2002 Opel Vivaro from UK and Ireland - Comments

Power steering system leaked twice.

Faulty brake servo.

Stereo developed a mind of its own.

Timing belt broke at 46000.

Boost pump broke on the turbo (while at the dealer having the power steering system fixed).

Radiator started to leak after a loose wiring loom wore a hole in it.

Very comfortable (if unreliable) van and quite refined. Well equipped with airbag, CD player, electric windows, A.B.S. etc.

The problem is you just can't help, but wait for the next thing to go wrong. I believe the Nissan/Renault versions suffer gearbox problems - I just hope this won't.

My Vivaro is a 2002 model. Where do I start with the problems.

1) Fuel sensor failed at 60k. No power.

2) Steering bushings failed at 72k. Impossible to steer.

3) Clutch developed a leak and cannot be fixed to this day. I drive around with the slack taken up on the clutch pedal to keep it from leaking

4) Power steering pump completely failed breaking the shaft.

5) CD gave up after 20K.

6) Exhaust blew a 2 inch hole in the converter at 90k.

Never had a problem with mine! 89,605 miles.

No issues.

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.

I have a '04 plate Vivaro Sportive, 6 speed, errr sorry, 4 1/2 speed. 6th gear has disappeared altogether and 2nd gear can't be engaged after first! Selecting any gear gives off an intersting array of noises from the gearbox and like a similar person on here, reverse is hit or miss and feels like there is a lot of resistance somewhere. The fuel tank was changed at 11,000 miles and various sensors have ceased to work.

Apart from that, the van is great. It goes like a rocket, handles more like a car than a van and looks brilliant. I'm tempted to get the ECU re-mapped after the gearbox is replaced so that there is 130bhp on tap. Overall a great van let down by the gearbox.