The Opel Corsa is 1 of the smaller Opel models and is a fixture on the European car market. But not only here, but also worldwide, this model is successfully sold by General Motors under various brand names, including Chevrolet. With more than 10 million units sold in 5 series (A, B, C, D and E) in Europe alone, the Opel Corsa can no longer be taken off the road.
Buying Opel Corsa as a 2nd hand car
The supply of used Corsa cars is huge. In particular, the C, D and E series of the Corsa are widely available and can be found in every conceivable state. Like its major competitors, the VW Polo and Ford Fiesta, the Vauxhall Corsa is available in both 3- and 5-door versions. The C, D and E series of the Corsa in particular are relatively unobtrusive and rock solid cars. But as with all cars, the Corsa has problems from time to time. On this page, we try to list the most common problems so you can start looking for your Corsa well-informed.
Opel Corsa model C
From the Opel Corsa C onwards, rust no longer plays a major role in Opel's small cars. The bodywork is largely made of galvanised sheet steel. However, slight rust can form on the underside, this can be caused, for example, by the salt spread in winter against slipperiness. Proper maintenance of the vehicle with timely replacement of the bottom protection or regular bottom cleaning can do wonders to prevent such damage. However, if rust holes have already formed, you should still seek the help of a professional.
The Corsa C's exhaust systems are also prone to rust and cracks can appear in the exhaust manifold. Again, you should keep a close eye on this and maintain the car nicely.
Another known weakness is the electro-hydraulic power steering. This also applies to the door locks and central locking system. Replacing these parts is then necessary and can cost a lot. So inquire about this when you buy, it may have already been replaced.
The 1.0 petrol engines are fitted with a timing chain that should actually last a car's lifetime. But it often does not; even after low mileage, rattling noises can occur due to chain elongation. A costly chain replacement is then needed sooner rather than later. If no timing chain is, takes a timing belt the work over, which should always be replaced according to the replacement interval.
Other than that, the engines in the Corsa C have no problems, as is typical for Vauxhall, provided the fluids etc are changed properly and the car gets its service regularly.
Opel Corsa D and Corsa E
The Opel Corsa D, introduced in 2006, was created in collaboration with Fiat. It shares many technical components with the Punto. As with the Italian Punto, the 4th model generation of the Corsa regularly suffers from broken suspension springs and worn wheel bearings.
Problems with the timing chain are also more common. This time, however, with the Fiat-developed 1.3 CDTi Turbo Diesel engine. Turbo damage and leaking injectors are also an issue with this engine. The well-known 1.7 CDTi Turbo Diesel, brought in by Isuzu and further developed by Opel, is more robust and can achieve very high mileage with minimum maintenance. So this is a point to look at when buying a Corsa.
All petrol engines in the Corsa D are generally reliable and undemanding.
The successor Opel Corsa E entered the market in 2014 and was essentially an intensive facelift or revision of the previous model, which is also immediately noticeable. Like the four-cylinder petrol engines, the modern EcoFlex three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines are virtually trouble-free.
The technical peculiarities and problems of Fiat's 1.3 CDTi diesel engine can also occur with the Corsa E. In general, the choice of materials and finish of this model sometimes seems substandard. Commonly heard is the high noise level inside the Corsa E, which can therefore be unpleasant.
Problems with petrol engines in the Opel Corsa (EcoFlex)
Basically, all petrol engines in the Opel Corsa are robust engines. As already mentioned, engines with a timing chain are a risk. Here, the chain may lengthen or the chain tensioner no longer does its job properly. Replacing a timing chain in the garage is an expensive business.
The EGR valve can also cause problems, just as you often have to reckon with non-working oil pressure sensors or leaking oil pressure switches. It is not the norm, but where a turbocharger is installed, it can also fail due to a lack of lubrication.
Problems with turbodiesel engines (CDTi) in the Opel Corsa
In addition to timing chain problems in the 1.3-litre CDTi Turbo Diesel engines, clogged EGR valves also occur in all other diesel engines. In both the 1.3 Fiat diesel engine and Isuzu's otherwise robust 1.7 turbo diesel, the pipes can leak.
The fragile diesel pumps on the 1.7 CDTi engine should also be mentioned. How long the turbocharger lasts can be influenced to a large extent. Letting the engine warm up properly can extend its life considerably.
Brake problems
It is an old Vauxhall condition that after braking, the brake pads get stuck (do not release from the brake disc) and therefore become too hot. Both the brake disc and the brake pads can burn out due to the resulting frictional heat and must then be replaced.
The wheel bearing may also be affected. The reason for this is, firstly, the dirtiness of the Opel brakes (regardless of whether it is a Bosch or Lucas brake system) and, secondly, overdue maintenance of the guide rails on the calipers. Unfortunately, annual maintenance often does not include comprehensive cleaning and lubrication. If you can, you should do it yourself or have it done during the garage maintenance.
Vulnerable gearbox in the Opel Corsa?
The Opel Corsa, regardless of whether it is a C, D or E model, also has the F17 and M32 transmissions installed. While GM's automatic transmissions, for example, are very durable, these two transmission models are known for their fragility. Loud noise development or gears that simply cannot be shifted anymore (second gear and reverse gear) are signs that a transmission needs replacement or repair.
Air conditioning problems
Whether in a Corsa C, D or E, air conditioning always requires careful and, above all, regular maintenance. Faulty or leaking condensers can lead to insufficient cooling. So keep a close eye on this!
Other points to watch out for
The built-in engines, mostly from General Motors, with 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.7 or 1.8 litre displacement perform very reliably in their service in all Corsa models, from the base version to the sporty GTC and OPC, both as twinport petrol engines and as turbo-diesel in principle.
A regular oil change should always be carried out. This seems redundant to us but many people forget this.
Apart from the problems already mentioned, these are just the usual little things that occur with any car, regardless of make, and are usually caused by use. These would also be for the Corsa:
- Rusting
- Broken dampers or wheel bearings
- Turbocharger damage
- (Excessive) oil consumption
- Minor defects in electronics
- A (sometimes) rapid discharge of the car battery after about 50,000 kilometres
Since the Opel Corsa is a popular model and parts are widely available, the costs are often not too bad. Do you have experience with the Corsa yourself? Then leave your reaction below!
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