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Known Faults Database

Vauxhall Insignia problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Vauxhall Insignia, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 10 known faults for this model, 8 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Is the Vauxhall Insignia reliable?

The Vauxhall Insignia has 10 known faults in our database across 2 generations, 8 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (DPF regeneration fails on 2.0 CDTi cars used for short journeys) and gearbox (premature failure of the dual mass flywheel (DMF) and clutch, on diesel). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Vauxhall Insignia years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

Insignia A, 2008 to 20176 high severity
8 known faults, the serious ones in the engine, gearbox
Insignia B, 2017 to 20222 high severity
2 known faults, the serious ones in the fuel system, brakes

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2008 to 2017, 2.0 CDTi diesel: DPF regeneration fails on 2.0 CDTi cars used for short journeys
  • 2008 to 2017, All manual diesel and petrol models: premature failure of the dual mass flywheel (DMF) and clutch, on diesel
  • 2009 to 2010, 2.0 CDTi diesel: power steering fluid can leak from a cracking or leaking pressure pipe onto
  • 2009 to 2014, All manual models (1.8i, 2.0 CDTi): manual gearboxes are prone to becoming noisy due to bearing failure
  • 2008 to 2017, 2.0 CDTi (A20DTH). In the Cascada this is the 165PS 2.0 CDTi sold from the 2013 launch to mid-2015; the 170PS 2.0 CDTi that replaced it in the Cascada is a newer engine and is not covered: oil pickup pipe seal hardens, causing the pump to suck air
  • 2013 to 2019, 1.6 CDTi "Whisper" diesel (B16DTH / B16DTE). Astra J and Zafira Tourer from 2013, Astra K from 2015, Mokka and Insignia A from mid-2015, Insignia B 2017-2019. Not the 1.7 CDTi fitted to 2012-2015 Mokkas and earlier Astras: timing chain wear on the 1.6 CDTi Whisper diesel

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 28 known faults · 16 owner reports · 8 good notes

Vauxhall Insignia A (2008 to 2017) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 Owner reports

Oil pickup pipe seal hardens, causing the pump to suck air and resulting in catastrophic oil starvation

Rough guide
£500-800

Typical symptoms

  • Low Oil Pressure warning message on cold start
  • engine knocking or rattling
  • engine seizure
  • turbo failure due to oil starvation

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 CDTi (A20DTH). In the Cascada this is the 165PS 2.0 CDTi sold from the 2013 launch to mid-2015; the 170PS 2.0 CDTi that replaced it in the Cascada is a newer engine and is not covered
Typical mileage:
70000-120000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • July 2016A 2010 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTI SRI engine seized due to an oil system blockage after a low oil pressure warning.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity🔧 Specialist mechanic

Timing chain wear on the 1.6 CDTi Whisper diesel: the original chain tensioner has no gasket, so oil drains out when the engine is off and the chain rattles dry on every cold start until pressure builds. The repeated rattle wears and stretches the chain and breaks up the nylon guides (reported on engines built from 2014 on). Left alone the chain can jump and wreck the engine; specialists fit an uprated tensioner with the full chain kit, typically 800-1800 pounds

Rough guide
£800-1800

Typical symptoms

  • metallic rattle for a few seconds on cold start
  • ticking or rattle at idle as wear progresses
  • engine management light with timing or camshaft correlation codes

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.6 CDTi "Whisper" diesel (B16DTH / B16DTE). Astra J and Zafira Tourer from 2013, Astra K from 2015, Mokka and Insignia A from mid-2015, Insignia B 2017-2019. Not the 1.7 CDTi fitted to 2012-2015 Mokkas and earlier Astras
Typical mileage:
40000-90000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsMedium severity🔧 Specialist mechanic

DPF blockage on short-journey cars, and the knock-on failure that makes it expensive: interrupted regenerations dilute the oil with diesel, and the contaminated oil then takes out the turbocharger. Owners report EGR carbon problems compounding it (limp mode, hard starting, cutting out under load). A forced regen or new DPF is 400-1500 pounds; a turbo on top pushes the bill towards 2500 pounds

