Vauxhall Corsa (2006 – 2014) Review
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Vauxhall Corsa (2006 – 2014) At A Glance
Solid and decently equipped. Reasonable handling and some frugal engines.
Boot too narrow for standard size pushchair. Dash reflects in screen. DPF problems with 1.3 CDTi. ECU faults. Fewer faults than a Polo but not as reliable as a Fiesta.
"Cmon!" The new Corsa was pipped at the post by just two points for the coveted title of European Car of The Year 2007.
At the end of the day, though, despite all the hype, the Corsa is just a car. And the winner had the advantage of being a ‘multi-purpose vehicle'. (The Ford S-Max.)
There's no doubt that the new Corsa is well made. It feels strong and solid. The sort of small hatchback the Germans would build in Germany. Though in fact it's assembled in Zaragoza, Northern Spain, a few hundred kilometres from the VW Polo plant at Pamplona to the West and also few hundred from where they put the bitz of the SEAT Ibiza together, at Martorell to the East.
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Vauxhall Corsa (2006 – 2014) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0 12v to 1.7 CDTi
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 24–77 mpg
Under the bonnet of the two cars I drove throbbed an engine hidden under a big plastic cover badged ‘Ecotec', which is in fact the same excellent 1,248cc Multijet diesel as used in a multitude of FIATs. And underneath, of corsa, it's the same basic structure as the FIAT Grande Punto. But compare the two side by side and they're not really repanelled clones. Even the bulkhead structure is different.
I did more than 500 miles in a specced up 90PS Design model 5 door with a list price of £13,247 (discounts to £10,954). Then rather less distance in a 75PS 3-door Club with a/c, also with extras, that lists at £10,947 (discounts to £9,273).
The gearchange is good: 6 ratios with the 90 and 5 with the 75. But to perform the near miracle of hauling this 1,025kg - 1,244kg car along at motorway speeds you suffer an inevitable lack of torque at low revs when the turbo has spooled down. Not a disaster by any means, but it can catch you out occasionally accelerating out of roundabouts where you want enough torque to pull it through in 3rd but may be forced to use 2nd. However you forgive it when first fill it up. As long as the delivery driver and I both brimmed the tank the same, I got a staggering 57.72mpg, the best economy figure I have ever achieved in any car.
Push the car on corners and it grips and handles well. But the speed sensitive steering seems to have been designed for the generation who learned to drive on computer games. It's certainly quick, and accurate, but alternates between light and not so light while any ‘road feel' you get from it seems entirely fake. It's almost as if someone's hands clamp around the steering column to give the impression of weight.
I actually preferred the slightly lower-spec Club 75bhp diesel. The 3 door is much more sporty looking, too. And it seemed to steer better with more ‘feel' and less artificial stickiness.
