IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2020 Vauxhall Insignia Mk2

The 2020 facelift brought a wider grille, revised lights and a slimmed-down engine range, with new 1.5 and 2.0 diesels replacing the old units. UK ordering closed in May 2022, so these are the final Insignias sold here.

What changed for 2020

  • •Revised front grille, bumpers and lighting, plus an updated cabin and infotainment
  • •1.5 three-cylinder diesel with 122bhp and a new 2.0 diesel replaced the older 1.6 and 2.0 units
  • •Petrol choice narrowed to the 2.0 turbo in Europe as the 1.5 was dropped
  • •Customer ordering in the UK closed in May 2022, with production for the UK ending that autumn

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !AdBlue injector, heater and NOx sensor faults on the latest diesels
  • !DPF warning lamps on low-mileage ex-fleet cars that never warm through
  • !Tyre pressure monitoring faults after wheel or sensor replacement
  • !Worn front tyres and uneven wear on the heavier diesel models
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

1.5 Turbo Timing Chain Rattle

SeriousEngine

Some 1.5 petrol cars develop chain noise on cold starts, especially where oil quality or interval discipline has been poor.

Est. Repair Cost: £700–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Chain rattle from cold, Timing-related engine fault codes, Rough running after startup

What to Inspect:
  • Insist on a cold start
  • Check oil-service records closely
  • Look for chain or tensioner replacement history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

AdBlue and NOx-System Faults (2.0 Diesel)

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

SCR-system faults ranging from NOx sensors to AdBlue injector or heater problems can trigger countdown messages, poor running and expensive diagnostics.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£1,200
Warning Signs:

AdBlue warning, No start in X miles message, Engine-management light when hot

What to Inspect:
  • Drive until fully warm
  • Check for NOx-sensor, injector or AdBlue repair history
  • Avoid short-trip diesel examples
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Infotainment and Tailgate Electronics Glitches

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Touchscreens, reversing cameras and electric tailgate modules can freeze, lag or stop responding intermittently on otherwise tidy cars.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£500
Warning Signs:

Frozen screen, Camera image missing, Electric tailgate stutters or refuses to latch

What to Inspect:
  • Use nav, media and camera functions during the drive
  • Open and close the power tailgate repeatedly
  • Check for software-update history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2020 Vauxhall Insignia Mk2

  • A 2020-2022 car is the newest and best equipped, but confirm recall and software updates were done
  • The 1.5 diesel is economical but rare; parts and diagnostic knowledge are thinner than for the 2.0
  • Avoid a diesel that has spent its life on short trips, regardless of low mileage
  • Check the service record for AdBlue top-ups and any emissions-related repairs
2018–20192021
Check a 2020 Vauxhall Insignia Mk2 by Registration