About this model
The Opel Mokka A is a compact SUV produced since 2012 that quickly became a popular choice on the BiH used car market. In our region it most commonly comes with the 1.7 CDTI diesel engine (code A17DTS), which offers a good balance of power (130 HP) and fuel economy (5-6 l/100 km on the open road). The Mokka attracts buyers with its raised seating position, decent equipment levels and a relatively affordable price for the SUV class. From 2016 the facelifted version was sold as the Mokka X, but it is the same generation with cosmetic differences. Most examples on our market come from Germany and Austria with 150,000-250,000 km, which is precisely the zone where the typical faults we describe in this article start to appear.
Engines and variants
This model is most commonly available in BiH with the following engines.
A17DTS (1.7 CDTI 130 HP) - Isuzu-based four-cylinder diesel with common rail injection, timing belt, 96 kW. Produced from 2012 to 2015 and by far the most common diesel in the Mokka on the BiH market. Most susceptible to oil leaks at the engine-to-gearbox junction and crankshaft position sensor failure - problems inherited from the entire 1.7 CDTI family (Astra H, Astra J, Zafira B, Meriva). Parts are widely available and affordable because the same block is used across a large number of Opel models.
B16DTH (1.6 CDTI 136 HP) - GM's newer diesel that replaced the 1.7 CDTI from 2015 to 2019. Uses a timing chain instead of a belt, 100 kW. More modern but more problematic. The timing chain is the main concern as it tends to stretch after just 100,000 km, and replacement is significantly more expensive than the belt on the 1.7. Known issues also include increased oil consumption due to carbon-coked piston rings. Buyers choose it for the newer model year and slightly more refined operation.
A14NET (1.4 Turbo 140 HP) - Turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, 103 kW, available throughout the model's entire production run from 2012 to 2019. Less common on the BiH market since most buyers look for a diesel. Less prone to typical diesel faults (DPF, EGR), but has known issues with the thermostat and valve cover leaks. Well suited for LPG conversion, which makes it interesting for buyers who want SUV practicality without high fuel costs.
Reliability and reputation on the BiH market
The Mokka A has aged reasonably well on BiH roads. The body holds up well, and the interior is better quality than some competitors from the same period such as the Nissan Juke or early Renault Captur. The Isuzu-based 1.7 CDTI engine is fundamentally a reliable unit with a long history in Opel. The same block serves in the Astra H, Astra J, Zafira B and Meriva, so parts are no problem at all - available in any decent parts shop in Banja Luka and across BiH at reasonable prices. Mokka-specific weaknesses include the air conditioning system losing refrigerant earlier than the competition, and the oil leak at the engine-gearbox junction which is documented even at authorised dealers across Europe. On 4x4 variants, the electronically controlled clutch on the rear axle requires regular maintenance that many owners neglect. The typical buyer is a family driver who wants SUV height but doesn't want to step up to a bigger, more expensive segment like the Antara or Kuga. In our workshop we most commonly see the Mokka with over 170,000 km and complaints about the flywheel or DPF - faults that are resolved without major complications if caught in time.
Common faults we see
From our hands-on experience, here is what most commonly comes in for repair on this model.
1. Dual-mass flywheel (DMF)
Symptom: Metallic rattling from the engine area at idle, cabin vibrations, juddering when pulling away at low revs.
The A17DTS engine with 130 HP puts more stress on the dual-mass flywheel than the older 110 HP variants of the same block. The flywheel typically starts to give up after 150,000-200,000 km, sooner if the car is driven mostly in the city with frequent stops. The problem is especially pronounced on examples from Western Europe that were used for short trips. The Mokka as a heavier SUV (around 1,400 kg) puts additional strain on the flywheel compared to the lighter Astra J on the same engine.
Advice: When replacing the clutch, always check the flywheel for play. If there is any suspicious noise, replace both at the same time because the labour is the same and the savings on workshop time are significant.
2. EGR valve and EGR cooler
Symptom: Check engine light, power loss, black smoke on acceleration, rough idle, increased fuel consumption.
The Euro 5 version of the A17DTS engine (from 2012) has an EGR valve with a cooler that clogs with carbon, particularly in city driving. Beyond the valve itself, the EGR cooler is known to crack, causing coolant to leak into the intake manifold. The principle is similar to the Astra J with the same engine, but the Mokka is more often a city car, which accelerates the clogging. Short trips and frequent cold starts do not allow the engine to reach operating temperature long enough to burn off the deposits.