Rough guide
£500-2500

Typical symptoms

  • DPF warning light and limp mode, especially after town use
  • rising oil level on the dipstick (diesel dilution)
  • whistling from the turbo, blue smoke or power loss as the turbo fails
  • sticky EGR symptoms: hard starting, hesitation, cutting out

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.6 CDTi "Whisper" diesel (B16DTH / B16DTE). Astra J and Zafira Tourer from 2013, Astra K from 2015, Mokka and Insignia A from mid-2015, Insignia B 2017-2019. Not the 1.7 CDTi fitted to 2012-2015 Mokkas and earlier Astras
Typical mileage:
40000-100000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2015 to 2018

DPF regeneration fails on 2.0 CDTi cars used for short journeys. One car repeatedly threw 'Engine overheating Turn off immediately' with code P2428 and could not be driven; another broke down with white smoke and far too much oil in the engine, which the dealer blamed on failed regenerations, damaging the turbo and exhaust sensors, with engine damage suspected.

Rough guide
£1179-1400

Typical symptoms

  • 'Engine overheating Turn off immediately' message
  • engine running badly or undriveable
  • white smoke from the exhaust
  • oil level above the max mark

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 CDTi diesel
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
3 more owner reports back this up
  • March 2018A 2015 Insignia 2.0 CDTI broke down with white smoke; the dealer attributed turbo, pipe, and sensor damage to DPF regeneration issues from short journeys.
  • May 2017A diesel Insignia at 117,000 kilometres, used for short journeys, had its DPF fail to regenerate, requiring fluid to be poured into it.
  • November 2015An Insignia 2.0 CDTI SRi repeatedly experienced DPF regeneration system failures, displaying an "Engine overheating" message and error code P2428.
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity📝 Editorial

Premature failure of the dual mass flywheel (DMF) and clutch, on diesel and petrol manuals, with some failures noted from as early as 13,000 miles. On diesels a worn DMF can also wear the bearing on the gearbox's first motion shaft. Owners reported failures at 18,500, 34,000 and 42,000 miles; a DMF and clutch cost one of them 1,600 pounds.

Rough guide
£1360-1600

Typical symptoms

  • Juddering or vibration when pulling away or changing gear
  • Clutch slip or difficulty engaging gears
  • Loud knocking or rattling noise from the gearbox area, especially at idle
  • Whining noise from the transmission in lower gears

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All manual diesel and petrol models
Typical mileage:
18000-66000 miles
5 more owner reports back this up
  • January 2016The clutch and dual mass flywheel failed on a 2014 Insignia at 18,500 miles, with the owner covering the repair cost.
  • May 2013The dual mass flywheel and clutch of an Insignia diesel failed after 34,000 miles, resulting in a £1,600 repair bill not covered by warranty.
  • April 2013A 42,000-mile 2009 Insignia CDTi 130 experienced dual mass flywheel and transmission bearing failure, costing £750 after contributions.
  • November 2011Dual mass flywheel and clutch assemblies failed on diesel and petrol Insignia models, with some instances occurring at mileages as low as 13,000.
  • October 2011Dual mass flywheel failures were increasingly reported on manual diesel Insignia models, indicating a potential weakness in the drivetrain.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Power steering fluid can leak from a cracking or leaking pressure pipe onto the hot exhaust manifold and diesel particulate filter (DPF) of turbocharged diesel engines, posing a fire risk. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was issued in October 2011 to replace the pipe and clip.

Rough guide
£300-600

Typical symptoms

  • Smell of burning fluid
  • Smoke from the engine bay
  • Loss of power steering assistance
  • Visible fluid leaks under the car

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 CDTi diesel
Typical mileage:
30000-80000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity📝 Editorial

Manual gearboxes are prone to becoming noisy due to bearing failure, sometimes requiring full replacement. This issue is distinct from DMF-related bearing wear, though both can lead to costly transmission repairs.

