Budget-friendly PSA-platform small crossover aimed at families and first-time buyers. Practical and spacious for its class, but critically: the 1.2 PureTech engine suffers from the notorious wet timing belt issue that has plagued PSA Group vehicles. Belt debris can clog oil pickup, causing catastrophic engine failure, often between 60,000-100,000 km despite 180,000 km official interval. This is not a minor issue - it's a fundamental design flaw. Also watch for turbo actuator sticking, automatic transmission jerking (if equipped), and water leaks from deteriorating window seals. Multiple recalls including vacuum pump and rear axle bolts.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€900 - €1,650/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€400-650
Risk buffer
€500-1,000
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Wet timing belt failure€800 - €6,000
Oil-immersed belt deteriorates prematurely, debris clogs oil pump causing engine failure · more· less
This is the single biggest issue with the 1.2 PureTech engine. The timing belt runs in engine oil and degrades much faster than PSA's original 180,000 km interval. Belt fibres break off and clog the oil pickup strainer, starving the engine of oil. First signs of wear appear after just 60,000-80,000 km on 2018-2019 models. One owner's belt deteriorated at just 36,000 miles despite correct maintenance. Another had complete engine failure at 65,000 km from oil consumption caused by belt debris damage. PSA issued recalls affecting 500,000 vehicles and reduced replacement interval to 100,000 km, but damage may already be done. Mechanics now recommend replacement every 60,000-70,000 km as preventative measure. Replacement costs €500-800 for the belt job itself (Germany: €740 including oil change, Netherlands: €350-500 at Peugeot/Citroën dealers, cheaper than Opel). If engine damage occurs from belt failure, repair costs €3,000-6,000+. Uses specific 0W-20 oil specification - using wrong oil accelerates failure.
Turbo actuator failure€300 - €1,200
Actuator sticks from gentle driving/short trips, causes EPC light and limp mode · more· less
The electronic turbo wastegate actuator tends to stick if driven gently or only short distances, as carbon builds up. Symptoms include sudden loss of power, EPC/engine warning light, and limp mode with limited boost. Common P0299 error code (underboost). Opel will not sell actuator separately - they insist on full turbo replacement. Actuator repair at specialist: €300-400. Full turbo replacement: €900-1,200. Regular spirited driving and premium fuel help prevent carbon buildup. Some owners report issues appearing as early as 40,000 km, particularly on cars used for city driving only.
Automatic transmission jerking€1,500 - €3,500
PSA automatic shifts roughly, hesitates, or gets stuck in gear especially when cold · more· less
The Crossland uses a PSA/Aisin-sourced automatic transmission (not VW's DQ200). Problems begin appearing as early as 30,000-50,000 km, with second wave around 80,000-100,000 km. Diesel versions particularly affected. Symptoms include jerky shifts, delayed gear changes, and transmission getting stuck in certain gears, especially below 5°C. Clutch plates show wear after just 50,000 km under sporty driving. Manual gearbox versions are significantly more reliable and don't suffer these issues. Transmission repair/rebuild: €1,500-2,500. Complete replacement: €2,500-3,500. The manual transmission requires no service until 250,000 km.
Air conditioning blower failure€150 - €950
Blower motor or control unit fails between 40,000-60,000 km, mainly 2017-2018 models · more· less
Highly concentrated in early production 2017-2018 models. Blower performance weakens, only works on highest speed, or fails completely. Problem usually lies with blower control unit, but motor itself can also fail. Many owners report recurring failures even after repairs, indicating fundamental design weakness. Temperature sensor cable/connector issues: €155. Air conditioning control unit replacement: €940. Simple blower motor replacement (if that's the only issue): €150-300. Professional diagnosis required to identify exact cause. Uneven air distribution and complete AC system failure are common symptoms.
Window seal deterioration & water leaks€100 - €600
Seals deteriorate causing leaks, mould growth, and electrical damage · more· less
Multiple Crossland owners report leaking windows due to deteriorating seals. You'll likely smell it immediately - damp, mouldy interior odour. Water ingress can damage electronics and cause rust. Hidden mould growth behind trim increases long-term repair costs. Window seal replacement: €50-150 per seal for DIY kits, €200-400 for professional installation per window. If mould remediation needed or electrical components damaged: €300-600+. Check footwells, under seats, and boot for water staining during pre-purchase inspection. Addressing early prevents expensive secondary damage.
Electronic parking brake malfunction€250 - €550
EPB doesn't release automatically when driving off, particularly 2020-2021 models · more· less
The electronic parking brake system malfunctions or fails to release automatically when starting off. Most common on 2020-2021 production. Causes include defective electric motor in brake caliper (€505 for Opel Corsa with same system), battery voltage issues, faulty sensors, or control module problems. Brake caliper motor replacement: €400-550. Sensor/wiring repair: €150-300. Battery-related fixes: €100-200. Many EPB issues stem from low battery voltage - test battery health first before replacing expensive components. Requires specialized diagnostic tools for proper repair.