Ignore the list prices (which are calculated to be discounted) and the new Corsa is decent value for money. After all £9,273 isn't much for a well-built, 60mpg diesel with plenty of street cred. And the £155 optional slide-out bicycle carrier is the neatest solution for carrying bikes on the back that I have ever seen.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 12v | 50 mpg | - | 134 g/km |
| 1.0 ecoFLEX | 55 mpg | 18.2 s | 120 g/km |
| 1.2 16V | 46–51 mpg | 13.9 s | 129–146 g/km |
| 1.2 16V Automatic | 53 mpg | 14.9 s | 125 g/km |
| 1.2 16V Easytronic | 53 mpg | 14.9 s | 125 g/km |
| 1.2 16V ecoFLEX | 55 mpg | 13.6–13.9 s | 117–119 g/km |
| 1.3 CDTi | 59 mpg | - | 127 g/km |
| 1.3 CDTi 75 ecoFLEX | 67–74 mpg | 14.9 s | 100–112 g/km |
| 1.3 CDTi 95 ecoFLEX | 64–86 mpg | 12.3 s | 88–115 g/km |
| 1.3 CDTi ecoFlex | 66 mpg | - | 114 g/km |
| 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX | 63–74 mpg | 12.3–14.9 s | 100–119 g/km |
| 1.4 16V | 46–51 mpg | 11.9 s | 129–146 g/km |
| 1.4 16V Automatic | 45–46 mpg | 13.9 s | 143–147 g/km |
| 1.4i Turbo | 51 mpg | 10.3 s | 129 g/km |
| 1.6 16V Turbo | 36 mpg | - | 189 g/km |
| 1.7 CDTi | 58–63 mpg | 9.5 s | 118–132 g/km |
| VXR | 36–39 mpg | 6.5–6.8 s | 172–190 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Vauxhall Corsa (2006 – 2014)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
82%
Real MPG
24–77 mpg
MPGs submitted
1843
Vauxhall Corsa (2006 – 2014) interior
- Boot space is 285–1100 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3999 mm |
| Width | 1713–1944 mm |
| Height | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2511 mm |
The dashboard and instruments are clearly and neatly laid out inside, but the top of the central section that extends to the dash top reflects in the steeply raked screen. Much more so in the Club where it is edged with a brushed alloy trim strip. And I liked some of the convenience features like the thumb-tab volume adjustment for the radio on the steering wheel.
Round the back, there's a two-tier boot. A top floor, level with the sill, then a suitcase-sized, rectangular space underneath, and underneath that, joy of joys, a full-sized spare wheel.
Vauxhall Corsa (2006 – 2014) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3999 mm |
| Width | 1713–1944 mm |
| Height | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2511 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1025–1277 kg |
| Boot Space | 285–1100 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 20000–30000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Alternative | Full-size spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £8,695–£22,400 |
| Insurance Groups | 1–34 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–J |
| Official MPG | 35.8–85.6 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 5 |
| Child | 3 |
| Pedestrian | 3 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until March 2015
On sale until June 2014
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Design 1.2i 16v Easytronic 5dr Auto | £11,700 | 53.3 mpg | 14.9 s |
| S 1.2i 16v Easytronic 5dr Auto | £13,195 | 53.3 mpg | 14.9 s |
| S 1.2i 16v Easytronic 85 3dr Auto | £12,595 | 53.3 mpg | 14.9 s |
| Sting 1.2i 16v 85 3dr | £9,345 | 51.4 mpg | 13.9 s |
| Sting 1.2i 16v 85 5dr | £9,945 | 51.4 mpg | 13.9 s |
| Sting 1.3CDTi 16v 75 ecoFlex 5dr | £11,545 | 67.3 mpg | 14.9 s |
| Sting 1.3CDTi 16v ecoFlex 75 3dr | £10,945 | 67.3 mpg | 14.9 s |
On sale until January 2014
