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Opel Zafira 1.6 Turbo 136hp Online Edition common faults.

2016–2019, MPV, petrol, 136 HP.

The fault list covers: A16XER engine, F17, M32, F40 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

4 fault write-ups. All are important. 16 recalls.

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

Before you buy

Known faults

4 important faults

critical1

The 1.6 naturally aspirated petrol engines of the Astra H (Z16XEP, Z16XE1, Z16XER) run a timing belt, not a chain. The replacement interval is 150,000 km or 10 years, whichever comes first.

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If the belt breaks, the engine is badly damaged inside. Most used cars are right around the 10 year mark, and if there is no invoice for the belt change, the belt is due.

On the Z16XER the variable valve timing (phaser and solenoid) can rattle on a cold start, and it can log a P0011 or P0014 fault code. That is not the belt.

between 120,000 and 180,000 km

What to check

  • Ask for the timing belt replacement invoice: 150,000 km or 10 years, whichever comes first
  • If there is no documentation and the car is over 10 years old or above 150,000 km, count on a belt change
  • On a cold start listen for the phaser rattle: it is not the sound of the belt, but it is common on this engine
2 more steps in the write-up

expensive3

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

The Opel F17 (and F17+) is one of the most common five speed manual gearboxes of the Astra / Corsa / Zafira era. The synchro ring and the differential wear, and so do the layshaft bearings.

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Symptoms: a stiff or scratchy shift (mostly when warm), a whine while driving, differential noise when pulling away. Failures are more common with the stronger engines (at the limit of the F17+). Oil leaks speed up the wear: 5th gear sits high, so it is the first to be short of lubrication.

between 120,000 and 220,000 km

What to check

  • When warm, at 80 to 100 km/h, listen for gearbox whine: a noise that rises with the revs is suspect
  • Try 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 shifts cold and warm: binding, scratchiness
  • When pulling away, listen for noise or a clunk from the differential
2 more steps in the write-up

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). The typical fault is the oil level.

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Leaks do happen; and if the level drops, the synchro rings wear quickly (a stiff or scratchy shift). At high mileage the input shaft bearing can whine. Rare but documented: gear damage from a sudden shift at high revs.

The oil change is about every 50,000 km, and the fill is about 3.2 litres. The "lifetime" promise does not replace that.

between 120,000 and 250,000 km

What to check

  • Look for oil leaks on the gearbox casing and the shafts: a low level means fast synchro wear
  • Try every gear cold and warm: scratchiness, binding
  • When warm, at open road speed, listen for input shaft whine
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Opel Zafira 1.6 Turbo 136hp Online 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

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

Official recall16 recallsShow

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

Most recent: 6 August 2025

SR/03207/25Safety recallEnvironment6 August 2025 · EU Safety Gate

The malfunction indicator light (MIL) may fail to illuminate if the diagnostic system of the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and/or the diesel particulate filter (DPF) malfunctions after a fault code has appeared. This could cause the vehicle to operate without the required warning, and resulting in emissions above the regulatory limits. The product does not comply with the Regulation on type-approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information.

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: 06/08/2025

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

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

A12/00135/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The wheel screws are not tightened with the required torque. This could lead to a wheel being lost during driving, increasing the risk 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

A12/00191/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Water may leak into the vehicle interior. This can impair the proper functioning of the airbags, increasing the risk of injury 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

A12/00363/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Water may leak into the vehicle's interior. Consequently, the proper functioning of the airbags can be impaired, increasing the risk of injury 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

A12/00381/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

A defect in the gas generator of the driver airbag can lead to uncontrolled inflation and the release of metal fragments when the airbag is activated. This defect may increase the risk of injuries in the event of an accident. 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: Unknown

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

A12/0183/19Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

There is a defective regulator on the blower motor. This can cause a fire in the cable set.

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

A12/0836/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The bolts of the second seat row seat belts as well as of the third seat row seats and seat belt buckles may have been insufficiently tightened, increasing the risk of injuries in the case of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer 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

A12/0924/19Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

A pin contact on the fan motor resistor may melt. This can increase the risk of the vehicle catching fire.

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

A12/1017/18Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

A wrongly-fitted sealing ring may lead to oil leakage on the turbo oil-line. The leaking oil may ignite and cause a fire.

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

A12/1225/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear windscreen could become detached and fall onto the road. This can pose a risk for 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

We could not check this: model year. 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

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

A12/1336/18Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

There is a calibration error in the turbocharger's diagnostic monitoring which disables the turbocharger diagnostics. In the event of damage to the turbocharger, it may overheat and lead to a fire.

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

1 engines · 3 transmissions

A16XER · 1.6 (ecoFLEX)

85–103 kW (116–140 HP) · petrol

F17 · 5-speed manual, transverse (Opel F17 / F17+)

manual · 5 speed

Torque limit200 Nm
MakerOpel/GM

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it. More than one transmission is possible. The gear count does not tell them apart. The code is on the side of the transmission.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
Online Edition
Body
MPV
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
manual
Engine size
1598 cc
Power
100 kW (136 HP)
Drive
FWD
Production
2016–2019

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.

  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years
  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 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

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