Used Opel Agila

What to know before buying: Opel Agila

From 2 forum threads and 3 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The Agila B is a 2008–2014 A-segment hatchback offered with petrol and diesel engines.[1]one sourceAgila B
• The source lists three Agila B engines: the 65 hp 1.0 K10B, 86 hp 1.2 K12B and 75 hp 1.3 CDTI Z13DTJ.[1]one sourceAgila B
• No systemic manual-gearbox defect is reported for the Agila B; the clutch and diesel dual-mass flywheel are wear items.[1]one sourceAgila B

Typical faults

• A recall for 2001–2003 cars concerned a driver-airbag triggering mechanism that could malfunction in some situations.[3]one source

  2001–2003

• The source reports harsh shifts and valve-body or solenoid failures in six-speed automatics, especially without oil changes; Easytronic can have clutch-actuator trouble.[1]one sourceAgila B

  80 000+ km

• A UK recall description says poor paint adhesion to the fuel-tank metal can cause corrosion and a fuel leak.[3]one source
• Owner reports describe individual cars stalling, cutting out and becoming difficult or impossible to start; no single cause is conclusively established.[2][4][5]

  Z10XEP, 1.0 3-cylinder

Which engine and version to take

• Among the Agila B engines compared, the petrol K10B 1.0 and K12B 1.2 are marked as lower-risk choices.[1]one sourceAgila B

What to avoid

• The source comparison assigns two additional risks to the Z13DTJ 1.3 CDTI; its EGR and DPF require particular pre-purchase attention.[1]one sourceAgila B

What to check at the inspection

• For an Agila B, check the engine service history, transmission operation, electronics and body condition.[1]one sourceAgila B
• Test the automatic gearbox cold and hot, watching for jolts, shift problems and fault codes, and identify the exact transmission type.[1]one sourceAgila B
• On a diesel, check EGR and DPF operation; on a high-mileage manual, assess noises and operation and scan the fault memory.[1]one sourceAgila B
• Use the VIN to verify completion of recalls, especially those involving the driver airbag, braking performance and fuel-tank corrosion.[3]one source
• Start the car fully cold and test it under load and uphill; owner reports describe starting trouble and cut-outs in those conditions.[4]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]autoradars.lv — Opel Agila B AGILA-B (2008 - 2014): проблемы и риски · press
2. [2]test-drive.ru — Форум Opel Agila | Опель Агила : отзывы, тест-драйвы ... · press
3. [3]car-recalls.eu — Opel Agila - Typowe problemy · press
4. [4]forum.4troxoi.gr — SOS Opel Agila Δεν παίρνει μπρος - 4Troxoi Forum · forum
5. [5]bilforumet.no — motortrøbbel på min Opel Agila · forum

Spotted an error? Tell us