Rough guide
£1500-3000

Typical symptoms

  • Loud whining or grinding noise from the gearbox, especially in lower gears
  • Difficulty selecting gears
  • Crunching noises during gear changes
  • Excessive play in the gear lever

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All manual models (1.8i, 2.0 CDTi)
Typical mileage:
30000-60000 miles
3 more owner reports back this up
  • January 2015Insignia diesels experienced dual mass flywheel wear on the gearbox's first motion shaft bearing, leading to gearbox replacements under goodwill.
  • April 2014An AA inspection of a 42,000-mile 2010 Insignia 2.0 CDTi revealed excessive whining from the transmission in first and second gears.
  • December 2013The manual gearbox of a 2009 1.8 Exclusiv became noisy at 33,000 miles, with Vauxhall covering 70% of the £2,700 replacement cost.
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ElectricalMedium severity💬 3 owner reports, 2015 to 2016

Water getting into the boot or into electrical connectors, linked by owners to intermittent electrical faults. One car let water into the boot on the left, probably through the cabin vent low in the boot side behind the bumper. Another, left standing for a week, had its fan, heater controls and instrument cluster switching on and off with several service warnings, and a third diesel cut out repeatedly with moisture in a connector suspected. Reports are on 2010 and 2011 cars only.

Typical symptoms

  • fan and heater controls switching on and off
  • instrument cluster switching off and on
  • several service warnings at once (tyre monitor, theft deterrent, airbag)
  • engine cutting out and restarting
  • damp carpet or standing water in the boot

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All models
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
2 more owner reports back this up
  • December 2016A 2011 Vauxhall Insignia diesel engine repeatedly died, with moisture in an electrical connecting block suspected as the cause.
  • November 2015A 2011 Insignia Tourer 2.0 CDTI experienced fan and heater control issues, instrument cluster power cycling, and multiple warning messages, possibly due to water ingress.
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What owners report on the Insignia A

16 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Engine · April 2018After an 80,000-mile service, a Vauxhall Insignia's auxiliary drive belt repeatedly detached because of a worn cast aluminium tensioner arm.
  • Engine · December 2017A 2017 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTI 158HP made a bang on uneven ground, entered 'tractor mode', and then would not restart.
  • Cooling · October 2017A 2011 Vauxhall Insignia suffered a fractured automatic transmission heat exchanger, leading to engine coolant contaminating the transmission.
  • Gearbox and clutch · June 2017A 2014 Insignia 2.0 CDTI developed a drivetrain rumble; replacing wheels, tyres, dual mass flywheel, and clutch did not resolve the issue.
  • Suspension and steering · March 2017A 2010 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CRDI SRI experienced failures of both the steering rack and an engine mount.
  • Electrics · November 2016A 2009 Vauxhall Insignia Elite regularly displayed a 'Service AFL Lamp' warning, causing headlights to default to dipped mode.
  • Bodywork · January 2016Water ingress was reported on the left side of a 2010 Insignia's boot, likely from a cabin vent located in the lower side.
  • General · June 2014A 2010 Insignia 1.8i Sports Tourer had multiple components replaced under warranty, including gearbox, clutch, power steering pump, water pump, and rear brake discs.
  • Electrics · February 2014The ABS wiring loom on a 3-year-old Insignia SRi 160 was corroded beyond repair, with a quoted repair cost of £3,000.
  • Brakes · January 2014A 40,000-mile 2010 Insignia 1.8i SE required three sets of rear brake pads due to the electric parking brake, and the exhaust system corroded badly.
  • Bodywork · December 2013The alloy wheels on a VXR Insignia were prone to losing their clearcoat in patches, leading to oxidation.
  • Brakes · May 2013Vauxhall acknowledged a brake problem on VXR models and replaced all four discs and pad sets on cars with under 20,000 miles.
  • Gearbox and clutch · April 2013A 2011 Insignia 2.0 CDTi automatic developed a prolonged judder on warm-up and gear-hanging issues, which a software update worsened.
  • Brakes · August 2012The electric parking brake on an Insignia was reported to automatically release when the engine was started.
  • Cooling · June 2012The air conditioning condensers on an Insignia were vulnerable to stone damage, costing £450 to replace.
  • Brakes · July 2011Rear brake discs and pads on an Insignia were prone to binding, but an updated pad type was released to address this issue.

