2007-2014 · 1.6 Turbo (192 hp / 210 hp Nürburgring Edition)
Fun pocket rocket with raw performance and affordable running costs for a hot hatch. The 1.6 turbo engine is generally robust, but the infamous M32 gearbox bearing failure affects most high-mileage examples. Piston 4 failure is a known issue, particularly on remapped or hard-driven cars. Rear arches rust quickly, wheel bearings wear frequently, and the ABS pump can fail causing dangerous braking issues. Nürburgring Edition models with the Drexler LSD offer better traction and are more sought-after. Expect high fuel consumption (10-11 L/100km real-world) and expensive insurance for young drivers.
6th gear bearing wears, causes whining noise and gearstick wobble · more· less
The M32 gearbox is notorious across the VXR/OPC range. The bearing on the 6th gear shaft wears and pits, creating a speed-related whine most noticeable in 5th and 6th gear. As wear progresses, you'll notice gearstick "wobble" under load and eventually difficulty selecting gears. This is an extremely common fault - one specialist reports over 1,000 repairs on this gearbox type alone. Pre-2012 boxes use smaller 55mm bearings; mid-2012 onwards got upgraded 62mm bearings and better oil flow, but still fail. Repair costs €600-700 at specialists for bearing replacement, but full gearbox rebuild runs €1,200-1,500. If ignored, the gearbox will seize. Many forum members report failures between 40,000-80,000 km. Later E-generation Corsas show improvement but are not immune.
Piston 4 failure€600 - €6,000
Inlet manifold design causes cylinder 4 to run lean, cracking piston ringlands · more· less
The side-fed inlet manifold design means at wide-open throttle, cylinder 4's fuel charge gets swept past by inlet pressure, causing it to run lean. Combined with cylinder 4 being farthest from cooling, poor factory cast pistons, and turbo stress, this leads to thermal shock and ringland cracking. Symptoms include misfires, loss of power, smoke at idle, and rough running. More common on remapped cars or those driven hard from cold. Vauxhall only offers full engine replacement (€5,000-6,000). Independent specialists can replace piston 4 for €600-800, but recurrence is likely. Forged rebuild costs €1,800-3,300. Prevention: use 99-octane fuel, warm up properly, and some tuners over-fuel cylinder 4 with larger injectors. Not every OPC gets this, but it's common enough to be a real concern on high-performance or modified examples.
ABS pump valve failure€400 - €1,500
Internal valve sticks, blocks brake fluid to one wheel causing pull under braking · more· less
This is a very common Corsa D ABS block fault affecting 2006-2014 models. A spring-loaded electromagnetic valve inside the ABS pump gets stuck closed (manufacturing defect), preventing hydraulic fluid from reaching one caliper - typically the front left. The car pulls dangerously to one side during braking. No amount of bleeding fixes this; the ABS block itself is faulty. New blocks cost around €1,500. Specialist repair services offer rebuilds for €400-600 with lifetime warranty. There was a recall in 2008 for ABS/ESP pumps - if your car was subject to this and not repaired by previous owners, you might get it fixed free. Replacement blocks often have the same design flaw and can fail again. Extremely dangerous when it fails during emergency braking.
Rear wheel bearing / hub failure€150 - €350
Very common on 5-stud Corsas, causes rumbling noise that worsens with speed · more· less
Wheel bearings wear out regularly on the Corsa D, especially the performance variants with 5-stud hubs (VXR, SRi-T, OPC). Rear bearings come as complete hub assemblies at about €70-120 each. You'll hear a fan-type rumbling noise over the exhaust that gets progressively worse. Check by jacking the rear, spinning the wheel by hand while holding the hub - you'll feel rough vibration if the bearing is worn (should be completely smooth). Parts plus fitting at independent garages costs €150-200 per corner. Front bearings are slightly more expensive to replace. This is a bolt-on/off job if you're handy with tools. Forum members report needing replacements around 60,000-100,000 km, though some fail earlier.
