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
- Typical repair
- Timing / wet belt kit + water pump · £450–£1,100
VA
Is the 2018–2025 Vauxhall Combo reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
3.2/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the Vauxhall Combo rates 3.2 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 1 of them are rated critical and 3 high, so a bad example can be expensive. The weak points cluster around engine, suspension and exhaust. 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 · Walk unless the history is spotless
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 1
- High
- 3
- Medium
- 2
- Low
- 2
Weak points cluster around engine, suspension, exhaust, electrical.
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Check this carThe faults that decide it
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
- Typical repair
- DPF forced regen or replacement · £250–£1,600
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.
- Typical repair
- AdBlue / NOx system repair · £350–£1,500
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.
- Typical repair
- Timing chain, tensioner & guides · £900–£2,400
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
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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