6th Apr 2012, 04:12
I have big problems with my 5000 miles Astra handbrake. Please let me know what they find. dinosaurmark@hotmail.co.uk
27th Apr 2012, 23:09
I have had the Insignia for over 2 years. It has an electric handbrake, and it is just an extra expense when it goes wrong.
The flywheel goes around 40 to 50k.
I am on 67k, and the car is falling apart. Brake caliper went just after the warranty ran out, radiator is leaking just after the warranty ran out, handbrake is on its way out just after the warranty ran out. So beware as soon as you hit 60k - big bucks.
12th Oct 2012, 13:54
I have similar problem with my 2009 Insignia. Unfortunately I have had the car from new, and the clutch has been replaced, we have had a new gear box, flywheel, rear boot lock and scoring brake discs.
Now as we have a problem that it appears to be leaking water as the coolant light code 3 is appearing, and I am continually having to fill up water jar, but am unable to find the source of the leak. Can you advise where the leak was detected in your car and what Vauxhall did to help? Is anyone else having this problem?
25th Sep 2024, 16:00
Interesting to read this comment section all these years later. Surprised to hear the Insignia had soo many of the now known common faults even when it was relatively new (I thought it was only when older they showed up).
It's now 2024 and I have had a few Insignia's. Petrol and diesel. First off, if buying petrol, the 1.4 turbo is well worth going for over the old 1.8 petrol - just better performance and economy. The old 1.8 struggled for just 35 mpg, the 1.4 manages a bit more with slightly better economy despite being a smaller engine. Watch for turbo failure on the 1.4T however. The 1.8 is at-least simpler and more reliable, if you can put up with its lackluster performance and economy! The biggest issue is the Insignia is too heavy (1500kg or more) compared to the old Vectra which only weighed around 1300kg, that's why the 1.8 was more suited to that car.
Gearboxes and clutches/flywheels are another nightmare, fitted to pre-facelift cars (M32 manual) 2008 - 2013. Updated cars are better.
As for diesels, they are as problematic as any modern diesel. DPF's, DMF's, injectors, turbo boost pipe failures, etc you name it, it happens to this car. And the dreaded oil seal failure on some earlier 2.0 CDTi's which can seize the engine.
The reason I persevered with this car however is that I have got to know its common faults well and how to prevent them - preventative maintenance. Expensive, but worth it if you know a good mechanic. The 2008 - 2013 Insignia is only worthwhile now if you can get it fixed for cheap - a lot will be getting scrapped now, and to be honest the 2014 face-lifted car is better and addressed some of these common faults, and the newer 2017 onward car is much better, an all new car.
But the Insignia "A" from 2008 to 2013 is a still a really good looking, nice to drive car that is worth it if you can find a good one with common faults addressed.
14th Oct 2024, 16:41
The problem with the Mk1 Insignia (2008-2016) is that most of them are not ULEZ compliant, so they will end up being very costly to run despite being cheap to buy.
The Mk2 Insignia (2016-2022) is ULEZ compliant, but they are not cheap yet to buy and it only works if you go for the petrol 1.5 Turbo 165 or 2.0 Turbo Diesel 170. Avoid the 1.6 Turbo Diesel and the 1.5 Turbo Diesel as they are too gutless for the size of the car.
30th Mar 2012, 13:48
My 09 1.8 Insignia had a problem with the handbrake lever in the first year. The ratchet appeared to miss now and again. It was replaced under warranty.
The car is now just over 3 years old, and the handbrake problem is back again. I've been in touch with Vauxhall, and am at present waiting for their opinion. Hopefully it'll be favourable. Watch this space. Has anyone had similar problems?