Rear arch rust / corrosion€280 - €600
Rear arches rust out quickly on Corsa D, often appears within 5-7 years · more· less
Rear arch rust is an extremely common Corsa D fault. The rust starts from the inside and bubbles through the paint. Pre-2010 models had weaker anti-corrosion treatment. Some owners report getting repairs covered under Vauxhall's 6-year anti-perforation warranty, though dealers often try to avoid honoring it. Professional repair involves taking paint back to bare metal, welding if it's gone through, treating with rust converter, and blending/lacquering. Full four-arch respray costs around €280-400 at independent body shops, though thorough jobs can reach €600. If DIY-capable, you can do it cheaper. Subframe corrosion is also common on 2006-2008 models - some owners got free Vauxhall repairs as subframes weren't properly treated. Check thoroughly before purchase.
Air conditioning pipe split€100 - €600
AC pipes tend to split at connections, compressor to condenser pipe most common · more· less
Aircon pipe splitting is one of the three most common Corsa D issues (along with wheel bearings and radiator leaks). The compressor-to-condenser pipe is the usual culprit. Genuine Vauxhall pipe costs close to €300 for just that single pipe, though aftermarket versions can be found on eBay for around €100-150. Labor is about 1-2 hours after bumper removal - relatively straightforward if DIY-capable. Total dealer repair costs around €600. When opening the AC system, you should replace the receiver/drier (filter with desiccant) as standard procedure. Note that many third-party warranties won't cover this type of repair. System needs re-gassing after pipe replacement.
Suspension spring failure€100 - €300
Corsa D springs snap, causes noises over bumps and dangerous handling · more· less
The 4th generation Corsa (D) regularly suffers from broken suspension springs. You'll hear clunking or knocking noises when driving over bumps. It's dangerous to continue driving with a broken spring and it should be replaced immediately. Springs cost €20-150 depending on brand and specification. Labor adds another €80-150. Some VXR owners also report front springs snapping and engine/gearbox mounts wearing out prematurely. The OPC has stiffer, lower suspension than regular Corsas which can accelerate wear. Check for uneven tire wear patterns which indicate suspension issues.
Performance driving accelerates clutch wear, typically needs replacement 60,000-100,000 km · more· less
The OPC/VXR's higher torque and typical enthusiastic driving style means clutch wear is accelerated compared to standard Corsas. Clutch replacement costs €550-1,200 depending on parts quality and labor rates. Performance clutch kits run higher than standard units. Job takes 3-5 hours typically. Worn clutches increase stress on the already-problematic M32 gearbox. Signs of clutch wear include slipping (especially in higher gears under load), high biting point, difficulty engaging gears, and burning smell. Given the car's nature, expect replacement around 60,000-100,000 km depending on driving style. Previous owner's driving habits matter significantly.
EGR valve failure€160 - €400
Causes rough idle, poor starting when hot, juddering in low gears · more· less
EGR valve problems are reported on Corsa D models. Symptoms include struggling to start, getting stuck at 1,000 or 3,000 RPM, not exceeding 10 mph, juddering, cutting out, rough idle, and jerkiness in 1st and 2nd gear. EGR valve costs €50-230 depending on brand. Total replacement including labor runs €160-400. When replacing, you need to fully drain and refill coolant - good opportunity to flush the system with fresh coolant. Avoid cheap Chinese parts from eBay; several owners report cars running poorly with no power until they fitted proper OEM parts. The job requires long-reach Torx bits and a mirror due to tight access. Some mechanics won't do it at budget prices as it's more work than expected.
Recaro seat trim clips failure€30 - €100
Metal clips holding backrest covers come loose, cosmetic but annoying · more· less
The OPC's sporty Recaro seats have backrest covers that come away from the shell due to failing metal U-shaped clips. This is a common manufacturing issue affecting all Corsa OPC/VXR models. Recaro stopped supplying the official clips in 2021 due to supplier issues. Replacement clips can be ordered from third-party suppliers like myba-shop.com for around €30-50 for a set. Capital Seating also offers official trim clips specifically for the VXR Recaro seats. Not a safety issue but impacts the premium feel of the seats. Contact authorized Recaro dealers for professional seat repairs if needed.
