The Vauxhall Corsa Van is a popular choice for small businesses and sole traders as a compact and affordable van. Its nimble size makes it easy to manoeuvre and park, whilst still offering a good amount of space in the load area for storing tools, equipment or stock. The van is also available with a range of engines and trims to suit your needs, and comes with a host of features as standard, making it a great all–round package.
That’s not to say that that the Vauxhall Corsa van is without its faults. In this article, we take a look at the most common problems found on the Vauxhall Corsa van and answer the question: is the Vauxhall Corsa van reliable?
Corsa van Dashboard lights problems
If you’re like most people, you rely on your dashboard lights to tell you when something is wrong. But what happens when the lights themselves start acting up on your Corsa van?
Dashboard lights that flicker or fail to light up when you start your Corsa van can be a sign of a serious problem, so it’s important to get them checked out as soon as possible.
One possible cause of flickering or non-functioning dashboard lights is a problem with the electrical system. If your battery is old or damaged, it may not be able to provide enough power to keep the lights on.
Another possibility is that a fuse has blown. This is usually a simple fix that can be done by replacing the fuse.
Corsa van Automatic gearbox problems
Owners of automatic Corsa van often become aware of the dreaded torque converter lock-up clutch. Replacing the whole gearbox is a costly business and you can expect quotes of up to £3,000.
The good news is that a new gearbox may not be required. You can try getting a new torque converter fitted or even start by installing a cooler and putting in top grade new gearbox fluid.
Corsa van Clutch problems
One of the most common Corsa van van problems is with the clutch slipping due to an oil leak issue. Oil leaks seem to occur below the crankshaft oil seal when the oil goes past a certain level. This means the problem gets worse when oil is topped up.
Older models of the Corsa van are known for developing a noisy squealing clutch. The problem gets worse if left and is mostly a problem when idling or at low revs. A new clutch bearing usually sorts the problem out.
Corsa van Door lock problems
Door lock problems are a common issue on many vans. With the Corsa van, it appears to be mainly an electrical wiring issue that affects the central locking. You know there is an issue when the key fob gets the lights to flash but does not lock or unlock the driver’s door.
This problem should be an easy fix, but many owners report a head-scratching issue where they and the garage cannot find the exact cause. It is wise to check for broken wires in the wiring harness that runs in the rubber gaiter between the driver’s door and the car body to solve the problem.
Corsa van Alternator problems
Once again, we have a common problem that can be tested simply by starting the vehicle. The alternator is a common issue on Corsa van which can be identified by testing out the electrical systems. A new alternator may end up costing you a few hundred pounds which is annoying but not necessarily a deal-breaker.
Corsa van Oxygen sensor problems
If you notice your Corsa van is idling rough, or the fuel efficiency has decreased, it might be time to check the oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust pipe and monitors the exhaust gases coming out of the engine. It then sends a signal to the engine control unit to adjust the air/fuel mixture. If the oxygen sensor is not working properly on your Corsa van, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich.
There are a few symptoms that can indicate a problem with the oxygen sensor on most Corsa van:
-The Check Engine Light is on
-The engine is running rough
-The fuel efficiency has decreased
-The exhaust gases smell strange
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to take your Corsa van to a mechanic to have the oxygen sensor checked.
Corsa van Water pump problems
The larger engined Corsa van models are known for their water pump failures. This is due to defective seals and can be a big issue as water gets into the engine oil and leads to possible turbo failure or engine damage if not fixed. The bearings can also fail and if this happens the coolant escapes out of the overflow towards the rear of the engine.
A sign that this could be an issue is overheating or excessive (or more than usual) coolant consumption. The coolant warning light on the dash may also illuminate – ignore this at your peril.
How many miles can a Vauxhall Corsa van last?
Vauxhall Cora van are reasonably reliable and can last for many miles if well maintained and serviced on schedule. Looking on AutoTrader, the highest mileage Vauxhall Cora van has covered an impressive 147,000 miles, so that should give an idea of how long they can last.
