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2013 Vauxhall Adam problems

A 2013 Vauxhall Adam is now 13 years old, so an average example has covered around 175,500 miles. This is the first model year of the generation · early-build cars carry the highest share of teething faults and the most recall activity, so check the service history for completed recall work. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2013 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.

Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

The 2013 Vauxhall Adam is 13 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 175,500 miles. At that mileage 4 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.

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Faults a 2013 example has usually reached

Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~176k miles an average 2013 car has covered.

EngineHigh

1.2 and 1.4 petrol timing chain rattle and stretch

Typically appears
60,000+ miles
What to inspect
Cold start and listen for rattle for the first few seconds
SuspensionMedium

Front strut top mount knocking over bumps

Typically appears
50,000+ miles
What to inspect
Turn the wheel lock to lock while stationary and listen for clunks
EngineMedium

Loud whistling noise at idle and rough running due to a split PCV membrane inside the rocker cover.

Typically appears
50,000-70,000 miles
What to inspect
Start the engine and listen for a high-pitched whistle. Try to remove the oil filler cap while idling; if there is heavy vacuum resistance and the noise stops when removed, the PCV has failed.
Cooling SystemHigh

Coolant leaks from the water pump housing, risking overheating and potential head gasket failure.

Typically appears
40,000-60,000 miles
What to inspect
Check the coolant expansion tank level. Shine a torch down the left side of the engine block (auxiliary belt side) to look for dried, crusty pink deposits or wet coolant pooling on the undertray.

Faults that appear at any mileage

Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.

ElectricalMedium

Intellilink infotainment freezing or losing Bluetooth pairing

Typically appears
Age-related
What to inspect
Cycle through radio, phone and sat nav functions repeatedly
BodyworkLow

Two-tone roof paint bubbling and lacquer peel

Typically appears
Age-related
What to inspect
Inspect roof edges and pillars closely in bright light
InteriorLow

Door handle and window switch trim wearing shiny or loose

Typically appears
Age-related
What to inspect
Operate every window switch and door handle for smooth action
Climate ControlLow

Interior heater blower fan only operates on the highest speed setting due to a blown resistor pack.

Typically appears
4-6 years
What to inspect
Turn the ignition on and cycle the interior fan dial through speeds 1, 2, 3, and 4. Ensure air blows consistently on all individual settings, not just the maximum setting.

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Vauxhall Adam · frequently asked questions

Is the Adam reliable?

Mechanically it mirrors the Corsa D/E and is generally sound if serviced, but chain wear needs checking.

What should I listen for on start-up?

A rattly cold start pointing to timing chain wear is the main engine concern.

Are parts expensive?

No, parts share heavily with the Corsa so servicing and repairs are cheap.

Are there any known issues with the six-speed manual gearbox?

Yes, models fitted with the six-speed M32 gearbox, such as the 1.4 Turbo and Adam S, are prone to premature bearing wear. During a test drive, listen for a distinct whining noise in fifth and sixth gears, and watch for the gear stick twitching backwards when lifting off the throttle.

What should I know about the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine?

The 1.0-litre SIDI turbo is generally robust but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals to protect the turbocharger and variable valve timing solenoids. Check the service history for annual or 10,000-mile oil changes using the correct Dexos 1 Gen 2 specification oil to prevent low-speed pre-ignition damage.

Why is the tyre pressure monitoring system warning light common on forecourt cars?

The Adam uses active TPMS sensors in each wheel with integrated batteries lasting around five to seven years. On older models, these batteries deplete, triggering a dashboard warning. Additionally, the metal valve stems are prone to galvanic corrosion in UK winter conditions, often snapping when attempting to inflate the tyres.

Other Adam model years

201920172015

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