What owners like about the Insignia A

8 notes
  • The Insignia Sports Tourer offers a practical load area with easily foldable rear seats and a dedicated storage space for the load cover.
  • The Insignia Sports Tourer provides spacious rear seating, enhancing passenger comfort during journeys.
  • The Insignia's interior quality was significantly improved following the 2013 facelift, offering a more refined cabin experience.
  • The Insignia was awarded European Car of the Year in 2009, recognised for its overall design and performance.
  • The Insignia achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, scoring 35 out of 37 points for adult occupant protection.
  • The Vauxhall Insignia demonstrates reasonably good handling characteristics, providing a competent driving experience.
  • The Insignia offers a decent ride quality, contributing to comfort for occupants on various road surfaces.
  • The Vauxhall Insignia was significantly improved after its 2013 facelift, enhancing its overall appeal and performance.
Generation 2 of 22 known faults · 1 owner report · 4 good notes

Vauxhall Insignia B (2017 to 2022) problems

Fuel SystemHigh severity🏛️ Official recall

DVSA recalls R/2018/235 and R/2019/414: on Insignia B cars built from January 2017 to November 2018, a clip on the fuel line bundle can rub through the fuel pump hose, causing a fuel leak and, at worst, a fire risk. The fix is free: the clip is turned round and the hose replaced and protected if it shows damage.

Rough guide
£0 (free safety recall)

Typical symptoms

  • smell of fuel
  • fuel leak or damp patch under the car
  • often no symptom before the hose is damaged

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All Insignia B models (not the Insignia A)
Typical mileage:
any miles
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BrakesHigh severity🏛️ Official recall

DVSA recall R/2022/295: on about 34,000 Insignia B cars built from December 2016 to October 2020, the brake compensation (vacuum) pump may not switch on when vacuum is lost, reducing brake assistance. The free fix reprograms the electronic brake control module.

Rough guide
£0 (free safety recall)

Typical symptoms

  • brake pedal feels hard or needs more effort
  • longer stopping distances

Affected vehicles

Engines:
Insignia B cars built from December 2016 to October 2020 that fall under the recall (not the Insignia A)
Typical mileage:
any miles
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What owners report on the Insignia B

1 single report, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Brakes · October 2019A hired automatic Vauxhall Insignia Tourer autonomously slowed and stopped on a straight road, resulting in a rear-end collision.

What owners like about the Insignia B

4 notes
  • The Vauxhall Insignia is considered to have an appealing aesthetic design, contributing to its visual attractiveness.
  • The Insignia provides ample space in the rear, ensuring comfortable seating for passengers.
  • The Insignia Sports Tourer features a huge boot with a low deck, wide opening, and long load length, making it very practical.
  • The Insignia Sports Tourer offers a comfortable, quiet, and relaxed driving experience, especially on longer journeys.

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

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Vauxhall Insignia recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 20 DVSA recalls for the Insignia, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ May 2023Cars built March 2019 to October 2020

Affected vehicles may not conform to regulatory emission requirements EU R83.

Affected vehicles may not conform to regulatory emission requirements EU R83.

Put right by: Reprogram ECU with updated software and calibration.

DVSA R/2023/1441,081 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2022Cars built December 2007 to July 2013

The rear toe link may have material loss over vehicle lifetime due to corrosion.

The rear toe link may have material loss over vehicle lifetime due to corrosion which weakens the part. This leads to a risk of breakage while driving. In case of breakage this leads to a reduced ability to control the vehicle.

Put right by: Check and replace the rear toe link if necessary.

DVSA R/2022/329167,237 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2022Cars built December 2016 to October 2020

The hydraulic brake compensation (vacuum) pump may not get activated.

Under specific conditions (vacuum loss) the Hydraulic Brake Compensation (vacuum pump) may not get activated

Put right by: Reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) with improved software.

DVSA R/2022/29534,294 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2021Cars built February 2021 to April 2021

The brake pedal box is not assembled according to specifications

There is a risk that the Brake Pedal may fall down while driving resulting in the total loss of brake performance.

