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
- Typical repair
- Timing chain, tensioner & guides · £900–£2,400
VA
Is the 2013–2019 Vauxhall Adam reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
5.5/ 10
MixedOn our documented-fault scoring the Vauxhall Adam rates 5.5 out of 10 · mixed. We hold 8 known faults for it and 2 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around engine, electrical and suspension. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Negotiate · budget for the known faults
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 2
- Medium
- 3
- Low
- 3
Weak points cluster around engine, electrical, suspension, bodywork.
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Check this carThe faults that decide it
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.
- Typical repair
- Head gasket / cooling system repair · £900–£2,600
ElectricalMedium
Intellilink infotainment freezing or losing Bluetooth pairing
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Cycle through radio, phone and sat nav functions repeatedly
- Typical repair
- Infotainment repair or software fix · £120–£1,200
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
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
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.
- Typical repair
- Oil leak trace & seal / gasket · £180–£700
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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