Carsieve

Opel Insignia A (2008-2017): known problems and buying guide

Built
2008–2013
Median price
€3,950
Listings
1,218
Running cost per month
€456–€650
Power
130–260 PS (96–191 kW)
Reliability
3/5
DIY
2/5

Check the timing chains, the 2.0 CDTI oil pump and the Haldex all-wheel drive first, and ask for proof of timing belt and water pump work.

All versions

VariantRunning cost per monthMedian priceListingsFuelEngine codesGearboxProduction years
2.0 CDTI, 160 PS, 6-speed manual Research€476€3,500290Diesel A20DTHManual (6)2008–2013
2.0 CDTI, 160 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive Research€504€3,500290Diesel A20DTHManual (6)2010–2013
2.0 CDTI, 160 PS, 6-speed automatic Research€513€3,999184Diesel A20DTHAutomatic (6)2008–2013
2.0 CDTI, 160 PS, 6-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Research€533€3,999184Diesel A20DTHAutomatic (6)2010–2013
2.0 CDTI, 130 PS, 6-speed manual Research€468€3,000126Diesel A20DTHManual (6)2008–2013
1.8, 140 PS, 6-speed manual Research€528€3,999106Petrol 2H0, B18XERManual (6)2008–2013
1.4 LPG, 140 PS, 6-speed manual Research€456€4,09973LPG / Petrol B14NET, LUJManual (6)2011–2013
2.0 Turbo, 220 PS, 6-speed manual Research€551€4,27056Bioethanol (E85) / Petrol A20NHTManual (6)2008–2013
2.0 Turbo, 220 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive Research€577€4,27056Petrol A20NHTManual (6)2008–2011
2.8 V6, 260 PS, 6-speed automatic, all-wheel drive €650€5,90052Petrol A28NETAutomatic (6)2008–2013
1.6 Turbo, 180 PS, 6-speed manual Research€530€4,30051Petrol A16LETManual (6)2008–2013

At a glance

  • Years: built 2008 to 2017, including the 2013 facelift. Sports Tourer, Country Tourer and OPC versions exist.
  • Reliability: 3/5. Several engine, gearbox and all-wheel drive faults are reported.
  • DIY: 2/5. The timing and gearbox jobs are workshop work.
  • Prefer: cars with proof of timing belt, water pump and oil pump work, and a full service book.
  • Avoid: 2.0 CDTI cars with no oil pump or seal record, and Haldex 4x4 cars with no service history.

Engines and gearboxes

  • 1.4 Turbo (A14NET), 140 PS: no confirmed common fault.
  • 1.6 and 1.8 without turbo: 115 PS and 140 PS. No confirmed common fault.
  • 1.6 SIDI turbo, 170 PS (from July 2013): carbon can build up in the intake and on the injectors.
  • 2.0 Turbo (A20NFT, A20NHT): timing chain wear, see Turbo petrol timing chain.
  • 2.8 V6 Turbo, 260 PS in 4x4 and 325 PS in the OPC: timing chain wear, see V6 timing chains.
  • 1.6 CDTI: no confirmed common fault.
  • 2.0 CDTI (A20DT, A20DTH), 110 to 195 PS: oil pump and seal, timing belt, and DPF problems. Each has its own section below.
  • Manual: the M32 six-speed is the one with known faults. Shaft bearings can wear, see M32 gearbox bearings.
  • Automatic: AF40. Regular fluid changes are advised, see Maintenance.
  • All-wheel drive: Haldex coupling, see Haldex coupling and pump.

Known issues

Issue Affects Typical km Repair cost
M32 gearbox bearings M32 six-speed manual Not stated No confirmed price
Oil pump and pick-up seal 2.0 CDTI (A20DT, A20DTH) Not stated No confirmed price
Oil loss at engine and gearbox Engines and gearboxes Not stated No confirmed price
Timing belt and water pump 2.0 CDTI A20DTH Not stated No confirmed price
Turbo petrol timing chain 2.0 Turbo (A20NFT, A20NHT) About 100,000 to 130,000 km No confirmed price
Haldex coupling and pump Haldex all-wheel drive Not stated No confirmed price
DPF blocked on short trips 2.0 CDTI Not stated No confirmed price
V6 timing chains 2.8 V6 Turbo Not stated No confirmed price

