2013 Opel Mokka Problems: 6 Known Issues

On the 2013-2018 Opel Mokka, a fault in the gas generator of the driver airbag can, when the airbag deploys, cause it to unfold uncontrolled and release metal fragments that can injure the occupants. It affects Opel Mokka and Mokka X cars built from 15 December 2011 to 6 June 2018 (Opel recall code KU3, extension), per the KBA recall as reported by ADAC. A 2018 Mokka X built after 6 June 2018 is outside this window. Check by VIN.

On the 2013-2019 Opel Mokka, an owner whose 2015 diesel Mokka was used mainly for short trips reports the particulate filter (DPF) warning coming on and returning, and the car smoking even after a 140-mile run, until the dealer carried out a manual filter clearance. On a 2017 Mokka X 1.6 CDTI, a recurring engine warning light with fault P2002 was cured by fitting the correct differential-pressure sensor, so a warning does not always mean a blocked filter. It affects diesel Mokka and Mokka X models with the 1.7 CDTI (A17DTS, 2013-2015) or the 1.6 CDTI (2015-2019; engine codes including B16DTN, B16DTU, B16DTH and D16DTH), but not the petrol engines. The 2017 car showed the fault at 45,000 km (about 28,000 miles).

On the 2013-2019 Opel Mokka 1.4 Turbo petrol 140 PS (A14NET / B14NET), owners of 1.4 Turbo petrol Mokkas report the timing chain being found stretched or defective. On a 2014 car the chain was found overstretched at a workshop visit, with the tensioner extended about 22 mm instead of about 3 mm; on a 2015 car the dealer diagnosed a defective chain after a noise from the front right of the engine. Another owner reports a 1.4 Turbo petrol needing a replacement engine, turbo, water pump and timing chain at 66,000 miles, after a problem that began with the heating. It affects Mokka and Mokka X models with the 1.4 Turbo 140 PS petrol engine (A14NET, or B14NET with Start/Stop), offered 2013-2019. The chain reports linked here are on 2014 and 2015 cars, built before the 152 PS engine was offered; the 2018 Mokka X uses the same 140 PS engine. It does not affect the 1.4 Turbo 152 PS direct-injection engine (B14XFT), the 1.6 petrol or the diesels. The chain problems were reported at 58,000 km (about 36,000 miles) on the 2015 car and 75,000 km (about 46,600 miles) on the 2014 car.

On the 2013-2019 Opel Mokka, the brake pedal may stick as a result of high vehicle interior temperatures, causing the brake lights to come on without brake pedal pressure. The recall covers Vauxhall Mokka X (UK) cars built from 30 May 2012 to 26 June 2019, per DVSA recall R/2021/063 (manufacturer reference E211801520, 21-C-014), issued 1 March 2021. Check your car by VIN.

On the 2013-2019 Opel Mokka, owners and an air-conditioning specialist report the Mokka's front-mounted A/C condenser leaking, so the system blows warm and goes empty again after a regas; one owner's condenser was holed by a stone. The specialist describes a 2017 Mokka whose condenser and built-in drier were both leaking oil and dye. It affects Mokka and Mokka X models with air conditioning, all engines; the reports cover 2013, 2016 and 2017 cars. The refrigerant type varies by vehicle; check the label under the bonnet.

On the 2013-2019 Opel Mokka, owners report Start/Stop no longer stopping the engine and the battery going flat when the car stands, with batteries replaced without curing it. In one case the cause was a small control lamp left switched on after a service, which drained the battery enough to disable Start/Stop within a day. Vauxhall's guide lists a battery in good condition and charged as a condition for Auto Stop. It affects first-generation Mokka and Mokka X models built 2012-2019. Start/Stop is standard on manual models and is also fitted to the 1.4 Turbo 152 PS automatic 4x4. Engines with Start/Stop carry codes with a B prefix, such as the B14NET, B14XFT and B16XER petrol engines and the B16DTN, B16DTU and B16DTH 1.6 CDTI diesels. The flat-battery reports are not limited to cars with Start/Stop. The owner reports linked here are on pre-facelift cars. One owner reported the problem at 46,000 km (about 28,600 miles).