Vauxhall Grandland I (P1UP) (2017 – 2021)

Reliability score : 5.5/10

The Vauxhall/Opel Grandland X (renamed simply Grandland during its facelift at the end of 2021) is a compact SUV and technical cousin of the Peugeot 3008 II and Citroën C5 Aircross, based on the EMP2 platform of the PSA group (now Stellantis). Unlike the 3008 with its polarizing design, the Grandland X opts for a more conservative, ergonomic (physical climate controls), and reassuring approach. While it shines with its comfort, roominess, and price-to-equipment ratio, its reliability record is heavily marred by the legacy of PSA engines from that era, notably the infamous 1.2 PureTech (badged here as 1.2 Turbo) and the 1.5 BlueHDi (1.5 Turbo D). A purchase that requires extreme vigilance regarding the maintenance history.

✅ Strengths

Excellent suspension comfort (similar to Peugeot 3008 but slightly softer)
Classic and intuitive ergonomics (real climate controls)
Generous trunk volume (514 liters in ICE versions)
Careful soundproofing on high-end trims
Rich standard equipment from mid-range trims

⚠️ Weaknesses

Disastrous reliability of the 1.2 petrol engine (PureTech)
Critical reliability of the 1.5 diesel engine (camshaft chain)
Slow and dated infotainment system (IntelliLink/NAC)
Quality of some plastics in the lower part of the cabin
Reduced trunk volume on plug-in hybrid versions (390 liters)

🎯 Verdict

The Vauxhall/Opel Grandland X is an SUV full of family qualities, but undermined by the mechanical flaws of its PSA parts bin. If you are looking for a petrol model, the 1.2 Turbo (PureTech) is to be absolutely avoided unless the engine has been recently replaced and the maintenance is flawless. The 1.6 Turbo 180 is a much better choice, although rare. In diesel, avoid the non-updated 1.5 130 hp (7mm chain) and favor the excellent 2.0 177 hp, robust and high-performing, ideal for high mileage drivers.

Common issues

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

🔧 60 000 – 120 000 km ou 5-6 ans

💶 800 – 1 500 €

Vérifier l'état de la courroie et la crépine d'huile tous les 20 000 km.

Consommation excessive d'huile (moteur 1.2 PureTech) Medium

🔧 Dès 50 000 km

💶 500 – 2 000 € (selon cause: segmentation, turbo, joint)

Surveiller le niveau d'huile régulièrement; utiliser l'huile préconisée.

Encrassement des soupapes et injecteurs (calamine) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 300 – 800 € (décalaminage, nettoyage injecteurs)

Privilégier des trajets longs, utiliser du carburant de qualité.

Dysfonctionnement du système d'infodivertissement Low

🔧 Dès l'achat, ou 20 000 – 80 000 km

💶 0 – 500 € (mise à jour logicielle, réinitialisation, ou remplacement module)

Vérifier les mises à jour logicielles et la réactivité du système.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing belt	£700 – 1 300
Clutch	£800 – 1 500
Complete brakes	£220 – 480
Estimated annual budget	£650 – 1 200

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