Opel Corsa E problems (2014–2019)

All 3 engines of the Opel Corsa E that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 1.3 Multijet, the 1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec and the 1.4 Turbo. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.4 Turbo, with a «With caution» verdict. Outside the engine, the Corsa E has several safety recalls from 2015 to 2018, now confirmed by Gebrauchtwagenberater.de and the DVSA: the steering knuckle to suspension arm joint, the steering rack, the curtain airbag, the handbrake and a bonnet that could open while driving. The TÜV also points to wear in the springs, shock absorbers and steering.

Among the 3 engines we have documented, none has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 1.4 Turbo, with a «With caution» verdict. The model-by-model reliability pages consulted repeatedly document water pump or thermostat housing leaks, ignition coil failures and turbocharger wear; the Zafira Tourer with this engine also recorded a case of engine failure from a cracked piston ring at 103,000 km. It is worth checking the cooling circuit, the coil history and the turbo before buying.^[1][2][3][4]

Outside the engine, the Corsa E has several safety recalls from 2015 to 2018, now confirmed by Gebrauchtwagenberater.de and the DVSA: the steering knuckle to suspension arm joint, the steering rack, the curtain airbag, the handbrake and a bonnet that could open while driving. The TÜV also points to wear in the springs, shock absorbers and steering. The most important documented faults are: possible failure of the joint between the steering knuckle and the lower suspension arm (suspension, critical severity), badly manufactured steering rack (2017 campaign) (steering, critical severity), defective curtain airbags (airbags and safety, critical severity) and defective handbrake ratchet mechanism (brakes, critical severity).^[5][6][7][8]

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (1.3 Multijet, critical severity), timing chain stretch and breakage (1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec, critical severity), incomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilution (1.3 Multijet, high severity), early engine failure from a cracked piston (1.4 Turbo, critical severity) and seized variable-geometry turbo (1.3 Multijet, high severity).

According to our rating by year, the best are 2018 and 2017 (5.9/10); the worst rated is 2014 (5.2/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Yes: we have documented 6 campaigns for the Opel Corsa E, such as seatbelts that can stick (2020). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.^[8]