Vauxhall is a well-known brand here in the UK and one of the longest-standing in the country. Part of the Stellantis family, they’ve grown in recent years and really cemented their place in the automotive industry. However, despite a growing range of family-ready cars, electric vehicles and vans, Vauxhall aren’t immune to issues. Owners have reported issues with the handbrake and clutch, to engine issues or electrical issues, so if you own a Vauxhall or are considering buying one in the near future, here are the most commonly reported problems with Vauxhall cars that you should be aware of.
Handbrake Concerns
The Vauxhall Corsa, particularly the 2009-2010 range, has been reported as having issues with the handbrake system to the point where it could be rendered useless. The issue reportedly revolved around the handbrake coming out of it’s bracket and once slipped out of place, could no longer be used. If this happened while out on the road, this could make it impossible to set the handbrake and ultimately cause problems for drivers as they park, particularly on any kind of hill. A simple bracket replacement usually solves the issue, so if you own a Corsa within the given years, it could be worth having your handbrake checked before it potentially causes a problem.
Air Flow Sensor Faults
There has been another issue raised regarding the Vauxhall Corsa, this time relating to the airflow sensor. This sensor monitors the amount of air that makes it into the combustion chamber and when working correctly, will ensure that this is kept at an appropriate level. It ensures that everything continues working as it should, meaning when there is a failure within the system, it could lead to bigger issues within your vehicle. This includes mechanical faults, vehicle jerking, slow acceleration and more. The issue in Vauxhall vehicles seemed to come from a fault that prevents the airflow sensor from sending information to the Electronic Control Unit, and could need a full replacement of the sensor to resolve the issue.
Gear Linkage Problems
Vauxhall Corsa and Astra drivers have reported issues with their gearboxes, claiming struggles with switching gears. These issues seem to boil down to a problem with the plastic ball joint moving out of place and making it increasingly difficult to switch between each gear. The problem can usually be resolved by simply popping the joint back into place. Some owners opt to do this themselves, however, if you are unsure, one of our mechanics can help you with this problem.
Engine Issues
The Vauxhall Astra has commonly been reported as experiencing issues with its diesel engine, particularly the 1.9 version. This engine has experienced regular reports of issues with the water pumps, excessive smoke, coolant leaks and more. There’s even been issues with the car refusing to start completely, or occasions where the car will start but shut off shortly after. All of these can be frustrating and even dangerous, so if your Vauxhall Astra has been experiencing issues, now might be the time to get it checked by a qualified mechanic.
We are on hand to help with any Vauxhall repairs you may need, from simple fixes to part replacements and more. Simply get in touch with a member of our team for help finding your local Service4Service garage to book your car in with us, today.
Resources
https://motorandwheels.com/problems-with-vauxhall/
https://allcarparts.co.uk/common-problems-with-vauxhall-astra/
https://car-recalls.eu/common-problems/vauxhall/