1996 Opel Vectra ALL ECOTEC from UK and Ireland - Comments

Timing Belts snap especially on <00 Models.

Tensioner, Water Pump, Guide Pulleys should be changed EVERY 32-40K with a new belt.

A new belt should be fitted every 16-20K to avoid problems.

Cam and Crank sensors are prone to failure.

EGR valve (esp. 96-98 models) is prone to failure/sticking.

Door lock solenoids are prone to failure... complete renewal of the assembly is required.

ABS sensors give very little trouble, but the ABS modulator assembly fails on LHR circuit regularly on 96-99 Models. €1,000 + labour to fix this problem.

Some engines burn oil like it's going out of fashion... repair is VERY expensive and this also can cause the Catalytic Convertor to fail...

Rear suspension bushes fail and are quite awkward to renew...

Radios loose reception and the radio display also fails... more money...

It goes on...

Jeremy Clarkson was more than right...

Vectra-B = Crap...

Solution to all the woes... 96> Mondeo Zetec...

While I agree that Vectras have some faults most of these were ironed out, lets see what you get with the overated Ford Mundeo, I mean Mondeo...

Checklist :

1. Dodgy and overly complicated Central Locking/Alarms (this applies to all Fords)

2. Rust

3. Faulty fuseboxes

4. Poor trim

5. Faulty electric windows

6. Poor switchgear on electric seats (prone to coming off in your hand).

7. More rust.

8. Stepper and ECU problems causing no idle, always stalling.

9. Overrated handling or rather lack of it.

10. Lambda sensors always fail.

11. Sloppy gearchange.

12. Seized or gummed up exterior lock cylinders.

13. Lack of decent fuel economy.

And you haven't burned oil until you've driven a ford (valve stem seals always), I get so annoyed at people trying to copy Jeremy Clarkson, by slagging of the Vectra.

I work in the trade and know these faults well.

How do you mend the door locks?

Any pictures of the mechanism? Decided that I'll do it my self, too expensive to take it to a shop.

Br. Sandra.

This site is to review specific cars, not for people to list the faults they consider a particular model range to have.

Yes, I agree that the vectras are not bad. I have owned 5 and all had high mileage. They have a few niggly faults, but are much better quality than the mondeo with its creaking cockpit and cheap suspension bushes that require constant replacement. I have been in many vectra diesel cabs with over 200,000 on the clock that feel fine. The mondeo is just about ready for the dustbin after 160,000. I ran a mondeo for 50,000, so have had experience with both cars.