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Design 1.4i 16v Auto 3dr | £12,175 | 46.3 mpg | 13.9 s |
| Design 1.4i 16v Auto 5dr | £12,775 | 44.8 mpg | 13.9 s |
| SE 1.4i 16v Auto 3dr | £16,135 | 46.3 mpg | 13.9 s |
| SE 1.4i 16v Auto 5dr | £16,735 | 44.8 mpg | 13.9 s |
| SXi 1.4i 16v Auto 3dr | £15,215 | 46.3 mpg | 13.9 s |
| SXi 1.4i 16v Auto 5dr | £15,815 | 44.8 mpg | 13.9 s |
On sale until September 2013
On sale until June 2013
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusiv 1.3CDTi 16v ecoFlex Start/Stop 3dr | £14,905 | 72.4 mpg | 14.9 s |
On sale until June 2012
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusiv 1.2i 16v ecoFLEX Easytronic 3dr Auto | £13,155 | 53.3 mpg | 14.9 s |
| Exclusiv 1.2i 16v ecoFLEX Start/Stop 3dr | £12,795 | 55.4 mpg | 13.6 s |
| S 1.2i 16v ecoFLEX Start/Stop 3dr | £12,235 | 55.4 mpg | 13.6 s |
| S 1.3CDTi 16v ecoFlex Start/Stop 3dr | £13,835 | 70.6 mpg | 14.9 s |
| SE 1.2i 16v ecoFLEX Start/Stop 3dr | £14,700 | 55.4 mpg | 13.6 s |
| SE 1.2i 16v ecoFLEX Start/Stop 5dr | £15,130 | 55.4 mpg | 13.6 s |
On sale until June 2011
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusiv 1.4i 16v 3dr | £13,185 | 49.6 mpg | 11.9 s |
| Exclusiv 1.4i 16v 5dr | £13,610 | 49.6 mpg | 11.9 s |
| SE 1.4i 16v 3dr | £15,090 | 49.6 mpg | 11.9 s |
| SE 1.4i 16v 5dr | £15,515 | 49.6 mpg | 11.9 s |
| SRi 1.4 3dr | £15,715 | 49.6 mpg | 11.9 s |
| SRi 1.4 5dr | £16,145 | 49.6 mpg | 11.9 s |
| SXi 1.4i 16v 3dr | £14,170 | 49.6 mpg | 11.9 s |
| SXi 1.4i 16v 5dr | £14,600 | 49.6 mpg | 11.9 s |
On sale until May 2010
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| SE 1.3CDTi 16v 5dr | £15,690 | 58.9 mpg | - |
On sale until April 2010
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusiv 1.3CDTi 16v ecoFlex 3dr | £12,990 | 65.7 mpg | - |
| Exclusiv 1.3CDTi 16v ecoFlex 5dr | £13,410 | 65.7 mpg | - |
| S 1.3CDTi 16v ecoFlex 3dr | £12,440 | 65.7 mpg | - |
| S 1.3CDTi 16v ecoFlex 5dr | £12,860 | 65.7 mpg | - |
| SE 1.3CDTi 16v 3dr | £15,270 | 58.9 mpg | - |
| SE 1.3CDTi 16v ecoFlex 3dr | £14,955 | 65.7 mpg | - |
| SE 1.3CDTi 16v ecoFlex 5dr | £15,375 | 65.7 mpg | - |
| SXi 1.3CDTi 16v 3dr | £14,370 | 58.9 mpg | - |
| SXi 1.3CDTi 16v ecoFlex 3dr | £14,055 | 65.7 mpg | - |
| SXi 1.3CDTi 16v ecoFlex 5dr | £14,475 | 65.7 mpg | - |
On sale until November 2009
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusiv 1.3CDTi 16v (95ps) ecoFlex 5dr | £13,945 | 65.7 mpg | - |
| S 1.3CDTi 16v (95ps) ecoFlex 5dr | £13,405 | 65.7 mpg | - |
On sale until August 2009
On sale until April 2009
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Expression 1.0i 12v 3dr | £8,695 | 50.4 mpg | - |
On sale until May 2007
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| SXi 1.7 CDTi 16v 3dr | £12,640 | 58.9 mpg | - |
| SXi 1.7 CDTi 16v 5dr | £13,290 | 57.6 mpg | - |
Model History
- July 2006: Vauxhall Corsa launched
- March 2007: Corsa VXR goes on sale
- June 2007: SRi models go on sale
- May 2009: Corsa 1.3 CDTI 75PS ecoFLEX announced
- October 2009: New Corsa ecoFLEX launched
- November 2009: Engine updates for Corsa
- July 2010: Corsa ecoFLEX gets start/stop technology
- November 2010: Corsa facelifted
- January 2011: Corsa VXR Blue Edition introduced
- June 2012: Limited edition ‘Black Edition’ Corsa unveiled
July 2006
Vauxhall Corsa launched
New bigger Corsa on platform shared with Fiat Grande Punto. 3,990mm long x 1,710mm wide x 1,490mm high.
14" wheels with 175/65 R14 tyres.
15" wheels with 185/55 R15 tyres.
