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Opel Zafira 1.4 Turbo 140hp Edition common faults.

2011–2016, MPV, petrol, 140 HP.

The fault list covers: A14NET, B14NET engine, AF40 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

2 fault write-ups. Both are important. 3 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

1.4 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.

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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

expensive1

AF40 (Aisin TF-80SC) 6 speed automatic: ATF and valve body

expensive

The Opel AF40 is the GM badged Aisin TF-80SC six speed torque converter automatic (Insignia A, Astra H/J, Zafira B/C and others). If the gearbox oil (ATF) is changed, it keeps working for a long time.

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With neglected oil: a harsh N to D engagement, jerking on downshifts, and delayed lock-up. Burnt ATF loses its lubricating and friction properties, and deposits build up in the valve body. A simple drain leaves a lot of old oil in the torque converter, so the job is often a flush, not just a drain and refill.

Workshops recommend an oil change around 60,000 to 80,000 km. The "lifetime fill" promise does not replace that.

between 100,000 and 200,000 km

What to check

  • Try it cold and warm: N to D and R engagement. A strong jolt is suspect
  • Watch the downshifts when slowing: jerking, delay
  • Ask when the last ATF change or flush was done: ask for the invoice
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Opel Zafira 1.4 Turbo 140hp Edition

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 recall3 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

A12/1333/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

As a result of a manufacturing error, the roof rail is not sufficiently strong. In the event of a rear collision, any objects secured there could fall from the vehicle and end up on the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.

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

The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

2 engines · 1 transmissions

A14NET · 1.4 Turbo (ecoFLEX)

88–103 kW (120–140 HP) · petrol

AF40 · 6-speed automatic, transverse (GM AF40 / Aisin TF-80SC)

automatic · 6 speed

Torque limit450 Nm
MakerAisin/GM

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it. More than one engine code is possible. The fault list shows the faults of each.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
Edition
Body
MPV
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
1364 cc
Power
103 kW (140 HP)
Drive
FWD
Production
2011–2016

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 C 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