Vauxhall Crossland I (P17) (2017 – 2020)

Reliability score : 4.2/10

The first-generation Vauxhall Crossland X (sold under the Opel brand in continental Europe) (P17) marks a historic turning point: it is the first model resulting from the brand's acquisition by the PSA group (now Stellantis). Replacing the Meriva minivan, it adopts an urban SUV (B-SUV) silhouette while retaining excellent interior modularity (sliding rear bench). Based on PSA's PF1 platform (shared with the Peugeot 2008 I and Citroën C3 Aircross), it logically inherits the entirety of the French parts bins. While its practical aspects are undeniable, its reliability record is heavily burdened by the adoption of the 1.2 PureTech petrol engines (badged 1.2 Turbo at Vauxhall/Opel) and the 1.5 BlueHDi diesels (badged 1.5 Turbo D), both infamous for major design flaws. The 'X' suffix was droppe

✅ Strengths

Remarkable roominess for its size (4.21 m)
Sliding rear bench by 15 cm (depending on trim levels)
Generous trunk volume (410 to 520 liters)
Appreciated raised driving position
Comprehensive technological equipment for the time (HUD, LED headlights)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Catastrophic reliability of the 1.2 petrol engines (PureTech)
Very hit-and-miss reliability of the 1.5 diesel (camshaft chain)
Firm damping at low speeds
Clumsy road handling, body roll
Average soundproofing on the highway
Aging PSA infotainment system

🎯 Verdict

The Vauxhall / Opel Crossland X is an excellent small family vehicle on paper, offering minivan-like modularity in a compact format. Unfortunately, its record is ruined by the engines inherited from PSA. The 1.2 petrol versions (PureTech) suffer from the infamous wet belt problem, while the 1.5 diesel is afflicted by an undersized camshaft chain. If you absolutely must buy one, favor a petrol model whose belt has just been replaced with the new reference, with an impeccable service record, or fall back on the older 1.6 diesel (budgeting for AdBlue). Overall, caution is advised.

Common issues

Dégradation prématurée de la courroie de distribution humide (moteur 1.2 PureTech) High

🔧 60 000 – 120 000 km ou 4-6 ans

💶 700 – 1 500 € (remplacement préventif, hors dommages moteur)

Utiliser l'huile moteur spécifiée, respecter les intervalles de remplacement et faire inspecter.

Consommation d'huile moteur excessive (moteur 1.2 PureTech) Medium

🔧 Dès 50 000 km

💶 50 – 150 € (appoints réguliers) ; 2 000 – 4 000 € (si réfection moteur nécessaire)

Vérifier le niveau d'huile très régulièrement et faire l'appoint si nécessaire.

Encrassement des soupapes d'admission (moteur 1.2 PureTech à injection directe) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 300 – 600 € (décalaminage par projection)

Adopter une conduite variée et envisager un décalaminage préventif.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing belt	£600 – 1 100
Clutch	£750 – 1 400
Complete brakes	£220 – 480
Estimated annual budget	£550 – 1 100

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