EngineCritical
1.2 PureTech wet timing belt breaking down into the sump
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles or 6 years
- What to inspect
- Ask for belt paperwork, check oil for black debris, listen for a rattle on cold start
VA
2017–2025 Vauxhall Grandland · common problems & known faults
A Stellantis-platform family SUV that shares its 1.2 PureTech petrol with the 3008. Belt evidence and DPF health decide whether it retails cleanly.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team · last reviewed August 2026
Quick answer
The most commonly reported faults on the 2017–2025 Vauxhall Grandland are 1.2 PureTech wet timing belt breaking down into the sump, DPF and AdBlue faults on 1.5 diesel town cars and Infotainment freezing and reversing camera dropouts. Of the documented issues, 1 rated critical and 1 rated high · these are the ones worth inspecting first. Full inspection points, onset mileage and what to check are listed below.
Reliability snapshot
Based on the documented faults on this page for the Vauxhall Grandland.
4.3/ 10
- Critical
- 1
- High
- 1
- Medium
- 4
- Low
- 2
Guidance only · reflects reported patterns, not a specific car's condition.
Vauxhall Grandland problems by year
Which faults an average example has usually reached depends on its age. Pick a model year for the faults that matter on that build.
Known faults to check
ExhaustHigh
DPF and AdBlue faults on 1.5 diesel town cars
- Typically appears
- 50,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check for AdBlue warnings and forced regen entries in the history
ElectricalMedium
Infotainment freezing and reversing camera dropouts
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Cycle the screen through every menu and test the camera twice
SuspensionMedium
Front lower arm bushes knocking over poor surfaces
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen over speed bumps and check for uneven front tyre wear
Body & ElectricalMedium
Water ingress in rear LED tail light clusters causing heavy condensation and diode failure.
- Typically appears
- 3-6 years
- What to inspect
- Turn on the exterior lights and inspect the lower edges of the rear light units for pooling water, heavy misting, or flickering LEDs.
HVACMedium
Air conditioning condenser failure due to stone chip damage through the wide lower bumper grille.
- Typically appears
- 30,000-60,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Shine a torch through the front lower grille to look for damp oil patches on the condenser fins. Run the AC on 'Lo' for 60 seconds to confirm cold air output.
PHEV SystemLow
Charging flap locking actuator seizes, preventing the flap from opening or trapping the charging cable in the port.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Lock and unlock the vehicle using the key fob, then press the PHEV charging flap to ensure the locking pin retracts and the door springs open smoothly.
Engine (1.2 PureTech)Low
Premature spark plug degradation leading to coil pack failure and cold-start misfires.
- Typically appears
- 20,000-40,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine from cold and let it idle. Feel the steering wheel and seat for erratic vibrations, and listen to the exhaust note for a rhythmic popping sound.
Inspecting a Vauxhall Grandland?
Get a full, tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact car · what to look at, what it costs and how serious it is. Free preview, full report $9.
Check this exact carFrequently asked questions
Is the Grandland petrol or diesel better for stock?
Petrol sells faster retail, but only with wet-belt evidence. Diesel suits high-mileage buyers if the DPF is healthy.
What is the single biggest cost risk?
A neglected PureTech wet belt. It can take the oil pump with it and write off the engine commercially.
Do buyers cross-shop this car?
Yes, against the Qashqai and Sportage, so presentation and a clean history matter more than price alone.
What specific checks are required for Hybrid4 PHEV models before retailing?
Always verify the Type 2 charging cable is present in the boot, as missing cables cost over £150 to replace. Use a diagnostic tool to check the high-voltage battery state of health. Finally, test drive to ensure the transition between electric and combustion modes is seamless, without EAT8 gearbox shudders.
Are there any servicing requirements for the EAT8 automatic transmission?
While Vauxhall officially claims the Aisin-sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox is sealed for life, UK transmission specialists strongly advise a fluid change every 60,000 miles. If a forecourt vehicle exhibits harsh downshifts or hesitation when pulling away, budget for a transmission fluid flush and a software adaptation reset prior to sale.
Does the Grandland suffer from rear axle noises like its platform siblings?
Yes, sharing the EMP2 platform with Peugeot and Citroen means the Grandland can develop a creaking noise from the rear torsion beam over speed bumps. This occurs when water ingress washes away the factory bush grease. Injecting a high-quality penetrating lithium grease into the bush cavities usually resolves the noise.
Sources & further reading
Faults are compiled from documented recalls, technical bulletins, owner reports and mechanic sources, then reviewed for accuracy. This is guidance only · not a substitute for a professional inspection.