes.
Ask the dealer to check the VIN for open recalls: cooling fan battery cover and Takata airbag.

Operational	€187
Workshop	€136
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€130
Total per month	€453
New-car depreciation (not included)	€62

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

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

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