About this model
The Opel Meriva B is a compact MPV (mini-MPV) produced from 2010 to 2017. It is extremely popular in BiH as a practical family car for city driving thanks to its compact dimensions, high seating position and affordable price on the used car market. Its most distinctive feature is the FlexDoor system - rear doors that open backwards, making it easier to get children in and out of car seats in tight parking spots. Most examples on BiH roads have the 1.7 CDTi diesel engine (designated A17DT, A17DTS or A17DTR) producing 100 to 131 HP, typically 10-14 years old with 150,000-250,000 km on the clock. The typical owner is a family man or woman looking for an economical and practical car for city commutes with occasional longer trips.
Engines and variants
This model is most commonly available in BiH with the following engines.
A17DT (100 HP / 74 kW): The base 1.7 CDTi diesel with 100 HP, a weaker version without variable turbine geometry, produced from 2010 to 2014. Less stress on the dual-mass flywheel due to lower torque, but the same issues with ECU housing and EGR valve as the more powerful variant. An economical choice for owners who mostly drive in the city and don't need much power for motorway cruising.
A17DTS (131 HP / 96 kW): The more powerful 1.7 CDTi variant with 131 HP and 300 Nm of torque, the most common engine in the Meriva B on BiH's used market, produced from 2010 to 2014. Greater stress on the dual-mass flywheel and turbo due to higher torque, and the DPF clogs faster with city driving. The principle is similar to the engine found in the Opel Mokka and Astra J, but the implementation, software and typical faults differ from model to model. Parts are widely available and reasonably priced.
A13DTE (95 HP / 70 kW): The smaller 1.3 CDTi diesel with a timing chain (not a belt), more economical but less powerful for family use, produced from 2010 to 2017. The timing chain and tensioner are the weak point of this engine, while the rest of the unit is relatively reliable. Not powerful enough for motorway driving with a full car and luggage.
B16DTL / B16DTC (95-136 HP): The newer 1.6 CDTi engine that replaced the 1.7 CDTi in the facelift version from 2014. Fewer problems with the ECU housing, but it has its own weaknesses with the water pump and oil pump chain. A different engine type with a different fault profile.
Reliability and reputation on the BiH market
The Meriva B has aged well on BiH roads. The bodywork is more resistant to corrosion than its predecessor, the Meriva A, and the interior is better built. Compared to class competitors like the Renault Scenic, Citroen C3 Picasso and Ford B-Max, the Meriva B offers a better balance between reliability and practicality. In our workshop we most commonly see examples with 150,000-220,000 km coming in for EGR, DPF or power steering pump service.
Parts for the 1.7 CDTi engine are widely available because the same unit is used in the Astra H/J, Zafira B, Corsa D and Mokka, meaning both used and new parts are easy to source and relatively affordable. The typical owner in BiH is a family person looking for something more than a basic city car but not wanting SUV dimensions and fuel consumption. The FlexDoor rear doors are a big plus for families with young children, but the door mechanism needs attention at higher mileages.
Common faults we see
From our hands-on experience, here is what most commonly comes in for repair on this model.
1. ECU housing and moisture ingress (Denso)
Symptom: Engine is hard to start, misfires on one or more cylinders, goes into limp mode. Check engine light is on, and fault codes keep returning after clearing.
The Denso engine control unit on the 1.7 CDTi has a factory defect with housing sealing. After 5-8 years the plastic cracks at the seams and moisture gets into the electronics. Corrosion progresses internally and damages board-level connections. The problem is particularly pronounced in damp climatic conditions like those in BiH during autumn and winter.
Advice: Before replacing the ECU, check the housing condition - sometimes the circuit board can be salvaged with a professional repair. ECU replacement requires coding to the vehicle. If you notice recurring faults that disappear then come back, bring the car in for diagnostics as soon as possible.
2. Electro-hydraulic power steering pump
Symptom: Steering becomes extremely heavy, especially when parking and at low speeds. A steering warning light may appear on the dashboard.
The Meriva B uses an electro-hydraulic power steering pump instead of a conventional hydraulic system. The pump fails due to moisture in the electrical connectors, worn carbon brushes in the electric motor, or oil leaking from the pump housing itself. It typically fails after 100,000-150,000 km or 6-8 years of age.
Advice: If the steering has locked up and there are no warning lights, disconnect the electrical connector from the power steering pump and try again - if the engine starts, the pump is the culprit. A replacement pump is expensive, so check used options with a warranty too. Read more about heavy steering symptoms in our guide to electric power steering.