Put right by: Check the assembly date range and replace the brake pedal box if affected.

DVSA R/2021/174173 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2020Cars built August 2020 to September 2020

Fuel tank strap bolts may not be tightened to specification

Vehicles may have fuel tank strap bolts that are not tightened according to specification.

Put right by: Check and re-tighten the bolts of all affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2020/27297 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2020Cars built August 2017 to January 2019

The turbo charger oil return pipe may crack and leak engine oil

The turbo charger oil return pipe may get damaged by cracks which may lead to oil leaks.

Put right by: Replace the oil return pipes on affected vehicles

DVSA R/2019/38782 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2020Cars built January 2017 to November 2018

The clip of a fuel line bundle might chafe against the fuel pump

The clip of a fuel line bundle might chafe against the fuel pump hose.

Put right by: Check the hose routing turn the clip by 180. Replace the hose and add a grommet to the fuel hose if necessary.

DVSA R/2019/4148,489 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2019Cars built July 2019 to July 2019

The front seat back frame lower cross member structure may not be welded correctly

Front seat frames may not be welded correctly

Put right by: Check seat frame welds and replace front seats if necessary.

DVSA R/2019/3641,688 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2019Cars built August 2019 to August 2019

The material thickness of the wheel rims may be incorrect specification

The material thickness of the wheel rims might be out of specification

Put right by: Check and replace the wheel rims if necessary.

DVSA R/2019/30955 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2019Cars built January 2017 to June 2017

Reduction in braking power where the brake pedal is applied slowly and constantly

Potential for a reduction in braking power where the brake pedal is applied slowly and constantly.

Put right by: Replacement of hydraulic brake and clutch system components.

DVSA R/2019/1811,100 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2019Cars built March 2017 to April 2018

Central door locking system may unlock the doors whilst vehicle is parked

The Central Door Locking (CDL) might unlock the doors while the vehicle is parked or the doors can only be unlocked with the mechanical key. This is caused by inadequate sealing allowing water ingress into the door connector

Put right by: Seal both A-pillar areas above the door connectors with sealer to avoid water ingress to the door connector.

DVSA R/2018/364335 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2018Cars built January 2017 to September 2017

The clip of a fuel line bundle may chafe against the fuel pump return hose

On a certain number of Insignia B - Model Year 18 the clip of a fuel line bundle might chafe against the fuel pump hose resulting in fuel leaks and in the worst case in a risk of fire.

Put right by: Vauxhall Authorised Repairers will check the hose routing to turn the clip by 180 and to replace the hose and add a grommet to the fuel hose if necessary on all affected vehicles where the hose has signs of damage or leakage

DVSA R/2018/2352,833 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2018Cars built March 2017 to March 2017

Seat belt buckle may separate from seat frame

A certain number of Insignia A - Model Year 17 the front seat belt buckles may not be produced according specification. In a worst case the seat belt buckles may separate from the seat frame in the event of an accident.

Put right by: Vauxhall Authorised Repairers are instructed to check and if necessary replace the seat belt buckles on all affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2018/175225 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2018Cars built January 2018 to January 2018

Possible oil leakage from turbo charger oil feed pipe

We would like to make you aware that on a certain number of Astra J GTC Insignia B - Model Year 18 there is the possibility of oil leakage from the turbo charger oil feed pipe. In worst case the spilled oil may inflame on hot engine parts. Possible oil leakage from turbo charger oil feed pipe. In worst case the spilled oil may inflame on hot engine parts.

Put right by: check/adjust turbo oil feed pipe connector on all affected vehicles

DVSA R/2018/1596 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2018

Outer rear seatbelts may be incorrectly routed at the anchor point

In a certain number of Insignia B - Model Year 18 the outer rear seatbelts might be incorrectly routed at anchor point. In the event of a frontal crash this may lead to a higher load than the belt system is designed for or it may allow the passenger to slip through under the seatbelt.

