Opel Insignia B (2017 – 2023)

Reliability score : 7.4/10

Opel Insignia B (Grand Sport / Sports Tourer) The second-generation Opel Insignia (Insignia B) was launched in 2017. Although Opel was acquired by the PSA Group (now Stellantis) the same year, the Insignia B is entirely based on a General Motors architecture (E2XX platform). It was marketed under various identities worldwide (Vauxhall in the UK, Buick Regal in North America and China, Holden Commodore in Oceania). Lighter by nearly 200 kg compared to the heavy A-generation, it offers transformed road handling, generous interior space, and an excellent price/performance ratio. The facelift occurred in 2020, introducing new engines (including new GM 3 and 4-cylinder units) and improving the IntelliLux matrix lighting system. Production ceased in early 2023 without a direct replacement. Overa

✅ Strengths

Superb road handling and suspension comfort (especially with FlexRide adaptive damping).
Rear passenger space and boot volume (Sports Tourer).
Highly effective IntelliLux LED matrix headlights (up to 84 LEDs per headlight on the facelift).
Unbeatable price/equipment ratio on the used market.
Excellent sound insulation on high-end versions.

⚠️ Weaknesses

Disastrous timing chain reliability on the 1.6 CDTi.
Capricious AdBlue system (pump, injector, NOx sensor) on all diesels.
Imposing size (nearly 5 meters for the estate) and poor rear visibility.
Infotainment system (IntelliLink) prone to bugs, slowness, and intermittent restarts.
Quality of some plastics in the lower part of the cabin.

🎯 Verdict

Final Verdict The Opel Insignia B is an underrated road car that offers performance worthy of the premium segment for the price of a mainstream model. For a diesel purchase, engine choice is crucial. It is absolutely essential to avoid the 1.6 CDTi (110/136 hp) unless the timing chain has been recently replaced with supporting invoices. The best choice for high-mileage drivers is the 2.0 CDTi 170 hp (or its 174 hp evolution post-2020), which proves robust, torquey, and suited for highway driving. However, be aware of the anti-pollution peripherals (AdBlue, NOx sensors) which require regular road use and the use of preventive additives. For petrol, the 1.5 Turbo is an excellent compromise provided it has been scrupulously maintained with the specific Dexos 1 Gen 2 oil.

Common issues

Encrassement du filtre à particules (DPF) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 800 – 2 000 €

Privilégier les longs trajets réguliers pour permettre la régénération.

Vanne EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) encrassée ou défectueuse Medium

🔧 70 000 – 120 000 km

💶 300 – 700 €

Faire vérifier et nettoyer la vanne EGR lors des entretiens.

Problèmes du système AdBlue (SCR) : capteurs, pompe ou injecteur High

🔧 50 000 – 100 000 km

💶 500 – 1 500 €

Utiliser un AdBlue de qualité et éviter de rouler avec le réservoir vide.

Défaillance du turbocompresseur High

🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km

💶 1 200 – 2 500 €

Respecter scrupuleusement les intervalles de vidange et la qualité d'huile.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£90 – 160
Timing belt	£600 – 1 100
Clutch	£850 – 1 600
Complete brakes	£280 – 550
Estimated annual budget	£650 – 1 250

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.