Advice: Regular cleaning of the EGR valve at 80,000-100,000 km extends the life of the system. If the cooler cracks, do not delay replacement because coolant in the cylinders can damage the engine.
3. Oil leak at the engine-to-gearbox junction
Symptom: Oil stains under the car, visible leak around the bellhousing, burning smell when oil drips onto the exhaust.
This is a well-known Mokka-specific weak point. The threads for the flywheel and drive plate bolts are poorly cut at the factory, so oil seeps at the junction between the engine block and gearbox housing. The issue is documented even at Vauxhall/Opel dealers in the UK. The repair requires removing the gearbox, cleaning the surfaces and applying thread-locking compound to the bolts. On the Astra J with the same engine this problem is rarer because the assembly is mounted differently.
Advice: This leak looks dramatic but usually does not lose large amounts of oil. Still, do not ignore it because oil on a hot exhaust is a fire risk.
4. DPF filter clogging
Symptom: DPF warning light on the dashboard, power loss, the car goes into limp mode, increased fuel consumption.
The Mokka with the A17DTS engine comes with a DPF filter (Euro 5). Short city trips do not allow the filter to regenerate, so soot particles accumulate. The problem can appear as early as 60,000-80,000 km if the car is driven exclusively in the city. The Mokka as a city SUV attracts exactly the type of owners who drive short distances, which is counterproductive for the DPF system. The taller body and greater weight mean higher engine load in city conditions compared to the lower-slung Astra.
Advice: Once every 2-3 weeks, take the car for a 20-30 minute drive on the open road at 2,500-3,000 RPM. That is the best prevention for the DPF. If the warning light has already come on, come in for diagnostics before the filter gets completely blocked.
5. Crankshaft position sensor (CKP)
Symptom: The car stalls while driving without warning, hard starting or no start at all, intermittent juddering.
The crankshaft position sensor on the A17DTS engine is a known weak point across the entire 1.7 CDTI family, from the Astra H through to the Mokka. It fails without prior warning, usually between 100,000 and 180,000 km. The replacement sensor is not expensive, but diagnostics can be confusing because the symptoms resemble a fuel problem or a high-pressure pump failure.
Advice: If the car occasionally won't start or stalls while driving, check the crankshaft position sensor first. On diagnostics it often throws code P0335 or P0336.
6. Rear brakes - seized caliper pistons
Symptom: The car pulls to one side under braking, burning smell from the rear wheels, uneven pad wear, hot disc after driving.
The rear calipers on the Mokka are prone to piston corrosion, especially in our climate with road salt in winter. The piston seizes in the housing and fails to retract the pad, leading to constant friction. The problem is more common on examples that have not been regularly serviced. The Mokka as an SUV with greater mass puts additional load on the rear brakes compared to lower hatchback models.
Advice: At every brake service, ask to have the pistons cleaned and lubricated. If they have already seized, sometimes they can be freed, but often the complete calipers need to be replaced.
7. A/C compressor and refrigerant leak
Symptom: A/C does not cool or cools weakly, audible clicking when the A/C is switched on, compressor cycles on and off constantly.
The Mokka A has a known A/C system weakness that differs from other models with the A17DTS engine. The compressor and fittings lose refrigerant relatively early, sometimes as soon as 50,000-60,000 km. The problem is documented on both petrol and diesel variants, which points to the A/C installation design being specific to the Mokka rather than engine-related. The system requires checking and recharging more often than on most competitors.
Advice: If the A/C gets weaker every year, simply topping up the refrigerant is not enough. Have the system checked with a UV lamp for leaks - they are usually at the fittings or the compressor itself.
8. All-wheel drive electronics (4x4 variant)
Symptom: Rear wheels do not receive power when needed, AWD system warning light on the dashboard, wheelspin in snow and rain despite the 4x4 system.
The Mokka with all-wheel drive uses an electronically controlled clutch on the rear axle (a system similar in principle to Haldex, although the implementation, software and typical faults differ from manufacturer to manufacturer). The electronics or mechanical components in the rear differential can fail, usually after 120,000+ km. The problem is insidious because it does not always produce a clear fault code on diagnostics. This is an exclusively Mokka-specific fault that does not exist on front-wheel-drive Opels with the same engine.
