Used Opel Zafira

What to know before buying: Opel Zafira

From 2 forum threads and 3 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The Zafira B is a practical seven-seat family car with conveniently folding seats, although the third row suits children better than adults.[3]one sourceZafira B
• Zafira B 1.9 CDTI owners praise its practicality, performance and economy; reviews also note strong brakes and generally pleasant handling.[3]one sourceZafira B
• An owner of a 2000 Zafira highlights its high seating position, roomy cabin, tight turning circle and third row that folds away into the floor.[2]one source
• Owners report mixed running costs: some describe rare faults and low expense, while others needed frequent workshop visits. The condition of the individual car is decisive.[1][3]Zafira B

Typical faults

• Zafira B CDTI diesels have reported swirl-flap, EGR and DPF trouble; the A20DTH oil-pump seal can cause loss of oil pressure, while injectors are also cited on 1.3/1.7 CDTI units.[4]one sourceZafira B

  120 000+ km · 1.9 CDTI Z19DTH, 2.0 CDTI A20DTH, 1.3 CDTI, 1.7 CDTI

• On Zafira B 1.6/1.8 petrol engines, the thermostat housing may crack, oil-cooler seals can leak oil into the coolant, and the cam phasers may rattle.[4]one sourceZafira B

  80 000+ km · Z16XER, Z18XER, A16XER

• Zafira B Z20 Turbo engines are reported to suffer timing-chain stretch plus turbo-lubrication and PCV problems from around 100,000 km.[4]one sourceZafira B

  100 000+ km · Z20LE, Z20LER, Z20LEH

• Zafira B six-speed automatics have reported harsh shifts and valve-body or solenoid faults, particularly when the oil has not been changed.[4]one sourceZafira B

  80 000+ km

• The Zafira B cabin-blower resistor and its connector can overheat and catch fire; a recall was issued for this defect.[4]one sourceZafira B
• On Zafira Life 2.0/2.2 HDi models, urban use can clog the DPF and EGR; BlueHDi versions also have reported AdBlue tank-pump and heater failures.[5]one sourceZafira Life

  100 000+ km · 2.0 HDi, 2.2 HDi, BlueHDi

Which engine and version to take

• The Zafira B 1.9 CDTI can be an economical and lively choice, but only with verified servicing and clean EGR, DPF and swirl-flap diagnostics.[3][4]Zafira B
• The source lists fewer known risks for the electric Zafira Life than for the diesels and identifies no systemic motor or reduction-gear fault, though both still warrant checks at high mileage.[5]one sourceZafira Life

What to avoid

• A Zafira B with the Z20 Turbo is a poor fit for buyers unwilling to accept timing-chain, turbo-lubrication and PCV risks from roughly 100,000 km.[4]one sourceZafira B
• Treat a Zafira B with the A20DTH cautiously: oil-pump seal failure can cause loss of oil pressure, alongside possible EGR, DPF and dual-mass flywheel trouble.[4]one sourceZafira B

What to check at the inspection

• When diagnosing a Zafira B CDTI, check oil-pressure warnings, swirl-flap and EGR faults, and the DPF data.[4]one sourceZafira B
• On a Zafira B 1.6/1.8 petrol, listen for cold-start rattles and check for thermostat leaks, oil in the coolant and timing-belt records.[4]one sourceZafira B
• Test the automatic both cold and warm for jolts, harsh shifts and faults; establish the exact gearbox type and its oil-change history.[4]one sourceZafira B
• Check that the Zafira B cabin blower works at every speed and use the VIN to verify completion of the blower-resistor recall.[4]one sourceZafira B
• On a diesel Zafira Life, inspect DPF readings, EGR faults and AdBlue warnings; service history is especially important.[5]one sourceZafira Life
• On older cars, inspect the front wings beneath the mouldings, sill ends, tailgate, and the areas around the rear-wiper and aerial mounts for corrosion.[1][2]

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]auto.jautajums.lv — Opel Zafira atsauksmes | jautajums.lv - Auto, moto · forum
2. [2]iauto.lv — Opel Zafira 2.0 DTI 2000.gads - Lasītāja pieredze · forum
3. [3]whatcar.lv — Opel Zafira minivens (05-11) Atsauksmes par auto - WhatCar.lv · press
4. [4]autoradars.lv — Opel Zafira B ZAFIRA-B (2005 - 2014): problēmas un riski · press
5. [5]autoradars.lv — Opel Zafira Life ZAFIRA-LIFE (2019 - 2024): problēmas un riski · press

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