3. Dual-mass flywheel
Symptom: Vibrations at idle, knocking when starting or shutting off the engine, juddering when pulling away, especially in first and second gear.
The 1.7 CDTi engine produces high torque (up to 300 Nm in the A17DTS) which puts heavy load on the dual-mass flywheel. In city driving with frequent stops the flywheel wears out faster. Typical lifespan is 150,000-200,000 km, but it can be sooner for drivers who exclusively do short trips.
Advice: When replacing the dual-mass flywheel, always replace the clutch kit at the same time - you'll save on labour since the same assembly comes apart. Use quality replacement parts (LuK, Sachs).
4. EGR valve
Symptom: Loss of power, rough idle, increased fuel consumption, occasional black smoke from the exhaust.
The EGR valve on the 1.7 CDTi gets clogged with soot and exhaust gas deposits, especially on vehicles that predominantly do short city trips. A clogged valve doesn't close fully, leading to excessive gas recirculation and power loss. At higher mileages (over 120,000 km) the problem is virtually inevitable without regular cleaning. Read more about why the EGR clogs and what to do in our dedicated guide.
Advice: The EGR can be cleaned manually or with ultrasonic cleaning. If the valve is mechanically damaged, replacement is the only option. We don't recommend software EGR deletion because the vehicle won't pass its technical inspection.
5. DPF filter
Symptom: DPF warning light on the dashboard, loss of power, limp mode, increased fuel consumption, burning smell from under the vehicle.
Short city trips don't allow the DPF to reach the temperature needed for regeneration (around 600 degrees). The filter gradually fills with soot and eventually becomes completely blocked. The problem is worse in winter months when the engine warms up more slowly. A combination of a clogged EGR and short trips dramatically accelerates DPF clogging.
Advice: Once a month, take the car for a 30-40 minute drive on the open road at 2,500-3,000 RPM to allow regeneration. Use quality low-ash oil meeting the Dexos2 specification.
6. FlexDoor rear door locks
Symptom: Red door warning light on the dashboard, car won't lock centrally, rear doors won't open or close properly, alarm triggers for no reason.
The Meriva B has unique rear doors that open backwards (FlexDoor system). The lock mechanism in the rear doors has a microswitch that wears out or gets stuck, along with an electric motor whose brushes wear down. The problem typically appears after 5-7 years. Moisture and dirt accelerate the wear further.
Advice: Diagnostics will determine which lock is faulty. Replacing the complete lock module is the most reliable fix. Lubricating and cleaning the mechanism can help temporarily.
7. Cracking expansion tank
Symptom: Coolant level drops, white residue around the tank or hoses, engine temperature rises, antifreeze smell in the cabin.
The plastic coolant expansion tank on the Meriva B becomes brittle after 6-8 years of heat exposure. Micro-cracks develop through which coolant slowly leaks. It often goes unnoticed until the level drops below minimum. At higher mileages, cracks can also form at hose connections.
Advice: Replacing the tank is one of the cheaper repairs - don't wait until the engine overheats. When replacing, also check the condition of the coolant hoses and the cap gasket.
8. Throttle pedal position sensor (P2138)
Symptom: Check engine light, noticeable power reduction, car doesn't respond to the accelerator pedal, limp mode.
The accelerator pedal position sensor (APP) sends an incorrect signal to the ECU. Fault code P2138 indicates a disagreement between the two sensors within the pedal assembly. The most common cause is worn contact tracks inside the sensor or a damaged electrical connector.
Advice: Before replacing the pedal assembly, check the electrical connectors and signal wires. If the sensor itself is faulty, the complete pedal assembly needs replacing as the individual sensor isn't sold separately.
Fault code P2138 on the Opel Meriva B throttle pedal
Fault code P2138 is one of the most common OBD fault codes on the Meriva B 1.7 CDTi and directly points to a problem with the throttle pedal assembly. When it appears, the car goes into limp mode and limits power to a minimum. Drivers experience this as a sudden loss of power, usually in the middle of a drive.
Diagnostics show a signal disagreement between sensor 1 and sensor 2 within the pedal assembly. In most cases the problem is mechanical (worn contact tracks) rather than electrical. Replacing the complete throttle pedal assembly resolves the issue permanently. Before replacing, check the connector on the pedal itself as corroded contacts can sometimes mimic the same symptom.
