2020+ (B) · 1.2L 3-cyl turbocharged petrol EB2 (100hp/130hp)
Popular small SUV with French underpinnings (shares platform with Peugeot 2008). Stylish design, affordable to run, but the 1.2 PureTech engine has a serious wet timing belt issue affecting 2020-2022 models - belt degrades prematurely, potentially causing catastrophic engine damage. From 2023 onwards, Stellantis replaced the wet belt with a conventional timing chain (more reliable). Also watch for excessive brake wear, LED headlight failures, and infotainment glitches. Verify fuel pipe recall (2022-2025) completed before purchase.
Wet timing belt degradation (2020-2022 models)€800 - €6,000+
Oil-soaked belt disintegrates prematurely, belt particles clog oil passages causing engine damage · more· less
The 1.2 PureTech engine used in 2020-2022 Mokkas has a wet timing belt that runs in engine oil. Unburned fuel droplets mix with oil creating an abrasive mixture that accelerates belt degradation. The belt releases particles that clog the oil filter and lubrication circuit, leading to power loss, rough running, and potentially catastrophic engine failure. Stellantis issued a massive recall affecting almost 500,000 vehicles across Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel and Jeep brands. Preventative belt replacement costs €800-1,000 at specialists. If belt fails causing engine damage, repairs can exceed €6,000. Critical: 2023+ models use a timing chain (much more reliable). Replacement interval now 100,000 km or 6 years, but inspect every 20,000 km. For infrequently driven cars, change oil annually to protect the belt.
Excessive brake wear€250 - €650
Brake pads and discs wear faster than expected, needing replacement at 25,000-35,000 km · more· less
The Mokka exhibits above-average brake wear, with brake pads requiring replacement after just 25,000-35,000 km instead of the typical 50,000+ km. Rear brakes are particularly susceptible to caliper seizure from mud and silt buildup, causing uneven wear and vibration. Front brake wear is a well-reported issue. Rear brake pad replacement costs €56-101, rear discs and pads together €128-325. Front discs and pads run €260-300 at dealers. Full 4-wheel brake service (all pads and discs) can reach €570-700. Use quality low-dust brake pads to reduce wear. Seized calipers may need replacement if badly corroded (additional €150-250 per caliper).
LED headlight and lighting failures€150 - €1,050
LED headlights, taillights, and interior lighting fail between 10,000-30,000 km · more· less
Various lighting systems exhibit electronic problems including failed LED headlights, defective taillights, and faulty interior lighting. Common defects occur between 10,000 and 30,000 km. Headlight range control faults (affecting automatic leveling) cost approximately €1,040 for servomotor replacement. Complete LED headlight unit replacement ranges from €140-575 depending on manufacturer. Many failures are electrical rather than bulb-related, sometimes requiring dealer diagnostics and software updates. Aftermarket LED bulb installations can cause electrical issues requiring reprogramming (€63-150 diagnostic fee). Check all lighting functions thoroughly during inspection as these are expensive repairs outside warranty.
Start-Stop system malfunctions€150 - €400
System stops working after 20,000-30,000 km, displays "Start-Stop not available" · more· less
The Start-Stop system exhibits frequent deactivation and unreliable operation, particularly in models from 2018 onwards. First failures can occur as early as 15,000 km. System ceases functioning after 20,000-30,000 km displaying error messages. Most common cause is battery degradation (start-stop systems are sensitive to voltage). Error codes include P0562 (voltage too low) or P0563 (voltage too high). Solution typically requires AGM battery replacement (€150-250) or cleaning battery contacts. Battery tests and sensor calibrations recommended every 10,000 km. Electrical fault diagnosis costs €63, repairs €150-400 depending on cause. Sensitive Start-Stop components require regular maintenance.
Ignition coil failures€200 - €300
Coil packs fail causing misfires, rough running, especially in wet weather · more· less
Ignition coil pack failures are a relatively common problem on Mokka turbo models. Multiple owners report failures around 16,000-35,000 miles. Symptoms include juddering during acceleration, uneven running, engine and traction warning lights, rough idling especially at certain loads. Problems worsen in wet weather as coils break down from moisture. When coil pack breaks down it cannot generate required spark. Replacement coil costs over €250 per unit, total repair approximately €200-300 including labor. Related issues include dirty injectors and turbocharger control problems appearing as early as 20,000 km. Regular oil changes with quality 5W-30 oil every 10,000 km help prevent these issues.
Turbocharger and actuator issues€500 - €1,400
Turbo actuator sticks from gentle driving causing limp mode, EPC warning light · more· less
The turbo actuator tends to stick if the car is driven too gently or only for short trips, as carbon builds up. Symptoms include EPC light, reduced power, whining noise from turbo, excessive smoke, limp mode activation. Common diagnostic code P0299 (turbocharger vacuum). Vauxhall will not sell actuator separately. Actuator-only repair at specialist costs €500-650, but if turbo internals are damaged, full replacement runs €653-1,400. Using premium fuel and regular spirited driving (occasional highway runs) helps prevent actuator sticking. Watch for reduced power and smoking which indicate turbo problems requiring immediate attention before complete failure occurs.