16" wheels with 195/45 R16 tyres.
Style touches include translucent control knobs and switches, which illuminate with the headlamps to make them easier to find when driving in the dark. Infotainment system includes MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Active safety features include Enhanced Understeer Control (EUC).
First car in class to have variable progressive sports power steering, which is designed to offer greater levels of feedback on the open road, but lightens up when used in congested urban areas. Lowered sports chassis with 17-inch alloy wheels available. Five engines at launch. Petrol choice of 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4-litres, GM/Fiat 1.3-litre CDTi, all chain-cam, while flagship diesel is all-new 125PS 1.7-litre GM CDTi.
From £7,495 (same as Grande Punto). However, 1.2 starts at £8,795 and 1.3 CDTI diesel at £9,695. Unique and clever bike rack accessory sildes under boot floot when not in use.
March 2007
Corsa VXR goes on sale
Lightweight turbo 1.6-litre engine producing 192PS and more than 260Nm. Top speed of 140mph and 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds. Specially-tuned ESP system, along with uprated brakes and suspension and variably-assisted power steering, which alters the weight and feel of the wheel depending on the way in which the car is driven. Combined fuel economy figure 35.8mpg.
June 2007
SRi models go on sale
New 150PS turbo 1.6-litre engine or 125PS 1.7 diesel. Three or five doors. Petrol versions are powered by detuned 150PS version of the turbocharged engine found in Corsa VXR, taking the SRi from 0-62mph in just 7.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 130mph. Available with three or five doors, from £13,625.
May 2009
Corsa 1.3 CDTI 75PS ecoFLEX announced
CO2 of 105g/km and theoretical economy of 70.6mpg combined. Shorter second-gear ratio improves the Corsa ecoFLEX’s driveability around town, while the engine’s 170Nm of torque from just 1750rpm allows it to pull a taller fourth and fifth-gear ratio.
Aerodynamics enhanced by lowering ride height by 20mm and optimising airflow through its front air intakes. Complementing these changes are narrower (175/70 instead of 185/70) low-rolling resistance tyres, fitted to lighter 14-inch steel wheels with new wheel trims – part of a weight-saving package that cuts the Corsa ecoFLEX’s kerbweight by 45 kilogrammes. Available in Life and Club trims, the Corsa ecoFLEX starts at £11,295.
October 2009
New Corsa ecoFLEX launched
To go on sale in January 2010, with CO2 emissions of just 98g/km and combined fuel consumption of 76.3mpg. Even with five-doors, the Corsa ecoFLEX achieves 99g/km and, like the three-door, is equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as standard.
Despite the improvement in fuel consumption and emissions, the ecoFLEX packs 21 per cent more power from its 1.3 CDTi turbodiesel engine, its output rising from 75 to 95PS. Torque is also up by 20Nm to 190Nm available at just 1750rpm.
As a result, the Corsa ecoFLEX’s performance is enhanced, despite using taller gearing. It will now accelerate from 0-62mph in 12.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 110mph. The new ecoFLEX also benefits from a 20mm lower ride height than standard and in Life trim gets 175/70 low-rolling resistance tyres on 14-inch steel rims (Club models get 15-inch steel rims with alloys as an option) and aero-optimised wheel trims. The Corsa ecoFLEX is available in Life and Club trim only.
November 2009
Engine updates for Corsa
1.0-litre now produces 65PS (up 5PS), yet emits just 117g of CO2, dropping it two VED bands.
The Corsa’s 85PS 1.2-litre petrol has also dropped a VED band and gained 5PS in power, while the 1.4-litre – which now produces 100PS, up 10PS over the current model – has dropped two bands and sips just 51.4mpg, up from 46.3mpg for the existing model.
Reinforcing the 98g ecoFLEX model in the Corsa’s diesel range is a 75PS version of the same 1.3 CDTi, emitting 114g/km, and a more powerful 1.7 CDTi which now produces 130PS, yet drops 12g/km in CO2 emissions. A new eco gearshift indicator housed within the instrument cluster is available on most models in the range.
