The 1.6 naturally aspirated petrol engines of the Astra H (Z16XEP, Z16XE1, Z16XER) run a timing belt, not a chain.
Applies to the engine Z16XEP.
2005–2009. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.
What to watch for
The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.
The 1.6 naturally aspirated petrol engines of the Astra H (Z16XEP, Z16XE1, Z16XER) run a timing belt, not a chain.
Applies to the engine Z16XEP.
The Opel Easytronic is not a conventional automatic: it is an ordinary manual gearbox in which electric actuators operate the clutch and change gear.
Applies to the transmission Easytronic.
Repair: 2,500–3,000 EUR
In the Astra H diesel range, on the Z17DTH engine, two manual gearboxes were available: the five speed F23 and the six speed M32.
Applies to the transmission M32.
The Opel F17 (and F17+) is one of the most common five speed manual gearboxes of the Astra / Corsa / Zafira era.
Applies to the transmission F17.
The Opel F40 is the six speed manual designed for GM's stronger turbo and diesel engines (around 400 Nm) (Astra H/J, Insignia, Zafira B/C and others).
Applies to the transmission F40.
The Opel F23 (Getrag, roughly 1998 to 2011) is the five speed manual gearbox of the stronger engines in the Astra G/H, Vectra and Zafira A.
Applies to the transmission F23.
The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.
Most recent: 4 August 2025
SR/02979/25Safety recallInjuries4 August 2025 · EU Safety GateThe structure of the airbag can deteriorate. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator, injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 04/08/2025 Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Request to stop driving Date of entry into force: 04/08/2025
A12/01581/24Safety recallInjuries1 December 2023 · EU Safety GateThe propellant used in the driver airbag inflator can degrade when exposed to very high temperatures and levels of humidity. If activated after an impact, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to burst, and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 01/12/2023
Engines and transmissions in this generation
A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.
C.5 · 2005–2009
The fault list opens on the version page.
177 versions
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
Z16XEP · F17
1.6-16V Comfort
2005–2009 · -16V Comfort
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
Z16XEP · F17
1.6-16V Essentia
2005–2009 · -16V Essentia
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
Z16XEP · F17
1.6-16V Temptation
2005–2009 · -16V Temptation
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
Z16XEP · F17
1.6-16V Temptation
2005–2009 · -16V Temptation
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
Z16XEP · F23
Estate 1.6-16V Temptation
2005–2009 · Estate 1.6-16V Temptation
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
1.8-16V CR
2005–2009 · -16V CR
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F23
1.8-16V CR Comfort
2005–2009 · -16V CR Comfort
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
1.8-16V CR Cosmo
2005–2009 · -16V CR Cosmo
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
1.8-16V CR Essentia
2005–2009 · -16V CR Essentia
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F23
1.8-16V CR Sport
2005–2009 · -16V CR Sport
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
1.8-16V WR Comfort
2005–2009 · -16V WR Comfort
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
1.8-16V WR Cosmo
2005–2009 · -16V WR Cosmo
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
1.8-16V WR Essentia
2005–2009 · -16V WR Essentia
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
Estate 1.8-16V CR Comfort
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V CR Comfort
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
Estate 1.8-16V CR Cosmo
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V CR Cosmo
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
Estate 1.8-16V CR Essentia
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V CR Essentia
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
Estate 1.8-16V CR Sport
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V CR Sport
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
1.8-16V
2005–2009 · -16V
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · AF23
1.8-16V Comfort
2005–2009 · -16V Comfort
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
1.8-16V Comfort
2005–2009 · -16V Comfort
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
1.8-16V Cosmo
2005–2009 · -16V Cosmo
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · AF23
1.8-16V Cosmo
2005–2009 · -16V Cosmo