Before you buy

  • [ ] Haldex 4x4: on a test drive, listen for a thud or vibration from the rear on acceleration and in tight turns. Ask for Haldex service records.
  • [ ] 2.8 V6 Turbo: ask for proof that the timing chains were checked or replaced. Stretched chains are a known fault.
  • [ ] 2.0 Turbo: listen for a rattle, especially after a cold start. Ask for timing chain work records.
  • [ ] 2.0 CDTI A20DTH: ask for proof that the timing belt and water pump were replaced together, with the date and mileage.
  • [ ] 2.0 CDTI: ask whether the oil pump and pick-up seal were renewed.
  • [ ] M32 manual: drive at a steady speed in fifth and sixth gear and listen for a whirr or hum.
  • [ ] 2.0 CDTI: ask how the car was used. Mostly short trips block the particulate filter.
  • [ ] Oil loss: check the engine and gearbox for leaks and oil on the floor, and ask for oil top-up records.
  • [ ] Recalls: ask a dealer to check the car's VIN against the recalls listed below.

Running costs

Operational€202
Workshop€154
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)€157
Total per month€513
New-car depreciation (not included)€72

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

Market

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

Find offers on mobile.de

Listings
1,218
25th percentile
€2,950
Median price
€3,950
75th percentile
€5,490
Median mileage
202,200 km
Median first registration
2011
Dealer share
37.4%
Price at 100,000 km
€6,342

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

In detail

M32 gearbox bearings

Shaft bearings in the M32 six-speed manual can wear. A whirr or hum in fifth and sixth gear is the warning sign.

Sources: Gebrauchtwagenberater, Motor-Talk buyer's guide, auto.ru article

Oil pump and pick-up seal

The seal between the oil pump and the oil pick-up pipe can become brittle. A failed oil pump, a brittle seal or a faulty pressure regulator can all cause low oil pressure.

Sources: Gebrauchtwagenberater, Insignia Drivers UK forum, Motor-Talk buyer's thread

Oil loss at engine and gearbox

Oil loss at the engine and gearbox is common on this car. Check the oil level between services.

Sources: Gebrauchtwagenberater, CarWiki, Motor-Talk buyer's guide

Timing belt and water pump

On the A20DTH the water pump is driven by the timing belt, so replace the pump together with the belt. A worn water pump bearing shows as a wet drip trail and noise.

Sources: PMM Online, Kfz-Dietrich, drive2 owner report

Turbo petrol timing chain

The timing chain on the 2.0 Turbo stretches, with reports from about 100,000 km to 130,000 km. The engine can rattle, and the tensioner and guide rail can wear. No confirmed repair cost.

Sources: Kfz-Dietrich, auto.ru article, Motor-Talk owner thread

Haldex coupling and pump

The Haldex coupling sends drive to the rear wheels. Its pump can fail. Owners describe rear vibration, snatching and a thud on acceleration and in turns.

Sources: auto.ru article, Insignia Drivers UK forum, Motor-Talk owner thread

DPF blocked on short trips

The 2.0 CDTI particulate filter (DPF) clogs when the car makes mostly short trips.

Sources: Gebrauchtwagenberater, Kfz-Dietrich

V6 timing chains

The 2.8 V6 Turbo timing chains can stretch. No confirmed repair cost.

Sources: Gebrauchtwagenberater, CarWiki, Motor-Talk buyer's guide

Recalls

Country Code Years What is done
Germany 011476 Built December 2007 to July 2013 Rear axle tie rods; action not stated
Germany not given Not stated 2.0 CDTI control unit software; action not stated
Germany not given 06/2008 to 08/2011 Sports Tourer electric tailgate and glass roof; action not stated

Maintenance

  • Oil loss at engine and gearbox is common. Check the oil level between services.
  • The 2.0 CDTI particulate filter needs longer trips to regenerate. Short trips cause clogging.
  • Timing belt and water pump: the sources give a range of 90,000 km to 100,000 miles (about 161,000 km), or 72 months. Replace the water pump with the belt.
  • Regular automatic gearbox fluid changes are advised.

Sources

English

German

Russian