Complementing this are revised damper settings all round, an optional re-tuned ESP system and enhanced steering geometry, ensuring that the revised Corsa is as pleasurable to drive as it is economical to own.
The SE, SXi and SRi now get cruise control and an on-board computer at no extra charge, while the SRi – which now starts at a lower price point – also gets revised suspension settings, air conditioning, 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and a VXR styling kit included in its price.
July 2010
Corsa ecoFLEX gets start/stop technology
The new Euro 5-compliant 1.3 CDTi (75PS) models achieve 70.6mpg – a near 5mpg, or more than 7 per cent improvement - on the combined cycle.
Compared with the outgoing Euro 4, 1.3 CDTi (75PS) engine, the addition of Start/Stop technology and Euro 5 emissions compliance has brought a 9g/km reduction in emissions, down to 105g, as well as a 20Nm increase in torque to 190Nm. All Start/Stop cars are also fitted with a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), which traps harmful particulates.
Drivers who use their cars frequently in town driving, where the Corsa’s Start/Stop function will come in to its own, will see the biggest gains in fuel consumption. With an official urban mpg figure of 58.9mpg, the Corsa ecoFLEX 1.3 CDTi (75PS) Start/Stop is more than 12.5 per cent more economical than the outgoing Euro 4 car without the new technology.
November 2010
Corsa facelifted
The Corsa has now adopted many of the styling cues from other recently launched Vauxhalls, such as the Insignia, Astra and Meriva.
The Corsa features a signature chrome bar, carrying the new Griffin badge, stretching across the front grille, while a re-styled front bumper with a more prominent, wider lower grille gives the Corsa a smiling appearance. Complementing the Corsa's fresh look are five new exterior colours in the range. Lime Green pearlescent and Chilli Orange metallic enhance the car's new look, with Guacamole - a solid hue - completing the pallet of all-new Vauxhall colours. Sunny Melon (a bright yellow) makes a welcome return to the Corsa range, while Pepperdust metallic is carried across from the new Meriva range.
Vibrant new colours also dominate the Corsa's cabin, with seat trims such as Steel Blue and Tabasco Orange brightening the interior, accompanied by a range of different coloured door trims, centre consoles, air vent rings and door handles.
Also inside, is Vauxhall's new optional Touch & Connect multi-media system, which replaces the existing CD60 unit. Touch & Connect uses a five-inch touch screen display featuring both 2D and 3D maps for the navigation system, as well as a CD/tuner, aux-in, USB and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.
Outside, the new Corsa benefits from new 16-inch alloy wheels on both SE and SXi models, while the 192PS VXR receives the option of a new 18-inch alloy wheel, modelled on the design of the optional 20-inch wheel worn by the Insignia VXR.
Vauxhall's engineers also made important revisions to the car's steering and suspension set-ups. Softer springs were employed in the front suspension, mated to an anti-roll bar with new bushes and an increased diameter, improving ride and control characteristics.
Complementing this were revised damper settings all round, an optional re-tuned ESP system and enhanced steering geometry.
Vauxhall Corsa D 1.4 Z14XEP 16v engine from 2010 to 2014 is the same as the Astra's with a timing chain.
January 2011
Corsa VXR Blue Edition introduced
This features new styling details, additional kit as standard and a blue paintjob
At £19,425 the Corsa VXR Blue undercuts competitors like the Citroen DS3 R and the Mini Cooper Works by up to £3,600. Included in its price, this limited edition model features Arden Blue metallic paint, 18-inch alloys, dark-tinted glass, bespoke interior air vents and Recaro seats – that equates to a £445 saving compared with the cost of speccing a ‘standard’ Corsa VXR with this kit.
