Opel Zafira C (2012-2019): known problems and buying guide

Middling reliability and poor breakdown rankings. Check the timing chain, oil level and diesel soot records before buying.

Updated 27 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
1.4 ECOTEC, 140 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€497	€9,599	123	LPG / Petrol	B14NET, LUJ	Manual (6)	2016–2018
2.0 Diesel, 170 PS, 6-speed automatic Research	€527	€9,690	91	Diesel	D20DTH, LFS	Automatic (6)	2016–2019
2.0 Diesel, 170 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€487	€9,900	61	Diesel	D20DTH, LFS	Manual (6)	2016–2019
1.6 CDTI, 135 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€453	€8,390	57	Diesel	B16DTH, LVL	Manual (6)	2016–2019
1.6 Diesel, 136 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€462	€7,990	56	Diesel	LVL	Manual (6)	2018

Years: generation C 2012-2016, facelift 2016-2019. The Tourer name was dropped after the 2016 facelift.
Reliability: 2/5. ADAC breakdown statistics rank the model low on two sites. The 1.4 Turbo timing chain and coolant loss, the 2.0 CDTI oil pump seal and diesel soot are the main known faults.
DIY: 2/5. The timing chain, gearbox and emissions jobs need a workshop.
Prefer: cars with oil and coolant service records, and proof that recall repairs were done.
Avoid: 1.4 Turbo cars with no coolant or chain history.

1.4 Turbo, B14NET, 120-140 PS: timing chain stretch, water pump and coolant loss, and oil loss. Ask for chain and coolant history.
1.6 Turbo CNG, B16XNT, 150 PS: a 2016 recall covers the CNG cylinder valve (see Recalls). No other fault confirmed in the sources read.
1.6 SIDI Turbo, B16SHT (LWC), 170/200 PS: no fault confirmed in the sources read.
1.8, A18XER, 115 PS, to 2015: no fault confirmed in the sources read.
2.0 CDTI, A20DT and A20DTH, 110/130/165 PS, to 2014: oil pump seal (see that row) and soot in the EGR valve and DPF.
2.0 BiTurbo CDTI, A20DTR, 195 PS: oil pump seal, reported on the Astra J with the same engine.
2.0 CDTI, D20DTH, 130/170 PS, from late 2014: no fault confirmed in the sources read.
1.6 CDTI, B16DTH and LVL, 120/136 PS, from 2013: oil loss is named on this engine. The diesel soot row applies.

Gearboxes are listed separately:

5-speed manual (1.8): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
6-speed manual, M32: bearing wear, a whine or hum in gears, reported on the Astra J with the same gearbox.
6-speed automatic: no fault confirmed in the sources read.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
1.4 Turbo timing chain	1.4 Turbo (B14NET)	100,000-150,000 km	No confirmed price
2.0 CDTI oil pump suction seal	2.0 CDTI (A20DTH, A20DTR)	Not stated	No confirmed price
M32 6-speed gearbox bearings	6-speed manual (M32)	60,000-100,000 km	No confirmed price
1.4 Turbo coolant loss and water pump	1.4 Turbo (B14NET)	60,000-80,000 km	No confirmed price
Diesel soot in EGR valve and DPF	All diesels	Not stated	No confirmed price
Oil loss and leaks	1.4 Turbo, 1.6 CDTI	Not stated	No confirmed price

On a 1.4 Turbo, listen for a rattle or clatter on a cold start and under load changes. Ask for timing chain history at 100,000-150,000 km. A rattle is a bad sign.
Ask for proof that the 2.0 CDTI oil pump suction seal was checked or replaced. An oil pressure warning is a bad sign.
On a manual with M32, drive in 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th and listen for a whine or hum. A whine that rises with speed is a bad sign.
Ask whether the DPF was cleaned and the EGR valve checked. Ask if the car was mostly used on short trips. A scanner can show EGR or DPF codes.
On a 1.4 Turbo, check the coolant level and the water pump for leaks. Ask whether the pump was replaced. A falling coolant level is a bad sign.
Check the oil level after the test drive and ask for an oil service record. Oil loss is reported on the 1.4 Turbo and 1.6 CDTI. A low level is a bad sign.
Ask the dealer to check the VIN for open recalls: tie-rod end, parking brake software, airbags and the diesel software. An open campaign is a bad result; have it done before you pay.

Operational	€203
Workshop	€144
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€151
Total per month	€498
New-car depreciation (not included)	€72

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.