Advice: Regular oil changes in the rear differential (every 50,000-70,000 km depending on driving conditions) are the key preventive measure. Check that the 4x4 system is functional with a test drive on a slippery surface.
Service and maintenance
The timing belt on the A17DTS engine is replaced at 120,000-150,000 km or 6 years, whichever comes first - use the shorter interval for predominantly city driving with frequent cold starts. We recommend replacing the water pump at the same time because the price difference is minimal and the added peace of mind is significant. Oil should be 5W-30 dexos2 specification, change interval 12,000-15,000 km or once a year in our conditions. The factory interval of 30,000 km is too long because BiH fuel quality and driving conditions do not tolerate such intervals. The DPF system requires periodic forced regeneration if the car is driven exclusively in the city, which is a common scenario with the Mokka given the typical owner profile. On 4x4 variants, rear differential oil changes are mandatory at 50,000-70,000 km depending on how much the car is driven on gravel roads and in snow.
Owner tips
- Check the history before putting down a deposit: use the chassis number to pull the full vehicle history via carVertical. From international registers you 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, especially with the German and Austrian imports most commonly seen with the Mokka. When paying for the report you can use the code GAGA for a 20% discount.
- Use 5W-30 dexos2 specification oil and change it every 12,000-15,000 km or once a year. The factory interval of 30,000 km is too long for our conditions.
- Once every 2-3 weeks, take the Mokka for a 20-30 minute drive on the open road at 2,500+ RPM for DPF filter regeneration.
- On the 4x4 variant, change the rear differential oil every 50,000-70,000 km depending on conditions. This prevents the expensive electronic clutch failure.
- Check the coolant level regularly because a cracked EGR cooler can go unnoticed until more serious damage occurs.
- Clean and lubricate the rear brakes at every brake service because the caliper pistons on the Mokka are prone to corrosion in our climate.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Opel Mokka 1.7 CDTI reliable for 200,000 km?
The A17DTS engine is fundamentally reliable and 200,000 km is not a problem if it is properly maintained. The key is to shorten the oil change interval to 12,000-15,000 km, clean the EGR valve regularly and not delay timing belt replacement. Most of the serious faults we see come from neglected maintenance rather than design flaws in the engine.
Which engine is the better choice in the Mokka - 1.7 CDTI or 1.6 CDTI?
For BiH conditions we recommend the 1.7 CDTI. Although it is older and less refined, it has a timing belt instead of the problematic chain on the 1.6 CDTI, does not consume oil like the 1.6, and replacement parts are cheaper. The only advantage of the 1.6 CDTI is smoother operation and 6 HP more, but that does not justify the risk of an expensive timing chain replacement.
Is it worth fitting LPG to the Opel Mokka 1.4 Turbo?
Absolutely. The A14NET 1.4 Turbo engine handles LPG very well and is one of the better candidates for LPG conversion in the compact SUV class. Consumption on LPG is around 9-10 l/100 km, which is still cheaper than diesel. Come in for a free assessment at our workshop.
How does Mokka maintenance cost compare to the Nissan Juke?
The Mokka is generally cheaper to maintain. Parts for the 1.7 CDTI engine are widely available and more affordable than those for the Nissan 1.5 dCi (Renault engine) in the Juke. Service intervals are similar, but the Mokka has the advantage of wider mechanic familiarity with the Opel platform in BiH.
Is the 4x4 version of the Mokka problematic?
The all-wheel drive system in the Mokka works well as long as it is maintained. The key is regular oil changes in the rear differential every 50,000-70,000 km depending on driving conditions. The electronic clutch can fail after 120,000 km, and replacement is a significant job. For buyers who do not regularly drive in snow or on gravel, front-wheel drive is the smarter choice.
What should I check when buying a used Mokka 1.7 CDTI?
Check the DPF filter condition with diagnostics (pressure before and after the filter), listen for flywheel noise at idle, look for oil traces at the engine-gearbox junction, and make sure to test the A/C. On the 4x4 version, verify that the rear wheels actually receive power on a slippery surface.
How long does the timing belt last on the Mokka 1.7 CDTI?
The factory interval is 150,000 km or 6 years. We recommend replacement at 120,000-130,000 km if the car is predominantly driven in the city with frequent cold starts. Replace the water pump and tensioner at the same time because the price difference is minimal and the added peace of mind is significant.
If you notice any of these symptoms, drop by the workshop - it is better to check early than to pay for an expensive repair.