1996 Vauxhall Vectra LS 1.6 16v from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Long running engine cut out problems which cannot be solved by the dealer. Vauxhall aren't very interested as the car is no longer under warranty. Fitting of a new water pump resulted in cam belt snapping and major costs.

It's a shame, nice car to look at but totally unreliable and I am not the only one from all accounts. The engine management unit has still to be mentioned to me after 11 visits in 11 weeks to the garage! I will certainly not be buying from Vauxhall again!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th November, 1999

18th May 2001, 10:27

What is it with the engine management light???

The engine will only go to 4500RPM, and the light (engine management) is still on, even after lots of trips to the garage??

Vernon_ward@hotmail.com

30th Jul 2005, 15:06

With regards to the engine rev limiter cutting in at 4500 rpm when the ecu light is on, this is normally caused by a faulty camshaft position sensor & the ecu automatically lowers the rev limiter to prevent engine damage.

Hope this helps.

1996 Vauxhall Vectra CDX 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Constant problems with ECU light coming, mainly caused by faulty sensors. All corrected under warranty.

Release cylinder on clutch failed. Major problem, no garages would undertake to work due to the amount of hassle involved. It's a gearbox out job, taking at least 10 hours labour plus parts. My local dealer even sent the car to another Vauxhall service center to be repaired.

General Comments:

Fun car to drive, extremely comfortable, nice shapes and materials used on interior.

Turning circle is brilliant, cruise control is probably the best feature.

On the whole very happy with the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th July, 1999

17th Jan 2002, 10:38

You mention cruise control as the best feature (probably). I have a 2.5 V6 CDX and the cruise control only works above 50 mph in 5th gear (or any combination of engine speed and gear to ensure that the RPM is above 2000). Up and down hills, the speed varies between 25 and 36 mph when set to 30 mph. I even wrote to Nick Reilly at VM, but all he said was that it's typical of the range - no comment about the statement in the handbook which says that it "...will maintain a constant speed above 20 mph". I must admit I feel rather cheated about it all - otherwise the car is marvellous.

1996 Vauxhall Vectra Super Touring 2.5 V6 from UK and Ireland

Faults:

The handbrake spring was recalled.

General Comments:

Overall a Bloody Fast Car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st May, 1999

1996 Vauxhall Vectra GLS Hatch 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Problems with gear box, recall for handbrake, new alternator fitted under warranty.

General Comments:

Excellent car, shame about the dealers.

I have always had Vauxhall cars, this is the best to date.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 31st January, 1999

1996 Vauxhall Vectra LS 1.8 16V petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Recalled for handbrake adjustment.

Airbag light on constantly (fixed under warranty).

New gearbox due to faulty gasket, out of warranty (the car is less than three years old) but 'Vauxhall will foot the bill out of the goodness of their heart'.

As my dealer told me..

General Comments:

I've had several Vauxhalls with nothing but praise for them, but for me to buy another Vectra I would need much reassurance that all the problems I've had and the ones I've read on your page have been completely cured.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 1999

1996 Vauxhall Vectra LS 1.7 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Oil loss from seals led to gearbox failure (replaced under warranty).

Very poor radio reception on LW/MW (dealer could not cure).

Faulty fuel gauge (3 attempts for dealer to fix - OK now).

Airbag warning light comes on when drivers seat is moved - dealer unable to fix in first 3 attempts, but seems OK now.

Display for radio, time and temperature has all but disappeared - a new one costs £150!

Boot lock failed - replaced under warranty.

Remote locking stopped working a year ago - too expensive to repair.

General Comments:

Fortunately this was a company car - if I'd have paid my own money for it I would have been very upset.

Too many niggling component reliability problems, although car has never failed to complete a journey.

Overall MPG 47. Air conditioning reduces performance of car considerably!

I understand later Vectras are more reliable and comfortable, but I won't be having another one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th January, 1999