7th Jan 2008, 10:27

I've got a 2002 1.9DI Vivaro - power steering pump decided to push the snap ring out. Stripped it down got a new seal, but new snap ring 'not a chance', the body is ally, therefore on full lock can't cope with high pressure. Had to replace pump... gearbox on it's way out now as mess is knackered and 2nd gear is pig to engage, and fun and games when reversing as the gearbox has mind of it's own. It 'feels like someone's sticking the brakes on'.

The van has done 95K now... Great van lovely drive, but a nightmare to work on.

3rd Mar 2009, 14:34

I have a 2002 1.9. Fuel pump seems to be a major issue.

Look for metal filings in the fuel filter. If you find them, know your pump is about to go. Cost me £800 for yet another pump today.

Great van to drive, but not reliable. After repair, mine will be traded in. I will not buy another.

2nd Sep 2009, 09:17

I own an 05. Nothing but trouble. Electrics first then fuel pump. Radio turns up and down by itself. And last but not least, gearbox gone completely. 1 word - NIGHTMARE. I would not buy one again.

21st Jun 2010, 13:06

My power steering stopped working. The belt just snapped. Where can I get a new belt, and how much?

30th Jun 2010, 13:54

I have had my Vivaro 1,9 '05 for 2 weeks. Last night it totally burned down outside my house. (Norway)

The fire started in the engine somewhere. I've heard that it probably could be the starter that have short-circuited. The car drove by itself approx 10 meters and stopped in my fence where it burned up in only 40 minutes. It's sad. It was a great car.

I wonder if I should buy a new Vivaro...?

19th Jul 2010, 12:08

Just reading the above, I had an 05 Vivaro that also burnt out whilst driving it!

The 04 replacement that I have has endless troubles with various things including the power steering pump. The ring pushed out also.

Vivaro is the worst vehicle I have ever had, it's a bloody money pit.

11th Nov 2010, 11:23

Read all other comments about the Vivaro. I own one and have had nothing but trouble. Feel like I'm going to work just to keep it on the road. It's a shame really because on the surface it's great, but it's so unreliable. I am seriously considering trading it in. The manufactures who badge this van should be ashamed of it. Would be cheaper to keep an old Bentley on the road.

19th Nov 2011, 07:17

Got a 52 Vivaro Di, and the timing belt's just snapped, the gearbox is on its way out, and they are nothing but trouble. Gonna get a Merc next, or a VW or a Transit.

11th May 2025, 12:57

I currently own a 2010 Vivaro with a 2.0 CDTi engine, the same one used in the Renault Trafic and Nissan Primastar.

I use it daily for work. I own a bakery. I can't complain about the engine; it's relatively powerful and fuel-efficient for the type of vehicle. But I must say that, compared to my previous Ford Transit, it's less reliable. I've had electronic and gearbox issues. The only thing it surpasses my previous van in is comfort and fuel consumption.

For the use I get out of it, I'm satisfied, but it's not going to last much longer.

4th Jun 2025, 19:25

It's a mid size van; you can't push it too hard beyond the required weight.

Typically, you see a lot more Trafics of this type than Opel/Vauxhall or Nissan, even though they have the same mechanics.

I think it's a good van, but if I had the money for the same size, I'd go for a Mercedes Vito or a Transit Custom.