Opel Zafira B (2005-2014): known problems and buying guide

Heater fire recall, diesel EGR and DPF faults and M32 gearbox noise. Check timing chain, alternator and cooling history before you buy.

Updated 24 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
1.8, 140 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€479	€3,766	236	Petrol	Z18XER	Manual (5)	2008–2014
1.6 ecoFlex, 115 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€457	€3,490	160	Petrol	Z16XER	Manual (5)	2008–2013
1.7 CDTI, 125 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€461	€2,800	124	Diesel	A17DTR	Manual (6)	2008–2014
1.7 CDTI, 110 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€458	€2,799	86	Diesel	Z17DTR	Manual (6)	2008–2014

Years: built July 2005 to December 2014 (ADAC).
Reliability: 2/5. ADAC ranks it well below average for breakdowns, and it has several recalls.
DIY: 2/5. Timing chain and gearbox work needs a workshop.
Main risks: the UK heater blower fire recall, diesel EGR valve and particulate filter, M32 gearbox bearings, and the 2.2 timing chain.
Prefer: cars with service records and the recall work done.
Avoid: a 2.2 (Z22YH) with no timing chain work on record, and a manual that whines in 6th gear.

1.6 Twinport (Z16XEP), 105-115 PS: ignition coils often fail early, with rough idle and lost power. See Known issues.
1.6 (Z16XER) and 1.8 (Z18XER, 140 PS): oil cooler seal and thermostat leaks. See Known issues.
2.2 direct (Z22YH), 150 PS: timing chain can stretch early, and the tensioner can fail by about 150,000 km. See Known issues.
2.0 Turbo (200 PS) and OPC: no common fault known from the sources.
1.6 CNG and 1.8 LPG: gas versions with recalls. CNG cars built 2005-2007 had a gas leak recall in 2010. LPG cars built 2009-2011 had a pipe recall in 2014.
1.7 CDTI (110 and 125 PS): no common fault known from the sources.
1.9 CDTI (100, 120 and 150 PS): EGR valve and particulate filter faults. See Known issues.
Manual, 6-speed Opel M32: bearings wear and can fail. See Known issues.
Easytronic (automated manual): no common fault confirmed in the sources.
Automatic (1.8 and 2.2 petrol): a 2009 recall covers coolant leaking into the transmission oil, on cars built 2007-2008.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Heater blower resistor and fire risk	Cars built 2005-2014; first recall covered manual or no air conditioning	Not stated	Free (recall, UK)
Diesel EGR valve and particulate filter	1.9 CDTI and other diesels	120,000-150,000 km (EGR cleaning)	No confirmed price
Timing chain (Z22YH)	2.2 petrol, Z22YH, 150 PS	About 150,000 km (tensioner)	No confirmed price
M32 gearbox bearings	6-speed manual (M32)	Not stated	No confirmed price
Alternator	Both diesels; ADAC lists breakdowns 2005-2008 and 2010-2011	100,000-200,000 km	700-880 EUR (Germany, year not stated)
Ignition coils and module	1.6 Twinport (coils); 1.6 and 1.8 (module)	Module from about 70,000 km	6,000-10,000 RUB for the module (Russia, 2020)
Cooling seals and thermostat	1.6 and 1.8 petrol (Z16XER, Z18XER)	Thermostat about 50,000 km; seal from about 80,000 km	Gasket kit from 1,500 RUB (Russia, 2020)
Rust at sills and tailgate	All; mainly after 10-12 years	Not stated	No confirmed price

Ask for proof of timing chain or tensioner work on a 2.2. A bad result is no record by about 150,000 km.
Test-drive in 6th gear. A whine that grows, or a shifter that moves forward and back under acceleration or braking, means the M32 bearings may be failing.
Ask about the charging system. A bad result is a battery warning or starting problems in winter. A new alternator costs 700-880 EUR at a brand workshop (Germany, year not stated).
Let the engine idle and listen for rough running. Rough idle or lost power on a 1.6 Twinport points to failing coils. A new ignition module costs 6,000-10,000 RUB (Russia, 2020).
Look in the expansion tank for oily residue. A bad result means a leaking oil cooler seal. A gasket kit costs from 1,500 RUB (Russia, 2020), labour not stated.
Ask for EGR valve and particulate filter service records on a diesel. A bad result is no EGR cleaning by about 150,000 km, or a car used only for short trips.
Check the sills, tailgate and door bottoms for rust. A bad result is bubbling paint or rust, most likely after 10-12 years.
Ask a Vauxhall dealer whether the heater blower resistor recall was done. A bad result is no record. The repair was free.

Operational	€220
Workshop	€124
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€131
Total per month	€475
New-car depreciation (not included)	€58

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.