Like other models in the new-look Corsa range, the VXR and VXR Blue sport new ‘Eagle-Eye’ headlamps and a signature bar across the grille, coloured in blue. But in addition, the VXR gets a more aggressive front end, with deep in-set fog lamps, a wider and more prominent grille and a low, sculpted front spoiler to boost its sporting appeal. Inside, blue detailing can be found throughout, including the stitching on the leather steering-wheel, the interior air-vent colour and the trim on the Recaro seats.
Powered by the lightweight 1.6 Turbo, producing 192PS, this VXR boasts a 0-60mph time of just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 140mph. An overboost feature increases maximum torque to 260+Nm when the power is needed.
The Corsa VXR Blue comes with lowered sports suspension, uprated brakes and switchable Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), guaranteeing enthusiastic drivers a fine mix of dynamic security and adjustability. The Corsa VXR Blue will be delivered from February 2011.
June 2012
Limited edition ‘Black Edition’ Corsa unveiled
This adds a new engine to the range, a punchy 1.4 Turbo Start/Stop unit, making it one of the most powerful Corsas on the market.
The new engine produces 120PS and maximum torque of 175Nm starting at 1,750rpm. The latest addition to the Corsa range has a top speed of 121mph and hits 0-60mph in 9.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is 51.4mpg and CO2emissions are as low as 129g/km.
Initially available in a limited production run of 500 units, in both 3- and 5-door body styles, the Black Edition is based on the Corsa Limited Edition and along with the 120PS engine gains a black logo bar and new 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
A raft of sporty styling features including body-coloured front lower spoiler, side sills, rear lower skirt and rear spoiler turn the Black Edition into one of the sleekest Corsas yet. Its looks are enhanced still further with front fog lights, dark style headlights and tail lights and dark tinted rear- and rearside windows.
Inside, sports seats, a leather-covered steering wheel, sports pedals, silver interior seat stitching and matt chrome air vent surrounds set the Black Edition apart from all other Corsas. For those who wish to go even further upmarket, there is a broad range of innovative extras not offered by competitors such as the Touch and Connect infotainment system, climate control and adaptive forward lighting. The Corsa Black Edition is on sale now priced at £15,995 for the 3-door and £16,425 for the 5-door model
What to watch out for
Quality faults emerging: steering, 1.4 automatic transmission leaks, generally slap-dash assembly from Zaragoza factory. This could be responsible for a heater blower switch problem that puts the fan on max whatever thr driver tries to select.
Seems to be a problem with driver's seat height adjusters.
Rivets holding handbrake base to the floor break away. Known fault. Requires new handbrake base to be bolted in place with strengthening plate.
With the 1.3 CDTI (FIAT 1.25 Multijet) engine fitted with a diesel particulate filter, what can happen is that excess diesel fuel that was supposed to burn hotter and regenerate the dpf does not and instead seeps into the sump, gradually raising the level of sump oil to the point that the engine starts to run on it, cannot be stopped and therefore self-destructs. Vital to check sump oil level regularly.
Seems to be a problem of wiper motors failing in cold weather, blamed on drivers trying to use them when stick to the screen by frost, or trying to use them to shift snow, so Vauxhall dealers are under instruction not to repair them under warranty.
One report of a "breather pipe" on a 1.2 16v being violently torn apart and the dealer having none in stock because it's a common problem. Further information sought.
Small batch of cars suffer from body creaks, but it seems they were put out to the trade and sold via discounters so Vauxhall will not fix under warranty.
14-03-2011:Problem reported of 1.4 torque converter auto shift quadrant locking in 'Park'. It can be released by lifting the rubber boot over the mechanism and inserting a pencil in the locking mechanism.
20-06-2011:Oil cooler of 1,248cc diesel is integral with oil filter mount, using engine coolant to cool the oil and these sometimes fail. Check header tank for any sign of oil in it.
04-09-2011:Poor and erratic driving of 1.0 litre petrol version may be due to a failed Mass Airflow Sensor.