Fun but high-maintenance hot hatch
The Corsa OPC delivers genuine thrills and decent power for the money, but it demands respect and regular maintenance. The M32 gearbox is the Achilles heel - expect bearing issues on most high-mileage examples. Budget for this repair when buying. Engine internals are generally robust if maintained, but piston 4 failure is a real risk on hard-driven or modified cars. Rust, bearings, and ABS issues are annoyingly common. Total ownership costs are reasonable for a performance car, but unpredictable expensive failures can happen. Best as a second car or enthusiast weekend toy rather than sole daily transport.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Look for oil changes every 10,000 km maximum. Gap in service history is a red flag for performance cars.
Tires
OPC uses 215/40R18 tires. Check tread depth (minimum 3mm), age (date codes), and uneven wear indicating suspension or alignment issues.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds, rattles, or rough running. Check for blue smoke indicating worn piston rings.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch, panel gaps. Low front bumper is easily damaged - look for scrapes and cracks.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including motorway speeds. Let gearbox warm up fully to detect issues.
Specific for this vehicle
M32 gearbox whine test
Drive in 5th and 6th gear at various speeds. Listen for speed-related whining (bearing wear). Check for gearstick wobble under load. Test all gear selections - jerky or difficult shifts indicate problems. If whine is present, budget €600-1,500 for repair.
Engine power and smoothness
Should pull strongly with no misfires. Any hesitation, smoke at idle, or loss of power could indicate piston 4 failure. Test overboost function (266 Nm torque). Check for oil leaks around turbo.
Check all wheel arches for rust
Inspect inside and outside of rear arches thoroughly. Look for paint bubbling from inside out. Pre-2010 cars most susceptible. Check front arches and sills too. Subframe corrosion common on 2006-2008 models.
Test braking in a straight line
Car should brake straight without pulling left or right. Pull to one side indicates ABS pump valve failure - dangerous and expensive (€400-1,500). Test at various speeds in safe area.
Wheel bearing check
Listen for rumbling noise that increases with speed. Jack up rear, spin wheels by hand while holding hub - should be smooth, not rough or grinding. Budget €150-200 per corner if worn.
Suspension and spring condition
Drive over bumps and speed bumps slowly. Listen for knocking, clunking, or rattling - indicates broken springs or worn bushings. Check for uneven tire wear. Springs snap on Corsa D.
Air conditioning operation
Turn AC on and verify it blows cold. AC pipe splitting is common. Look for oil residue under car indicating leaks. Re-gas costs €50-100, pipe replacement €100-600.
Recaro seat condition
Check leather bolsters for wear (common). Test seat adjustments. Look for backrest covers coming away from shell (clip failure). Budget €30-100 for clip replacement.
Check modification history
Ask about remaps or performance modifications. Modified cars more prone to piston 4 failure and clutch wear. Look for aftermarket exhaust, intake, intercooler. Check if returned to stock for sale.
Nürburgring Edition verification (if applicable)
210 hp Nürburgring models (2011+) have Drexler limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, Remus exhaust, Bilstein suspension, different front/rear bumpers. Much better traction and handling. Worth premium price if genuine.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
ABS/ESP pump issue (2008)Verify completed
Front suspension control arm fracture (2007 models)Check welding near bushing
Blower motor regulator fire riskVerify completed
Contact an Opel/Vauxhall dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. Some 2014-2015 models also had steering knuckle and rack-and-pinion recalls - check if your car falls in these production dates.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 60,000 miles)Expired on all 2007-2014 models
Lifetime warranty (2010+ purchases)Required annual Opel service validation (ended 2015)
All Corsa OPC D models are outside their original factory warranty. Opel offered a Lifetime Warranty program for cars purchased from August 2010 onwards, but it required annual servicing at authorized Opel dealers with genuine parts and ended in January 2015. Extended warranty from third-party providers may be available but check exclusions carefully - many don't cover gearbox or turbo issues.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.