1.7 CDTI engine: faults and reliability

• 1.7 CDTI 100-101 hp (Z17DTH, 2003-2007)

  2003–2007 · 100–101 hp · Z17DTH

  With caution

  It shares the EGR valve, injectors and timing belt with the rest of the 1.7 CDTI family, with the same documented risks that we describe in the faults for this engine.^[6][7]

• 1.7 CDTI 110 hp (Z17DTJ/A17DTJ/A17DTC/A17DTE, 2007-2014)

  2007–2014 · 110 hp · Z17DTJ, A17DTJ, A17DTC, A17DTE

  With caution

  It has the same EGR valve, the same injectors and the same timing belt as the rest of the family, with identical documented risks.^[6][7]

• 1.7 CDTI 125 hp (Z17DTR/A17DTR, 2006-2013)

  2006–2013 · 125 hp · Z17DTR, A17DTR

  With caution

  This is the version of the two documented accounts of a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) (an Astra and a Zafira, the latter with only 17,000 km) and of the Astra's injector warning.^[2][3]

• 1.7 CDTI 130 hp (A17DTS, 2010-2015)

  2010–2015 · 130 hp · A17DTS

  With caution

  It shares its block, EGR valve and timing belt with the rest of the 1.7 CDTI family, with no data exempting it from the documented risks.^[6][7]

Buy: No known serious faults, or they have already been corrected, in this version. With caution: Worth buying if something specific is verified: history, a replaced part or a completed campaign. Avoid: High risk of a serious fault that is hard to check for or prevent.

1. 1High severityFrequency: OccasionalClutchDual-mass flywheel and clutch wearA documented case of an Opel Meriva with this engine had to have the dual-mass flywheel and clutch replaced at 66,000 km, for €1,600 at a French garage. It is neither an official nor a Spanish figure, but it points to real wear of these parts.
2. 2High severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlClogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) and oil dilutionThere are accounts from Opel Astra and Zafira owners with this engine describing a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) — in one case with only 17,000 km — and oil diluted with diesel after repeated failed regenerations.
3. 3Critical severityFrequency: RareTimingTiming belt: risk of serious failure if not changed on timeThe 1.7 CDTI has a timing belt (not a chain), with a replacement interval of 150,000 km or 6 years according to the buying guide consulted. We have not found documented cases of breakage on this engine, but going beyond that interval exposes you to a serious failure if the belt does give way.
4. 4Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlSoot fouling of the injectors and EGR valveThis engine's EGR valve tends to clog with soot, according to a German buying guide focused on the Meriva A; there are also accounts of misadjusted or faulty injectors from 100,000 km on the Meriva and Astra with this engine.
5. 5Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsPremature alternator wearThe Hitachi-brand alternator fitted at the factory to the 1.7 CDTI tends to wear out sooner than expected, according to a German buying guide on the Opel Astra H, with typical replacements at around 140,000 km; there are similar accounts on the Opel Meriva with this engine.

Severity colours: low, medium, high, critical. How we rate them

Manufacturer

Isuzu

Family

Circle L (Isuzu 4EE2)

Fuel

Diesel

Displacement

1,686 cm³

Cylinders

4

Fuel system

Turbo

Injection

Common rail

Timing

Timing belt (dry)

Power

100–130 hp

Peak torque

300 Nm

Production

2003–2015

Makes

Opel, Vauxhall and Honda

Technical data^[1][8][9]

1. 2003–2007

   1.7 CDTI 100-101 hp (Z17DTH, 2003-2007)

   The first common rail version of this engine family, replacing the earlier simple direct injection; it was the entry-level version of the Meriva A from its launch in 2003 and also powered the Astra H from 2004.^[1][9][11]

2. 2006–2013

   1.7 CDTI 125 hp (Z17DTR/A17DTR, 2006-2013)

   The most widespread version in the range; it powered the Corsa D from its launch in 2006, and also the Astra, Meriva and Zafira B up to 2013.^[8][12]

3. 2007–2014

   1.7 CDTI 110 hp (Z17DTJ/A17DTJ/A17DTC/A17DTE, 2007-2014)

   "Ecoflex" version aimed at fuel economy, with 110 hp; it powered the Astra H and J and the Zafira B from late 2007, and in its Euro 5 variant (A17DTC/A17DTE) also the Meriva B.^[1][12]

4. 2010–2015

   1.7 CDTI 130 hp (A17DTS, 2010-2015)

   The top power step of the family, tuned to meet the Euro 5 standard; it replaced the 125 hp version in the Corsa D from 2010 and also powered the Meriva B and, in its final years, the Astra J.^[1][8]