10-10-2011:Corsa-D - Rear Axle - Wheel Bearing - Noisy Vehicles: Corsa-D 2007-Onwards All Engines Note: Only vehicles with five bolt wheel hubs affected. Complaint: Customer complaints noises from rear axle. Cause: Penetration of water and dirt. Remedy: In the event of bearing replacement the seal must be treated with special grease prior to fitment. Please ensure the entire surface of the seal area is coated sparingly with grease. (Special Grease - part no.: 09163334/catalogue no.: 19 48 613)
17-05-2012:Several reports of heater box control knob spindle shearing off and, because of the amount of dismanting involved, costing £1,000 to rectify. So worth checking when buying used.
25-08-2012:1.4 seem to suffer from squeaky brakes. Probably surface rust on the rear discs.
23-02-2013:'Hunting' of engine of 1.0 Eco probably caused by failed coil pack.
14-07-2013:Timing chain of 3300 mile 62 reg 1.2 (9 month old) Corsa snapped.
16-09-2013:Recurrent problems with a 2008 Corsa 1.4 auto. Recalled at 1910 miles. More problems in 2010, gearbox replaced and Vauxhall made contribution. Now same problem (won't move out of park) and another replacement - cost £530 and Vauxhall contributing half. Car had done 26,800 miles.
18-09-2013:On 2012 Corsa, parking brake repeatedly failed.
29-09-2013:DPF failed completely in Corsa 1.3 CDTi bought new on 7-9-2012. Before then had been back 5 times due to DPF problems and has now been waiting 8 weeks for the new DPF which is in short supply. Many similar problems in Corsa Vans and in Fiat 500 with the same engine.
19-11-2013:Some 2013 Corsa seem to have been supplied without the side curtain airbag system shown in the brochure.
12-01-2014:ECU failed on 2009 Corsa 1.3 CDTi because rainwater from screen drains directly onto it. Not a problem of flooded vent well because drains to that were clear. £950 to replace, but Vauxhall offered 25%. Car had been serviced independently so no TSB to address this could have been carried out.
28-01-2014:Report of repeatedly "sticking rear drum brakes" on 8800 mile 2012 Corsa 1.4 SXi.
06-02-2014:DPF light coming on every 2 weeks and every 150-200 miles in a 2011 Corsa 1.3 CDTi Multijet diesel. Driving in low gear for 20 minutes seems to regenerate it.
20-03-2014:Report of head gasket failure of 4 year old Corsa 1.2 engine.
14-04-2014:Another ECU failure, this time on a 2008 Corsa, because the bulkhead vent well drains became blocked and the vent well became flooded. Cost £1200 to replace. (See: 12-1-2014). Wise of all Corsa owners to check that their vent wells are draining properly or they could suffer the same problem.
01-12-2014:Report of failed fuel tank breather pipe in 2011 Corsa SXi.
02-01-2015:Complaint that independently serviced 2012 Vauxhall Corsa would have failed first MoT in December 2015 if strut top bearing issue for which 2014 Corsa were recalled was not addressed.
01-07-2015:Two broken front springs reported on 4817 mile 2010 Corsa 1.2, closely followed by loud noise from chamshaft. Dealer bill says cured by replacing camshaft cover gasket. Turned out that what failed was the breather diaphragm which is built into the cover and they only sell it as a complete assembly. Probably gummed up with condensation emulsion from the car's short run use.
17-09-2015:Yet another failed ECU reported, this time on a 2007 Corsa automatic.
28-08-2016:Report of failed glowlug on 2013 Vauxhall Corsa diesel, presumably no longer under warranty. Replaced by local garager, but then a few weeks later the glowplug warning reappeared.
21-09-2016:Report of electric windows of 2012 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 SE 3-door dropping overnight after some rain. The previous week the car had been fitted with a new coil pack by local Vauxhall dealer. Otherwise unexplained (probably water getting into the windows ECU inside the driver's door).
06-06-2017:Report of oil pump of 2013 Corsa engine failing.
