Opel's first compact crossover, built on the GM Gamma II platform and assembled in South Korea alongside the Chevrolet Trax. The 1.7 CDTI (A17DTS) is a Fiat-sourced MultiJet II engine, widely regarded as the most robust diesel option in the Mk1 Mokka, with many examples reaching 250,000 km on proper maintenance. It sits above the later 1.6 CDTI 'whisper diesel' in reputation, as that engine introduced the well-known timing chain tensioner problem that the 1.7 does not share.
Proven Fiat-sourced 1.7 diesel
Strong parts availability, low cost
DMF and clutch wear early
Rear calipers seize from corrosion
Buy if: You want an affordable, relatively robust diesel crossover for mostly longer trips and can verify the clutch, DPF and service history.
Avoid if: You do mostly short urban trips (DPF and EGR will clog) or want a modern, refined driving experience.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
Common Problems
DMF rattles and clutch packs wear together, typically between 120,000-180,000 km · more· less
The 1.7 CDTI puts 300 Nm through a dual-mass flywheel that is known to develop play and rattling as it ages. Symptoms include a metallic ringing at idle that disappears when the clutch is pressed, juddering on take-off, and in later stages slipping under load. Because the gearbox must come out to reach the flywheel, garages almost always recommend replacing the clutch at the same time — parts alone run €500-700, and with labour of roughly 6-7 hours total cost lands between €1,100 and €1,800 at an independent specialist. Replacing only the clutch and re-fitting a worn DMF typically leads to a repeat job within 20,000-40,000 km.
Particulate filter blocks when the car is used mainly for short urban runs · more· less
The 1.7 CDTI needs regular 20-30 minute runs at steady highway speeds for the DPF to regenerate. Owners who use the car mainly for short trips report warning lights, limp mode and engine oil dilution from failed regenerations — one widely quoted case clogged a DPF in under 4,000 km of short-trip use. A forced regeneration at an independent diagnostic garage costs €150-300. A full off-car chemical clean runs €400-700. If the filter is structurally damaged or ash-loaded, replacement is €1,000-1,500. Check service records for DPF regeneration events and look at the oil level — persistently high or diesel-smelling oil indicates a problem.
Carbon build-up causes limp mode, rough idle and warning lights after 100,000 km · more· less
Soot and oil vapour coat the EGR valve and intake manifold, eventually causing the valve to stick and throw fault codes. Symptoms include hesitation on acceleration, visible black smoke under load and illuminated check-engine light. Cleaning at an independent specialist runs €150-300. A replacement EGR valve is around €200-350 plus fitting. The EGR cooler is more expensive — if it cracks and leaks coolant into the intake, replacement runs €500-900. Mainly highway-driven cars are affected noticeably less.
Rear calipers stick from corrosion on the slide pins and piston, causing uneven pad wear · more· less
The Mk1 Mokka has a well-documented rear caliper issue where the sliders and pistons seize up due to corrosion, especially in regions that use road salt. Symptoms include a burning smell after driving, the car pulling to one side, or one rear wheel running noticeably hotter. If caught early, a clean and re-grease plus new sliders costs around €100-200 per side. If the caliper is fully seized or the piston is damaged, replacement calipers plus pads run €250-400 per side. Worth checking at every service on higher-mileage cars.
Compressor clutch and bearings fail, typically between 100,000-150,000 km · more· less
AC performance weakens over time and the compressor can eventually fail, sometimes noisily. Replacement compressor plus re-gas averages €400-600 at an independent AC specialist, or €700-1,000 at the Opel dealer. On its own not a deal-breaker, but worth testing thoroughly — check that the AC produces cold air within 60 seconds and that there is no squealing or rattling from the compressor area when it engages.
Rear main seal and sump gasket weep oil, often discovered during clutch jobs · more· less
Minor oil seepage at the bellhousing is reported by a noticeable share of higher-mileage 1.7 CDTI owners. The rear main crankshaft seal and sump gasket are the usual culprits. If the car is already in for a DMF or clutch job, replacing the rear main seal at the same time is cheap (€50-100 extra in parts). If done as a standalone job, labour alone makes it a €600-900 repair because the gearbox has to be dropped.
Blocked scuttle drains and leaky tailgate seals wet the airbag module and wiring · more· less
Owners report intermittent airbag warning lights and electrical glitches traced to moisture around the passenger-side airbag ECU under the carpet, or water in the boot area near the rear light clusters. Blocked water drains in the scuttle panel under the windscreen wipers are a common root cause. Cleaning the drains is free; replacing a damaged airbag module and reprogramming runs €300-700.
Solid diesel engine, but chassis and ancillaries need attention at this age
The 1.7 CDTI itself is the strongest part of this car — the Fiat-sourced MultiJet has a good long-term reputation when serviced properly, and it does not share the 1.6 CDTI's timing chain problems. Most ownership costs by this age come from wear items around it: the dual-mass flywheel, the DPF and EGR on short-trip cars, and rear brake calipers in salty climates. A well-maintained, highway-driven example with recent clutch and DPF service is a reasonable buy; an abused short-trip car can quickly turn expensive.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Takata airbag inflator (select production dates 2012-2018)
Verify completed
Fuel system leak risk on certain 1.7 CDTI production batches
Verify completed
Contact an Opel dealer with the VIN to verify all outstanding recalls have been completed, especially the Takata airbag campaign which affects a broad range of 2012-2018 Opel models.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)
Expired on all Mokka Mk1 models
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)
May still apply to 2014-2016 cars — check with Opel dealer
Extended warranty availability
Available via Opel FlexCare or third-party providers
All Mokka Mk1 cars are outside their original 2-year factory warranty. The 12-year body perforation warranty may still be active on the newest examples and is worth checking before purchase.
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.