ExhaustHigh
2.0 CDTi DPF and EGR faults
- Typically appears
- 100,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Warning lights and regen history
VA
2013–2022 Vauxhall Insignia · common problems & known faults
A big-fleet UK saloon and estate. Mileage is high, so drivetrain and emissions hardware evidence is everything.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team · last reviewed August 2026
Quick answer
The most commonly reported faults on the 2013–2022 Vauxhall Insignia are 2.0 CDTi DPF and EGR faults, Whining noise and gear stick movement in 1st, 2nd, 5th or 6th gear and Metallic clattering at idle and heavy vibration felt through the clutch pedal. 3 of the documented issues are rated high severity · inspect these 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 Insignia.
3.9/ 10
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 3
- Medium
- 5
- Low
- 0
Guidance only · reflects reported patterns, not a specific car's condition.
Vauxhall Insignia 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
EngineMedium
Timing chain wear and oil leaks on high-mileage engines
- Typically appears
- 110,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Cold-start listen and underside check
ElectricalMedium
Infotainment, sensors and electric handbrake faults
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Test the electric parking brake repeatedly
SuspensionMedium
Front arms and rear bush wear
- Typically appears
- 100,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Bounce test and inspect bushes
TransmissionHigh
Whining noise and gear stick movement in 1st, 2nd, 5th or 6th gear.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Drive the car in first and second gear. Sharply lift off the accelerator and watch the gear stick; excessive twitching indicates worn M32 gearbox end case bearings.
Induction SystemMedium
Hissing noise under load, loss of power, and P0299 underboost fault codes.
- Typically appears
- 60,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Open the bonnet and have an assistant rev the engine. Listen for a loud whoosh from the front right and squeeze the main intercooler hose to check for oil-soaked splits.
DrivetrainHigh
Metallic clattering at idle and heavy vibration felt through the clutch pedal.
- Typically appears
- 70,000-110,000 miles
- What to inspect
- With the engine idling in neutral, rest your foot lightly on the clutch pedal to feel for pulsation. Fully depress the clutch; if the rattling stops, the Dual Mass Flywheel is failing.
Climate ControlMedium
Cold air blowing from passenger side vents while the driver side blows hot.
- Typically appears
- 5+ years or 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Run the engine up to operating temperature. Set the dual-zone climate control to HI on both sides and feel the passenger vents for a noticeable temperature drop, indicating a partially blocked heater matrix.
Inspecting a Vauxhall Insignia?
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Check this exact carFrequently asked questions
Is a high-mileage Insignia risky?
Less than it looks if it is a motorway fleet car with full history.
Which body style sells?
Sports Tourer estates to trade and family buyers.
What is the common comeback?
Electric handbrake and infotainment faults.
What are the cambelt replacement intervals for the 2.0 CDTi?
For the 2.0 CDTi engines, Vauxhall specifies a cambelt and water pump replacement every 100,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first. Dealers must check the service history for this, as failure causes catastrophic engine damage. If undocumented, budget for immediate replacement before retail sale to avoid liability.
Are the automatic transmissions reliable on these models?
The Aisin-Warner six-speed and later eight-speed torque converter automatics are generally robust, provided the fluid is changed every 40,000 to 60,000 miles. However, they are sensitive to neglected maintenance. During a test drive, watch for harsh engagements when shifting from Park to Drive, or flaring between second and third gears.
How problematic is the AdBlue system on the Insignia B diesels?
The AdBlue system on later Euro 6 diesels is a known weak point. Injectors frequently clog with crystallised urea, and NOx sensors are prone to failure. Ensure no emissions warnings are present on the dash. A failed AdBlue pump or tank heater often requires a complete, expensive tank replacement.
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.