Put right by: Vauxhall Authorised Repairers are instructed to check the seatbelt and change the routing if necessary on all affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2018/10715,637 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2018

Windscreen may not be installed correctly

on a certain number of Insignia B - Model Year 18 with special color option (RPO code: GAF) the windscreen might not be installed correctly and can potentially detach from body. The one affected vehicle was repaired in the Luton Technical Centre

Put right by: Check the bonding of the windscreen and rework if required.

DVSA R/2018/1061 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2017Cars built August 2016 to December 2016

Passenger airbag may deploy incorrectly

The passenger air bag may not deploy as intended

Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the airbag module assembly

DVSA R/2017/034102 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2017Cars built August 2016 to August 2016

Reduction in braking performance

An incorrect front brake hose may have been fitted which may allow brake fluid to leak

Put right by: On affected vehicles check and where necessary replace front brake hoses

DVSA R/2017/0269 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2016Cars built April 2016 to April 2016

Possible loss of steering control

The thread on the swivel pin of the track rod end might not be to specification. Therefore when the nut was tightened onto the thread the correct clamping force may not have been attained. After high mileage damage might occur and develop. If not attended to there is a possiblility that the component might fail and steering control would be lost.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the thread on the swivel joint of the track rod end. Where it does not conform to specification replace the track rod end.

DVSA R/2016/138537 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2015Cars built July 2008 to March 2015

Tailgate may drop abruptly after it is opened

Due to a gradual gas leak inside the left-hand tailgate strut the strut may become unable to support the opened tailgate. The tailgate may drop abruptly after first opening normally potentially causing serious injuries to persons present in the opening range of the tailgate.

Put right by: Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and replaced the left hand gas strut.

DVSA R/2015/08410,130 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Vauxhall Insignia cambelt, and service intervals

An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used Insignia. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
2.0 CDTI, A20DTH, B20DTH
100,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first

The official schedule for the A20DTH is 100,000 miles or 72 months for both the timing and auxiliary belts. It is an interference engine and the belt drives the water pump, so pump, tensioner and idlers must all be renewed with the belt. The B20DTH in the 2017-on Insignia B is likewise belt driven. Many specialists shorten the whole family to 60,000 miles / 5 years given the consequences of failure.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: October 2026

Vauxhall Insignia buying questions

What are the most common Vauxhall Insignia problems?

Three stand out. Engine: DPF regeneration fails on 2.0 CDTi cars used for short journeys. Gearbox: premature failure of the dual mass flywheel (DMF) and clutch, on diesel and petrol manuals (typically 18000 to 66000 miles). Engine: power steering fluid can leak from a cracking or leaking pressure pipe onto the hot exhaust (typically 30000 to 80000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.

Which Vauxhall Insignia years should I avoid?

No Vauxhall Insignia year is a write-off, but the Insignia A (2008 to 2017) carries the most serious faults: engine and gearbox. The Insignia B (2017 to 2022) has high-severity faults on record too. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used Vauxhall Insignia?

Ask the seller about the engine and gearbox faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for 'Engine overheating Turn off immediately' message, juddering or vibration when pulling away or changing gear and smell of burning fluid. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 10 known faults before you travel. Check a Vauxhall Insignia advert →

Are there any recalls on the Vauxhall Insignia?

The DVSA lists 20 safety recalls for the Vauxhall Insignia issued between 2015 and 2023. The most recent, from May 2023, is "Affected vehicles may not conform to regulatory emission requirements EU R83". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of a Vauxhall Insignia?

Owners report 43.4 mpg on average across the Vauxhall Insignia engines with data, about 78% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 2,539 owner submissions. Vauxhall Insignia Real MPG by engine →

Looking at a Vauxhall Insignia right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Vauxhall Insignia fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Vauxhall Insignia owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Vauxhall Insignia goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

How to haggle for a used car: negotiate the price with what its records show13 min readHPI check vs carVertical: which is better, and our pick for a UK car9 min readMOT advisories explained: how to check them, and which ones should worry you12 min read
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Other Vauxhall models

Astra31 known faultsZafira26 known faultsCorsa14 known faultsVectra6 known faults