Service and maintenance
The 1.7 CDTi engine (A17DT/A17DTS) uses a timing belt that should be replaced at 90,000-100,000 km or every 5-6 years, depending on driving conditions and manufacturer recommendations (check the service booklet). Always replace the water pump, tensioner and idler pulleys along with the belt. Not a chain - a belt - this is an important distinction compared to the smaller 1.3 CDTi which has a chain.
The recommended engine oil is 5W-30 meeting the Dexos2 specification (or equivalent ACEA C3), with a change interval of 10,000-15,000 km or once a year, depending on how much city driving you do. The factory interval of 30,000 km is too aggressive for BiH conditions and fuel quality. The DPF requires regular open-road driving for regeneration, and vehicles driven exclusively in the city need a forced regeneration via diagnostics every 20,000-30,000 km. The power steering pump requires an oil level check during every major service.
Which oil for the Opel Meriva B 1.7 CDTi
For the 1.7 CDTi engine, the only correct choice is oil meeting the GM Dexos2 specification (ACEA C3), viscosity 5W-30. This specification ensures compatibility with the DPF filter as it is a low-ash formula. Using cheaper oil that doesn't carry the Dexos2 designation accelerates DPF clogging and can cause regeneration problems. If you mostly drive in the city on short trips, shorten the change interval to 10,000 km. On the open road with longer trips, 15,000 km is an acceptable upper limit.
Owner tips
- Once a month, take your Meriva on a 30-40 minute drive on the open road at 2,500-3,000 RPM to allow DPF regeneration. Short city trips are this engine's biggest enemy.
- Check the history before putting down a deposit: use the chassis number to pull the full vehicle history through carVertical. From international registers you'll typically get real odometer readings by date, recorded accidents, number of previous owners and indicators of theft or total loss. We consider this essential before buying any used car, and with the Meriva B pay particular attention to how many owners it has had and whether the mileage is genuine. When paying for the report you can use the code GAGA for a 20% discount.
- Use oil meeting the Dexos2 specification (5W-30 ACEA C3) and change it every 10,000-15,000 km depending on your driving style. The factory 30,000 km interval is too aggressive for local conditions.
- Check the power steering pump oil level at every service. Oil leaking from the pump is a common early sign of failure.
- Inspect the plastic coolant expansion tank every year. If you see white residue or micro-cracks, replace it preventively.
- Lubricate the FlexDoor hinges and locks with silicone spray twice a year. You'll prevent an expensive lock module replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Opel Meriva B 1.7 CDTi reliable to 200,000 km?
With regular servicing and timely timing belt replacement, the 1.7 CDTi engine can last well beyond 250,000 km. The key is to react to ECU housing problems early and not neglect DPF regeneration. The most expensive fault we see is a combined ECU and power steering pump failure, so those two things should be checked regularly.
Which engine is the better choice in the Meriva B - 1.3 CDTi or 1.7 CDTi?
For city driving without many passengers, the 1.3 CDTi is powerful enough and cheaper to maintain. For family use with four passengers and luggage, the 1.7 CDTi is the only sensible choice because the 1.3 engine lacks the power for motorway driving and overtaking with a full car. The 1.7 uses about half a litre more fuel but offers significantly better driving comfort.
Is it worth converting the Meriva B 1.7 CDTi to LPG?
No. LPG conversion on a diesel engine isn't feasible the way it works on petrol engines. If you're considering a Meriva B on LPG, look for the version with the 1.4 turbo petrol engine (A14NET) which is suitable for LPG conversion and offers decent economy on gas.
How much does it cost to replace the power steering pump on the Meriva B?
Replacing the electro-hydraulic power steering pump is one of the more expensive repairs on this model. The price depends on the specific situation - get in touch for an estimate. A new pump is expensive, but a quality used one is significantly more affordable. Always check the electrical connectors and pump oil level before concluding the pump has failed, as sometimes a poor connection is the only culprit.
Does the Meriva B 1.7 CDTi have a timing chain or belt?
The 1.7 CDTi engine (A17DT, A17DTS, A17DTR) uses a timing belt, not a chain. Replacement is mandatory at 90,000-100,000 km or every 5-6 years, whichever comes first. Always replace the water pump together with the belt since you're accessing the same part of the engine and saving on the pump isn't worth it.
Why won't my Meriva B lock centrally?
The most common cause is a faulty microswitch in the lock of one of the rear FlexDoor doors. Diagnostics will identify exactly which side is affected. Lock replacement is a straightforward job. Until the repair, you can lock the doors manually with the key.
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop by the workshop - it's better to check early than pay for an expensive repair.