IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2014 Vauxhall Adam

Spring 2014 transformed the Adam: a 1.0-litre turbo triple arrived in 90 and 115bhp forms, the 148bhp Adam S became the hot variant, and the jacked-up Adam Rocks added a folding canvas roof. These are the most desirable used Adams.

What changed for 2014

  • •New 1.0T SIDI three-cylinder in 90bhp and 115bhp forms, paired with a six-speed manual
  • •Adam S added a 148bhp 1.4 turbo, stiffer suspension, revised steering and larger brakes
  • •Adam Rocks introduced raised ride height, black cladding and an electric folding canvas roof
  • •IntelliLink infotainment and OnStar connectivity became more widely available

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Damaged alloys and pinched tyres on low-profile rubber fitted to S and Rocks models
  • !Brake disc corrosion on low-mileage S cars that are driven hard then parked for long periods
  • !Water leaks and electrical warnings on Rocks cars where the canvas roof drains block
  • !Worn front top mounts producing a creak when steering at parking speeds
4
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
2
Minor

All Known Issues

Timing Chain Stretch (1.0 Turbo)

SeriousEngine

The 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder engine can suffer from timing chain stretch if oil changes are not performed on schedule, leading to rattling on start-up and potential engine damage.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£900
Warning Signs:

Rattle on cold start, Engine management light, P0016 timing-related fault codes

What to Inspect:
  • Insist on a stone-cold start to hear any rattle
  • Demand proof of correct oil grade and change intervals
  • Look for chain or tensioner replacement history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Ignition Coil Pack Failure

ModerateEngine

A very common issue on the 1.2 and 1.4 naturally aspirated engines. The coil pack fails, leading to a noticeable misfire and a flashing engine management light.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£200
Warning Signs:

Engine misfire, Flashing engine management light, Loss of power, Rough idle

What to Inspect:
  • Check for a smooth idle when the engine is warm
  • Ask if the coil pack has been replaced recently
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Infotainment Connectivity Dropouts

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Bluetooth and smartphone integration via the IntelliLink system can be intermittent, with pairing failures and audio dropouts reported regularly.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£200
Warning Signs:

Bluetooth disconnects unexpectedly, Phone audio cuts out, Slow or failed phone pairing

What to Inspect:
  • Pair your own phone during the test drive
  • Check for software update history
  • Test audio streaming over Bluetooth
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Suspension Knock from Drop Links

MinorSuspension & Chassis

The front anti-roll bar drop links wear prematurely, producing a clunking noise over bumps and potholes that is often mistaken for something more serious.

Est. Repair Cost: £80–£150
Warning Signs:

Clunk from front over bumps, Rattle at low speed on rough roads, MOT advisory for play in links

What to Inspect:
  • Drive over rough surfaces
  • Inspect drop-link boots for splits
  • Check if both sides were replaced together
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2014 Vauxhall Adam

  • The 1.0T is the pick for motorway use; the naturally aspirated 1.2 feels breathless on A-roads
  • On an Adam S, budget for tyres and check the front shoulders for uneven wear
  • Open and close the Rocks canvas roof fully and clear the drain tubes of leaves
  • Insist on a cold start to hear the 1.0 turbo's chain, and check the oil grade used
20132015–2019
Check a 2014 Vauxhall Adam by Registration