IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2020 Vauxhall Crossland (X)

The Crossland X was facelifted in 2020 and renamed to simply Crossland, dropping the X suffix that had been used since UK sales began in the summer of 2017. The change brought revised front-end styling in line with the rest of the range and updated powertrains before the model was replaced by the Frontera in 2024.

What changed for 2020

  • •Model name shortened from Crossland X to Crossland
  • •Revised front styling and updated trim
  • •Engine range updated to the 1.2 Turbo and 1.5 BlueHDi units
  • •Model continued to 2024 when the Frontera took over

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Corroded brake pipes and tired rear dampers on early cars
  • !Check the rear parking camera and sensors work, as they are a common owner complaint
4
Known Issues
1
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

1.2 PureTech "Wet" Timing Belt Degradation

SeriousEngine

The timing belt runs inside the engine oil. If the wrong oil is used or intervals are missed, the belt degrades, shedding debris that blocks the oil pickup pipe and destroys the engine.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,000–£3,000+
Warning Signs:

Low oil pressure warning, Engine management light, Brake servo assistance lost (hard pedal)

What to Inspect:
  • Open the oil filler cap and inspect the visible portion of the timing belt for cracking or fraying
  • Demand flawless service history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Air Conditioning Condenser Leak

ModerateCooling System

The condenser mounted low behind the front grille is susceptible to stone chips and corrosion, leading to gradual loss of refrigerant.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£450
Warning Signs:

Air conditioning blowing warm, Hissing after engine shutdown, Oily residue on condenser

What to Inspect:
  • Confirm cold air output from all vents
  • Inspect the condenser through the grille
  • Avoid cars that were just regassed to hide a leak
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

1.2 PureTech Oil Consumption

ModerateEngine

Some PureTech engines consume oil at an elevated rate, requiring top-ups between services. This can be exacerbated by short-trip driving where the engine does not reach full operating temperature.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£200 (oil top-ups)
Warning Signs:

Oil level drops between services, Engine management light for oil pressure, Need to carry spare oil

What to Inspect:
  • Check oil level during the inspection
  • Ask about oil consumption between services
  • Verify correct oil grade has always been used
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Rear Suspension Bush Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The rear axle bushes can wear prematurely, causing knocking noises over bumps and vague rear-end handling that may affect MOT results.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£400
Warning Signs:

Knocking from rear over bumps, Vague rear-end feel, MOT advisory for bush play

What to Inspect:
  • Drive over speed bumps and listen
  • Inspect rear bushes for visible cracking
  • Check MOT history for suspension advisories
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2020 Vauxhall Crossland (X)

  • Facelifted 2020-on cars are better equipped and worth the small premium
  • Inspect the DPF service history on any diesel-crossland used for short trips
2017–20192021–2024
Check a 2020 Vauxhall Crossland (X) by Registration