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2018 Vauxhall Combo problems

A 2018 Vauxhall Combo is now 8 years old, so an average example has covered around 108,000 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 2018 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.

Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

The 2018 Vauxhall Combo is 8 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 108,000 miles. At that mileage 6 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.

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Faults a 2018 example has usually reached

Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~108k miles an average 2018 car has covered.

ExhaustHigh

DPF regeneration failures on short urban routes

Typically appears
50,000+ miles
What to inspect
Drive at motorway speed and check no light appears afterwards
EngineCritical

1.2 PureTech wet belt on petrol versions

Typically appears
60,000+ miles or 6 years
What to inspect
Ask for belt evidence, inspect oil for debris
SuspensionMedium

Rear springs sagging on consistently overloaded vans

Typically appears
80,000+ miles
What to inspect
Check ride height side to side and inspect for spring breakage
EmissionsHigh

AdBlue tank and pump failure triggering a non-start countdown

Typically appears
40,000-70,000 miles
What to inspect
Turn the ignition on without starting. Look for the 'UREA' warning light or a spanner icon on the dash, and check the driver information display for an emissions fault message or mileage countdown.
EngineHigh

Camshaft chain tensioner failure on 1.5 Turbo D (DV5) engines causing metallic rattling

Typically appears
50,000-80,000 miles
What to inspect
Start the engine from completely cold. Open the bonnet and listen closely to the top right of the plastic cam cover for a distinct metallic slapping or rattling noise before oil pressure builds.
SuspensionMedium

Front strut top mount bearings seizing and causing spring bind

Typically appears
30,000-60,000 miles
What to inspect
With the engine running and the van stationary, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock. Listen for a deep groaning, creaking, or a metallic 'twang' from the front wheel arches.

Faults that appear at any mileage

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

ElectricalLow

Load-area lighting and sensor faults after fit-outs

Typically appears
Any
What to inspect
Test every switch and sensor with the van loaded
InteriorLow

Infotainment touchscreen freezing, rebooting, or failing to display the reversing camera

Typically appears
3-5 years
What to inspect
Start the engine, engage reverse gear to test the camera feed, then rapidly tap through the radio and settings menus. Watch for severe input lag, blank screens, or spontaneous system reboots.

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Vauxhall Combo · frequently asked questions

Why do small vans fail early on emissions?

Constant short journeys never get the DPF hot enough to regenerate properly.

What sells a Combo fastest?

A clean load bay, working bulkhead and a full service history at retail money.

Petrol or diesel for stock?

Diesel still dominates for trade buyers doing miles; petrol suits urban couriers.

How do the payload ratings differ between L1 and L2 variants?

The Combo is offered in standard (L1) and long (L2) wheelbases. L1 models typically offer payloads around 650kg to 1,000kg depending on the gross vehicle weight plate. L2 variants generally max out around 950kg. Always check the specific V5C and VIN plate, as optional equipment reduces the legal payload capacity.

Does the 1.5 Turbo D engine use a timing belt or a timing chain?

The 1.5 DV5 diesel engine uses both. It features a conventional rubber timing belt driving one camshaft, and a short internal timing chain linking the two camshafts. Early 7mm chains are highly prone to stretching and snapping. Stellantis later upgraded this to a thicker 8mm chain and revised tensioner.

What should we check on models equipped with the FlexCargo load-through system?

The FlexCargo system features a folding passenger seat and a bulkhead hatch for long items. Ensure the hatch mechanism latches securely, as the plastic retaining clips frequently snap from rough handling. Also, verify the electronic parking brake engages properly, as the manual handbrake is deleted when the three-seat bench is specified.

Other Combo model years

202520232020

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