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
1.8-16V Essentia
2005–2009 · -16V Essentia
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · AF23
1.8-16V Essentia
2005–2009 · -16V Essentia
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
1.8-16V Sport
2005–2009 · -16V Sport
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · AF23
1.8-16V Sport
2005–2009 · -16V Sport
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · AF23
1.8-16V Temptation
2005–2009 · -16V Temptation
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
1.8-16V Temptation
2005–2009 · -16V Temptation
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · AF23
1.8-16V Temptation
2005–2009 · -16V Temptation
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
1.8-16V Temptation
2005–2009 · -16V Temptation
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F23
1.8-16V Temptation Excellence
2005–2009 · -16V Temptation Excellence
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · AF23
1.8-16V Temptation Excellence
2005–2009 · -16V Temptation Excellence
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · AF23
1.8-16V Temptation Excellence
2005–2009 · -16V Temptation Excellence
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
1.8-16V Temptation Excellence
2005–2009 · -16V Temptation Excellence
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
Estate 1.8-16V Comfort
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V Comfort
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · AF23
Estate 1.8-16V Comfort
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V Comfort
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · AF23
Estate 1.8-16V Cosmo
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V Cosmo
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F40
Estate 1.8-16V Cosmo
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V Cosmo
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · AF23
Estate 1.8-16V Essentia
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V Essentia
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
Estate 1.8-16V Essentia
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V Essentia
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · AF23
Estate 1.8-16V Sport
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V Sport
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
Estate 1.8-16V Sport
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V Sport
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · AF23
Estate 1.8-16V Temptation
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V Temptation
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F23
Estate 1.8-16V Temptation
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V Temptation
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · AF23
Estate 1.8-16V Temptation Exc.
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V Temptation Exc.
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
Z18XEL · F17
Estate 1.8-16V Temptation Exc.
2005–2009 · Estate 1.8-16V Temptation Exc.
1.9 l · 1910 cm³
Z19DT · Z19DTH · F17
1.9 CDTi 100hp
2005–2009 · CDTi 100hp
1.9 l · 1910 cm³
Z19DT · Z19DTH · F17
1.9 CDTi 100hp Comfort
2005–2009 · CDTi 100hp Comfort
1.9 l · 1910 cm³
Z19DT · Z19DTH · F17
1.9 CDTi 100hp Essentia
2005–2009 · CDTi 100hp Essentia
1.9 l · 1910 cm³
Z19DT · Z19DTH · F17
1.9 CDTi 100hp Temptation
2005–2009 · CDTi 100hp Temptation
1.9 l · 1910 cm³
Z19DT · Z19DTH · F17
1.9 CDTi 100hp Temptation
2005–2009 · CDTi 100hp Temptation
1.9 l · 1910 cm³
Z19DT · Z19DTH · F17
Estate 1.9 CDTi 100hp Comfort
2005–2009 · Estate 1.9 CDTi 100hp Comfort
1.9 l · 1910 cm³
Z19DTL · Z19DT · F17
Estate 1.9 CDTi 100hp Essentia
2005–2009 · Estate 1.9 CDTi 100hp Essentia
1.9 l · 1910 cm³
Z19DT · Z19DTH · F17
Estate 1.9 CDTi 100hp Temptation
2005–2009 · Estate 1.9 CDTi 100hp Temptation
1.9 l · 1910 cm³
Z19DT · Z19DTH · F17
1.9 CDTi 120hp
2005–2009 · CDTi 120hp
1.9 l · 1910 cm³
Z19DT · Z19DTH · F17
1.9 CDTi 120hp Comfort
2005–2009 · CDTi 120hp Comfort
1.9 l · 1910 cm³
Z19DT · Z19DTH · F17
1.9 CDTi 120hp Cosmo
2005–2009 · CDTi 120hp Cosmo
1.9 l · 1910 cm³
Z19DT · Z19DTH · F17
1.9 CDTi 120hp Essentia
2005–2009 · CDTi 120hp Essentia
1.9 l · 1910 cm³
Z19DT · Z19DTH · F17
1.9 CDTi 120hp Sport
2005–2009 · CDTi 120hp Sport
1.9 l · 1910 cm³
Z19DT · Z19DTH · F17
1.9 CDTi 120hp Temptation
2005–2009 · CDTi 120hp Temptation
Neighbouring generations
Vectra C facelift (2005-2009). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Common questions
2005–2009. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.
No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.
The fault list is.
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.