Opel Astra L (2021-): known problems and buying guide

Buy only after a VIN check shows every recall closed, especially the fuel-leak and diesel chain campaigns.

Updated 26 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
1.2 DI, 145 PS, 6-speed dual-clutch Research	€389	€27,890	113	Petrol	HN09	Automatic (dual-clutch) (6)	since 2026
1.5 Diesel, 130 PS, 8-speed automatic Research	€415	€29,690	68	Diesel	YH01	Automatic (8)	since 2026

Years: 2021 on, hatchback and Sports Tourer. Facelift from 2026. Petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and Electric.
Safety: Four Euro NCAP stars in 2022, and no central airbag. Pedestrian detection was judged weak.
Reliability: 2/5. Several recalls since 2021, plus 12 V battery and infotainment faults.
DIY: 2/5. Most jobs need a dealer or a diagnostic tool, including the electric parking brake.
Prefer: a car with a VIN printout showing every campaign closed, and a full service history.
Avoid: a 1.5 diesel built up to January 2023 without chain-recall proof, and a 2024-2025 car with an open fuel-leak campaign.

1.2 Turbo, 110/130 PS (HN05), six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic: wet timing belt; see 1.2 PureTech.
1.2 Turbo Hybrid 48 V, 136/145 PS (HN09), six-speed dual-clutch: mild hybrid.
1.6 Turbo Hybrid, 180/196 PS, and GSe 225 PS (5G06, 5G11), eight-speed automatic or seven-speed dual-clutch: plug-in hybrid.
1.5 Diesel, 130 PS (YH01), six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic: see Diesel camshaft chain failure.
Astra Electric, 156 PS (ZK02), single-speed: see 12 V battery and keyless starting.

Gearboxes:

Eight-speed automatic (EAT8 and e-EAT8): see Aisin EAT8.
Six-speed dual-clutch on the 48 V hybrid and seven-speed dual-clutch on later plug-in hybrids: two clutches that pre-select the next gear.
Single-speed reduction gear on the Electric.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Diesel camshaft chain failure	1.5 diesel, built 29 July 2021 to 31 January 2023	Not stated	No confirmed price
Fuel leaks and fire risk	Cars built 2024-2025	Not stated	No confirmed price
12 V battery and keyless starting	All versions	Not stated	No confirmed price
Wrong speed limit on the display	Built 26 September to 10 December 2025; owner reports 2024-2026	Not stated	No confirmed price
Infotainment freezes and slow navigation	All versions	Not stated	No confirmed price

On a 1.5 diesel built to January 2023, ask for a VIN printout showing recall KUH is closed. A cold-start rattle or no proof is a bad result. No scanner is needed.
Check the VIN for fuel-leak recalls KUU and KRX. A fuel smell, damp stains near the high-pressure hose or an open campaign is a bad result.
Test keyless entry from cold and lock the car from a distance. A key that is not recognised, or an alarm that fires by itself, is a bad result. A battery tester helps; a scanner is needed if warnings are stored.
Compare the speed-limit display with the signs. Check that the over-the-air update KWS is installed. No scanner is needed.
Use the sat-nav and screen for the whole test drive. A freeze, a restart or a stuck parking beep is a bad result. Check the software version on the screen; no scanner is needed.

Operational	€157
Workshop	€88
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€142
Total per month	€387
New-car depreciation (not included)	€477

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.