Start-Stop system failure€150 - €400
System deactivates spontaneously at low mileage with persistent error messages · more· less
Malfunctions begin appearing even at low mileage (15,000-25,000 km), particularly on 2017-2018 models. System spontaneously deactivates with persistent dashboard errors. Related to battery charging issues - the Crossland has slow battery recharging, especially with short trips and heavy use of radio/AC. Battery doesn't have enough time to fully recharge between journeys. Battery replacement (AGM type required for start-stop): €150-250. Starter motor issues: €300-400. Sensor/wiring repairs: €100-200. Many cases resolve with proper battery replacement and ensuring longer driving cycles to allow full recharge.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€150 - €400
Direct injection causes carbon deposits, worse with short-distance driving · more· less
The 1.2 PureTech is a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine where fuel never washes over intake valves. Carbon builds up on valves and solenoids, particularly on cars driven short distances. Symptoms include rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, and hesitation. Carbon can accumulate significantly within just 5,000 miles of short-trip use. Professional walnut blasting cleaning: €250-400. Dealer induction service: €150-250. DIY chemical cleaning kits: €30-80 (less effective). Prevention: Regular spirited driving on motorways, using premium fuel with detergents, occasional Italian tune-up (sustained high RPM driving). Some specialists offer preventative intake cleaning every 40,000-60,000 km.
High-risk purchase due to wet timing belt design flaw
The 1.2 PureTech engine's wet timing belt is a fundamental design issue that affects all PSA Group vehicles with this engine (Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel). This is not a case of poor maintenance - even properly serviced engines fail. The belt replacement interval was originally 180,000 km but PSA reduced it to 100,000 km after widespread failures. Real-world evidence suggests replacement at 60,000-70,000 km is prudent. Budget €500-800 for preventative belt replacement every 60,000 km, or risk €3,000-6,000 engine rebuild. Only consider this car if you can verify recent belt replacement with proper documentation, understand the ongoing maintenance burden, and budget accordingly. Manual transmission versions are more reliable than automatics.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Opel dealer or PSA specialist records essential. Verify oil changes used correct 0W-20 specification.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Typical sizes: 205/55 R17 or 215/50 R18.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual rattles, rough running, or smoke.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Look in footwells and boot for water stains.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Test automatic transmission through full warm-up cycle.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify wet timing belt replacement history
CRITICAL: Request documented proof of belt replacement with date and mileage. If over 60,000 km without replacement, budget €500-800 immediately or walk away. Check oil pickup strainer was cleaned during replacement.
Check engine oil level and condition
Low oil or excessive consumption (more than 1L per 4,000 miles) indicates piston ring or belt debris damage. Oil should be clean 0W-20 specification. Dark, contaminated oil suggests poor maintenance or belt deterioration.
Test turbo boost across rev range
Accelerate firmly through gears. Any hesitation, loss of power, or EPC light indicates actuator issues. Car should pull smoothly from 2,000-5,000 rpm without flat spots.
Automatic transmission operation (if equipped)
Drive for 20+ minutes until fully warm. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, clunking, or gear hunting. Test below 5°C if possible - cold-weather problems common. Manual is more reliable.
Air conditioning performance
Test all fan speeds. Blower should work smoothly on all settings, not just maximum. Weak airflow or clicking noises indicate blower motor/control unit issues. Especially important on 2017-2018 models.
Check for water leaks and mould
Smell interior for damp/mouldy odour. Check under carpets, seats, boot floor for moisture. Inspect window seals for deterioration. Look for water stains on headliner.
Electronic parking brake function
Test EPB engages/releases smoothly. Should release automatically when pulling away. Check for warning lights or manual release requirement.
Start-Stop system operation
System should activate consistently when warm. Frequent deactivation or error messages suggest battery/charging issues. Test with AC on/off.
Verify recall completion
Contact Opel with VIN to confirm vacuum pump recall (2017-2018), rear axle bolts recall (2018-2019), high-pressure fuel pump recall, and any other TSBs completed.
Scan for stored fault codes
Use OBD scanner to check for pending errors. Common codes: P0299 (turbo underboost), oil pressure warnings, transmission faults. Even stored codes reveal problem history.
Lambda sensor emissions (2018-2019, D12XE engine)Check if affected
Wet timing belt extended warranty (PSA-wide)10 years/180,000 km coverage
Contact Opel dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The vacuum pump recall is particularly important. PSA implemented extended warranty for wet timing belt issues covering 100% of costs for up to 10 years or 180,000 km under certain conditions - verify your eligibility.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 60,000 miles)Expired on 2017-2020 models
Extended wet belt coverage (PSA recall)10 years / 180,000 km (conditions apply)
FlexCare extended warrantyAvailable 3-5 years, 10,000-50,000 km/year
All 2017-2020 Crosslands are outside original factory warranty. PSA's extended wet timing belt warranty covers parts and labor under specific conditions - verify eligibility with dealer using VIN. Opel offers FlexCare extended warranty with customizable duration and mileage limits. Given the wet belt risk, extended warranty is worth considering if belt hasn't been replaced recently.
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.