vinkodex.

Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo 120hp Selection common faults.

2009–2012, hatchback, petrol, 120 HP.

The fault list covers: A14NEL engine, M32 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

3 fault write-ups. All are important. 2 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

3 important faults

critical1

1.4 Turbo (A14NET / B14NET): timing chain stretch

critical

Opel's 1.4 litre turbo petrol engine (A14NET, later B14NET) is fitted to the Astra J, Insignia A, Zafira C and Mokka.

Show the rest

The chain and the tensioner wear early: a metallic rattle on a cold start, and timing fault codes of the P0016 or P0011 kind. If it is left like that, the chain can jump and the engine is badly damaged inside.

A long oil change interval and short trip use raise the risk. The replacement is not cheap: the chain kit plus labour can be a significant part of the value of a used car.

between 80,000 and 160,000 km

What to check

  • Insist on a cold start: a metallic rattle or ticking from the timing side calls for immediate expert inspection
  • Ask for a fault code read: P0016 (crankshaft to camshaft correlation) and phase codes of the P0011 kind
  • Ask whether the chain kit (chain plus tensioner plus guides) was replaced: ask for the invoice
2 more steps in the write-up

expensive2

Easytronic: automated manual gearbox, clutch and shift actuator

expensive

The Opel Easytronic is not a conventional automatic: it is an ordinary manual gearbox in which electric actuators operate the clutch and change gear. There is no torque converter, and the drive breaks for a moment when it shifts.

Show the rest

The typical faults are: clutch and shift actuator failure, clutch wear, and lost adaptation values. Symptoms: jerking when pulling away, delayed or harsh shifts, an "F" warning, a stuck gear, and no creep.

Removal and refurbishment often come to 2,500 to 3,000 euro. On an old Corsa or Astra that can cost more than the car. A software update and an oil change sometimes help if it only jerks, but an actuator fault means replacing the part.

between 80,000 and 180,000 km2,500–3,000 EUR

What to check

  • Try it cold and warm: pulling away, creep, 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 shifts. Jerking or delay is suspect
  • Watch for the "F" or gearbox warning on the dash
  • Ask for a fault code read with Opel compatible diagnostics (not just generic OBD): actuator codes of the P1607 / P1728 / P1729 kind
3 more steps in the write-up

Astra H: M32 six speed manual, bearing and synchro wear

expensive

In the Astra H diesel range, on the Z17DTH engine, two manual gearboxes were available: the five speed F23 and the six speed M32.

Show the rest

The known weakness of the M32 is wear of the bearings and the synchro rings: a whine while driving, a stiff shift, especially 3rd to 4th. Replacement or a rebuild is expensive.

between 100,000 and 200,000 km

What to check

  • Count the gears: 6 raises the M32 suspicion on this engine group; 5 means more likely the F23
  • When warm, at 80 to 100 km/h, listen for gearbox whine: a noise that rises with the revs is suspect
  • Try the 3 to 4 and 4 to 5 shifts cold and warm: binding, scratchiness
1 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo 120hp Selection

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

Faults of this model

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall2 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 4 August 2025

SR/02979/25Safety recallInjuries4 August 2025 · EU Safety Gate

The 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

The authority's notice

A12/01581/24Safety recallInjuries1 December 2023 · EU Safety Gate

The 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

The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

A14NEL · 1.4 Turbo (ecoFLEX)

88 kW (120 HP) · petrol

M32 · 6-speed manual, transverse (Opel/GM M32)

manual · 6 speed

Torque limit320 Nm
MakerOpel/GM

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
Selection
Body
hatchback
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
manual
Engine size
1364 cc
Power
88 kW (120 HP)
Drive
FWD
Production
2009–2012

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years

  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years

  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)

  • Spark plugs, petrol

    • 60,000 km or 6 years
All J versions

Information, not an expert opinion

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.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms