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Opel Mokka 1.6 CDTI 136hp Edition 4x4 common faults.

2016–2020, SUV, diesel, 136 HP.

The fault list covers: B16DTH engine, M32 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

2 fault write-ups. Both are important. 4 recalls.

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

Before you buy

Known faults

2 important faults

critical1

1.6 CDTI (B16DTH / B16DTL / B16DTE): timing chain and tensioner

critical

The GM 1.6 litre CDTI family (B16DTH, B16DTL, B16DTE) was fitted to the Astra J, the Astra K and the Insignia. The timing chain and the tensioner wear.

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The design of the early tensioner does not hold the oil pressure with the engine standing, so on a cold start the chain rattles metallically until the pressure builds. That rattle speeds up wear of the chain and the guides. If it is neglected, the chain can jump and the engine is badly damaged inside. The repair often requires removing the gearbox, because the chain sits on the gearbox side, so the labour is the bigger part of the bill.

It shows up on cars from around 2009 to 2018. If the rattle when cold lasts longer than a flash, the chain and the guides are wearing.

between 100,000 and 200,000 km

What to check

  • Insist on a cold start: a metallic rattle from the back of the engine or the gearbox side is suspect
  • If the rattle lasts longer than 1 to 2 seconds, or comes back when warm: do not take the car without an inspection
  • Ask whether the chain kit (chain plus tensioner plus guides) was replaced, and whether they got an improved tensioner
2 more steps in the write-up

expensive1

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.

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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 Mokka 1.6 CDTI 136hp Edition 4x4

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 recall4 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

SR/02659/25Safety recallInjuries3 July 2025 · EU Safety Gate

Due to oil carbonisation and high contact pressure, the 7 mm camshaft chain resistance can be reduced. This may cause the camshaft chain to break, leading to an engine failure. This can cause a loss of vehicle's control and increase the risk of accidents and injuries. 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: 03/07/2025

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/0126/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to a wrong mixing ratio of the primary ignition chemicals in the gas generators, the airbag may not be triggered in the event of an accident.

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: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

B16DTH · 1.6 CDTI

81–100 kW (110–136 HP) · diesel

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
CDTI 136hp Edition 4x4
Body
SUV
Fuel
diesel
Transmission
manual
Engine size
1598 cc
Power
100 kW (136 HP)
Drive
AWD
Production
2016–2020

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)

  • Timing belt, 1.6 / 2.0 TDI (EA188/EA189/EA288)

    • 210,000 km(EA288, including the 1.6 TDI, with no time limit. 130,000 miles = 209,215 km. Parts maker repair specification, read by a human. The interval chart at https://www.rwcmotorsport.com/tech/tdi-maintenance.php gives the same figure independently.)

  • Fuel filter, diesel

    • 60,000 km or 2 years
All A 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.
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