11-08-2017:Report of i ntermittent fault with Vauxhall Corsa D 1.4 torque converter automatic. Won't change in Auto; works in manual; engine service light comes on. Stop switch off ignition, restart and sometimes fault has gone. Tried changing Gearbox ECU for used unit, Worked fine for weeks then same problem. ECU buzzes with ignition on.
23-09-2017:All four coil springs of 2009 Vauxhall Corsa were broken and failed MoT.
23-11-2017:Report of engine management light coming on in Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi, but going off when driven on the motorway. (Reason will be DPF getting full of soot and not passively regenerating until take on the motorway, where it may also be actively regenerating.
30-04-2018:Report of waterpump and timing chain of 2012 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 failing at 28,000 miles.
23-06-2018:Report of driver's side front coil spring failure on used 2008 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 Design at 30,000 miles. MoT history showed passenger side front coil spring had failed 3 years previously.
10-09-2018:Report that 25k mile 2013 Vauxhall Corsa SE 1.4 petrol auto, last serviced October 2017, has developed a judder from the engine at 55-60mph and 2100-2300rpm in 4th. Feels like it is misfiring. No acceleration. O nly way to accelerate properly is to floor it, so the ‘box drops a gear or even two, and the required 70 mph is achieved without the juddering. If accelerating firmly from any other speed, there is no juddering while going through the 55-60mph bracket. In all other respects the engine and ‘box appear to be working as intended.
31-10-2018:Report of problems with 2010/60 Vauxhall Corsa 1.0 Eco Energy. Previous owner had cam timing sensor replaced before selling it after the car had broken down. Since then it has broken down twice. Each time the computer blames the sensor, which has been replaced. Although it runs, it's sometimes more difficult to start and runs quite roughly.
22-11-2018:Report of oil pump failing on 2013 Vauxhall Corsa at 4 years old. Replacement oil pump then also failed a year later in November 2018.
07-02-2019:Report of front coil spring failure on little used 2012/62 Vauxhall Corsa D at 1,200 miles.
18-09-2019:Report of Electric Power Assisted Steering of 89k mile 2012 Vauxhall Corsa D ECOFLEX 1.0 occasionally failing. Turn off ignition, re-start and it works again. New battery fitted but still happens. We think it is a relay opening because of resistance somewhere; maybe from holding the steering on full lock, maybe because the rack has lost its fluid, maybe because the rack is faulty. Or a poor negative earth from the battery to the car body.
10-10-2019:Report of 2012 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 automatic intermittently cutting out whilst driving without any warning. No EML, no fault codes. Local garage had it in twice and whilst there works fine. Nothing back from diagnotics, however have changed crankshaft sensor and got a new battery. Worked again for one or two days then problem returned. If not a coil pack, may be fuel system related and needs a fuel system cleaner then running on Super. Similar fault reported 10-9-2018.
07-11-2019:Report of problems with 'Easytronic' autpomated manual transmission of 2013 Vauxhall Corsa Exclusiv auto at 73,000 miles. Three months previously an engine warning light appeared (picture of an engine and handbook saying get attention asap) and car became very sluggish, it had no power and pulling away from a stop was a struggle. It was taken to a competent local garage. They took it for a test drive and diagnostics found there was a fault with the link between the speedometer and the gearbox so that in the absence of a speed input, it defaulted to 4th gear. As a precaution, they changed the gearbox oil and checked for any metal fragments but none were found. The car was driven in semi-automatic mode using the gearstick with no problems. On changing back to full automatic again, it was fine, the engine/gearbox performed properly. The light and symptoms reappeared, the garage checked again but were unable to pinpoint the cause. Driving in semi-automatic for a few miles and then reverting to full auto once again cured the problem. The garage were of the opinion that as the `fix` was easy to carry out owner should live with it rather than try various expensive solutions. When the fix no longer worked and the fault was stable they could better identify the faulty part and replace it although they warned it might prove costly. We would guess trouble with the actuator.
