What to Watch Out For
2.2 16v petrol engine has been known to snap its timing chain due to the lubrication jet becoming blocked, possibly as a result of running on dirty oil due to extended oil change intervals. Vauxhall Z22SE 2.2 litre engine was modified from March 2002, engine number 11065400, to overcome the timing chain lubrication problem. The problem was caused by an undersized oil spray nozzle which got blocked, starving the timing chain of oil. If the timing chain problem has been subsequently rectified, a modified bolt' is fitted, withnicks' on the corners of the hexagon.
Ignition control unit of 2.2 petrol engine is prone to burning out.
Quite common for DI to default to emergency running mode due to a problem with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve.
Poor starting and cutting out after starting of 2.2DI 16v caused by airleaks through fuel injector seals.
Seems to be a problem with clutch pedal return springs (which can contribute to a burned out clutch).
Several complaints of "creaking from front suspension", later identified as loose radiator mounts.
1.9 120PS and 150PS diesels are belt cam. On the 1.9 diesels, the wiring harness can rub bare on the transmission casing causing a short circuit that blows the main fuse leaving the car completely disabled. There may be a recall or at least a tsb to check for this. Reports of turbos failing on 1.9CDTIs.
On 1.9CDTI, timing belt drives waterpump and waterpump failure can fling it off in as little as 40k miles, wrecking the engine. By December 2008 this was becoming increasingly common at about 4 years old and circa 50k - 60k miles. So engines need new belts, tensioners, pulleys and waterpumps before 4 years old or 50k miles.
On 1.9 CDTI if the engine smokes or the car suddenly loses power, the secondary butterflies of the swirl actuator valve may have sooted up and seized. Possible to clean but this does not guarantee it won't happen again. Really requires the inlet manifold to be changed as the part where the actuator connects to jams and does not let the butterflies open. Job can take six hours as the fuel pump and cam belt have to be removed to get at it. A coincedental fault is sooting up of the EGR valve.
Some estates have no rear passenger or load compartment lighting. Rear hatch of estate can only normally be opened by key or by a button on the driver's door, which is irritating if you need to open it frequently.
LHS wiper mechanism fails. Vauxhall has issued a dealer kit or improved wiper motor and linkage to fix this FOC. (Report 16-5-08 that this FOC offer had ended.)
2006 Vectra does not have left to right headlamp dip switched, now only available where Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) is purchased and not possible to retro-fit. Electric folding mirrors and tyre pressure sensors also dropped for the 2006 spec..
Dual mass crankshaft timing chain pulleys can fail on 2.2 diesel engines.
On 2.2 diesel air ingress via injector seals can cause poor starting.
Tailgate switch also fails, this is common on Vectra C and Zafira B.
Reports of parking brake failures (so leave it in gear). In September 2007 Vauxhall issues a sunvisor sticker stating:- ADVICE WHEN PARKING. Always apply the hand brake fully, taking care not to depress the lever release button. To reduce operating forces, depress the foot brake at the same time. Before switching off the ignition; With manual transmission, engage reverse gear (if facing downhill) or first gear (if facing uphill). With Automatic transmission, move the selector to the "P" position.
Diesel autos vulnerable to failure of heat exchanger in radiator admitting coolant to the ATF and wrecking the transmission. On cars just out of warranty Vauxhall will usually contribute 40%. Also a design/manufacturing problem with 6-speed auto: an internal overflow pipe was too short which leads to the gearbox not being properly filled with fluid and subsequent result of jerky changes and eventual total failure.
On 2.0 litre diesel circa 2004, pulley on end of crankshaft fails then seizes on. Trying to remove it can damage the crankshaft.
Outbreak of fuel injection pump failures on 2.2 direct injection petrol engines in autumn 2008 coupled with shortage of replacement parts. Pressure sensor and injection pump fail, both made by Siemens. 3 weeks wait for the part as apparently there has been a huge run on them. Pump is £315. Total cost of repair typically £545. Later featured on BBC Watchdog 12-1-2008. ECU fault code does not identify if problem is fuel pump (leaking seal) or pressure regulator (sticking valve).
Spate of dual mass flywheel and clutch failures on 07 reg models, both petrol and diesel.
Optional 19" bling wheels prone to cracking from shocks from poor road surfaces, speed humps and potholes.
Recalls
Clutch return spring now subject of a service check/replacement under warranty. Job takes about 30 minutes. No longer any need to replace pedal box.
05/11/2004 R/2004/148 VAUXHALL VECTRA AND SIGNUM rear exhaust pipe may move backwards slipping off the front pipe VIN 00000000041019521 to 00000000041133883 Build 05/08/2004 to 05/08/2004
17/12/2005 R/2005/166 VAUXHALL Vectra C and Signum rear axle hub may not be to specification VIN 000000061025432 to 000000061036596