Diesel · 2015–2021
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The 1.6 CDTI engine was fitted to the Opel Astra K (2015–2021). In the EU that is 32.0 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 1.6 110 hp, 1.6 136 hp, 1.6.
The most expensive known risk is DPF clogging; interrupted regenerations: it usually appears at 60,000–200,000 km and costs €100–2,000 to fix.
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Signs: Rattle from the chain for 1-2 seconds on a cold start or after standing; if it persists or gets longer, the guides are wearing
Fix: Fit the updated tensioner with seal early; if the rattle persists replace chain, tensioner and guides (chain is at the gearbox side, a big job)
Signs: Whistling, loss of boost, limp mode, oil smoke
Fix: Check the actuator and boost hoses; replace the turbo and clean the intercooler and oil feed if bearings are worn
Signs: Coolant level drops with no visible leak, white smoke on start-up, sweet smell, EGR fault codes
Fix: Pressure-test the cooling system and replace the EGR cooler soon; check that no coolant reached the cylinders
Signs: Engine light, rough running, power loss; worse with town driving
Fix: Clean or replace the valve; it can soot up again within 20,000-30,000 km if driving stays short
Signs: DPF light, frequent regenerations, limp mode; oil level rising if regenerations are cut short
Fix: Check the exhaust temperature and pressure sensors, drive 15-20 minutes at speed or do a forced regeneration; clean or replace the filter only if that fails
Signs: Oil pressure codes P0521 / P06DD, engine light, power limited
Fix: Check oil level and grade and the wheel speed sensors first, then the pressure sensor and its plug; replace the pump control or pump if pressure is really low (check for chain-guide debris)
Signs: Rough idle, knocking, smoke, injector correction values over the limit
Fix: Read per-cylinder corrections; overhaul or replace the faulty injector and code it to the ECU; change the fuel filter on time
Signs: No symptoms; NOx cleaning was reduced below 17 °C outside temperature
Fix: Ask an Opel dealer by VIN whether the software update was done; it is free
Signs: Under slow, steady pedal pressure the pedal sinks further and braking force drops.
Fix: Check the VIN; the dealer replaces the affected brake and clutch hydraulic parts free of charge.
Signs: Brakes bind lightly with the pedal released, wheels run warm, fuel use up; calipers themselves are free.
Fix: Fit the modified pushrod retaining clip at the pedal and recheck the brake pedal position sensor setting.
Signs: Creaking from the front suspension over large bumps at low speed.
Fix: Replace the front lower control arm (with the bush) on the noisy side and set the alignment.
Signs: Headlight warning message while driving, LED light partly or fully out; codes B3866 or B2580.
Fix: Confirm by diagnostics; the headlight unit is replaced as a whole (used or refurbished units cut the cost).
Signs: Noise from the rear wheel or brake area; in the worst case the wheel hub can come loose.
Fix: Check the VIN; the dealer replaces the rear hub bolts free of charge.
Signs: No warning; the seat may not hold properly in a crash.
Fix: Check the VIN; the dealer inspects the welds and replaces the seats if needed, free of charge.
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Signs: Loss of 3rd, 5th and reverse
Fix: Replace the wave plate (gearbox rebuild)
Signs: Harsh or flared shifts
Fix: Fluid change; valve body repair
Signs: Whine, judder under load
Fix: Fluid change or rebuild
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,400–5,750. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the Opel Astra K with the 1.6 CDTI engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| DPF health check (soot / ash load)Emissions | every 20,000 km | €0–60 |
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Fuel filterFuel | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €40–110 |
| Glow plugsEngine | every 100,000 km | €120–300 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 Diesel1,598 cm³ · 81 kW (110 hp) | 16.4 % | 2016–2020 | 113 g/km | — |
| 1.6 Diesel1,598 cm³ · 100 kW (136 hp) | 10.4 % | 2016–2020 | 126 g/km | — |
| 1.6 Diesel1,598 cm³ | 3.9 % | 2016–2018 | 107 g/km | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (9). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
The faults with the highest risk: timing chain rattle: tensioner drains oil, guides wear (70,000–150,000 km, €400–1,800); turbo failure (bearing wear or sticking wastegate actuator) (80,000–180,000 km, €800–1,800); EGR cooler internal leak (coolant into intake) (80,000–150,000 km, €500–1,100); DPF clogging; interrupted regenerations (60,000–200,000 km, €100–2,000).
Chain.
5W-30 / 0W-30 · dexos2 · ~4.9 L · every 15,000 km.
Opel Mokka / Mokka X 2012–2019Opel Insignia B 2017–2022Opel Zafira Tourer C 2011–2019
Main sources for the faults of this engine:
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026