Infotainment system glitches and freezing€0 - €200
Owners report various infotainment issues: touchscreen becoming unresponsive and freezing on startup, Apple CarPlay being "very temperamental" (sometimes connecting immediately, other times only charging phone), CarPlay completely shutting down and reverting to Opel menu with CarPlay option disappearing for 5-20 seconds or requiring USB reconnection. Screen display wastes space with small navigation windows even after updates. System locks up preventing interaction with touchscreen or buttons. Solutions: download My Vauxhall app to check for software updates, try USB cable replacement (poor cables cause connectivity issues), dealer software update may help but some issues persist. Most problems are software-related rather than hardware failures. Annoying but rarely expensive to fix (software updates free or €50-200 at dealer).
Oil consumption and leaks€150 - €500
Engine exhibits increased oil consumption, leaks at valve cover and oil pan gaskets · more· less
The 1.2 turbo engine exhibits increased oil consumption and oil loss at various seals, particularly valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket. Problems appear as early as 20,000 km. Symptoms include oil warning lights, visible leaks under car, black smoke from exhaust, unusual noises during cold starts. Regular oil level checks essential - engine can consume oil between service intervals. Valve cover gasket replacement costs €200-350, oil pan gasket €250-400. Oil leaks combined with wet timing belt create serious problems as degraded oil accelerates belt wear. Monitor oil level monthly and top up with correct 5W-30 specification oil. Address leaks promptly to prevent damage to timing belt and surrounding components.
Timing belt is the critical concern for 2020-2022 models
The wet timing belt issue is severe - it affects hundreds of thousands of Stellantis vehicles and can cause catastrophic engine failure. If buying a 2020-2022 Mokka 1.2 PureTech, verify belt replacement history and budget for preventative replacement. 2023+ models use timing chain (much better). Beyond the belt, the Mokka has typical small SUV issues: brake wear, electrical glitches, but nothing unusual. Overall reliability is average - scored 96.6% in What Car?'s 2025 survey (11th of 38 in class).
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (every 10,000 km maximum).
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm), age (date codes), uneven wear patterns. Common size 205/55 R17.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for rough running, unusual noises, rattles in first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Mokka body generally rust-resistant.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Test Start-Stop function, turbo response, brake feel.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify production year and timing belt type
Critical: Check if 2020-2022 (wet belt) or 2023+ (chain). If wet belt, verify replacement history. Ask for receipts showing belt inspection or replacement.
Cold start engine behavior
Start completely cold. Listen for rough running, loss of power, unusual rattles. Signs of timing belt degradation or ignition coil issues.
Check engine oil level and condition
Oil should be clean and at correct level. Low or dirty oil accelerates wet belt degradation. Check for leaks under valve cover.
Verify fuel pipe recall completed (2022-2025)
Major recall for fuel pipe leak/fire risk affecting 138,445 vehicles (recall code KUU). Contact Opel with VIN to confirm completion.
Test all lighting functions
Check LED headlights, taillights, interior lights, automatic leveling. Failures common at 10,000-30,000 km. Expensive to repair.
Inspect brake condition
Check pad thickness, disc condition, uneven wear. Mokka brakes wear faster than typical (25,000-35,000 km). Look for seized rear calipers.
Test infotainment system thoroughly
Test CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, touchscreen responsiveness, navigation. Try multiple USB cables. Check for freezing or glitches.
Check Start-Stop system operation
System should engage smoothly. "Start-Stop not available" message indicates battery or sensor problems (€150-400 repair).
Test turbo performance
Accelerate firmly from low RPM. Should boost smoothly without hesitation. EPC light or limp mode indicates actuator issues (€500-1,400).
Contact Opel dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The fuel pipe recall (KUU) is particularly important - affects vehicles built Sept 2022 to April 2025. Wet timing belt is not officially a recall but Stellantis offers compensation for certain repairs (check compensation platform).
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (European market)2 years / unlimited km (expired on 2020-2022)
Factory warranty (some markets)3-5 years / 100,000-120,000 km (market dependent)
Mokka-e battery warranty8 years / 160,000 km (minimum 70% capacity)
PureTech timing belt compensationUp to 10 years / 180,000 km (certain conditions)
Most 2020-2022 Mokkas are outside factory warranty. Stellantis extended warranty for 1.2 PureTech engine issues since March 2024 - covers 100% of costs for up to 10 years / 180,000 km under certain maintenance conditions. Compensation available for repairs contracted Jan 1, 2022 to Dec 31, 2024. Check Stellantis PureTech Compensation Platform with VIN.
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.