Van Guide

Vauxhall Vivaro and Renault Trafic Common Faults

The Vivaro and Trafic share a platform. Known issues include timing chain failure, gearbox problems, and electrical faults.

The Vauxhall Vivaro and Renault Trafic are mechanical twins built on a shared platform. The most serious known issue on earlier models (2014-2019) is timing chain failure on the 1.6-litre BiTurbo diesel engine — the chain stretches and can snap, causing total engine destruction. Regular oil changes with the correct specification oil reduce the risk but do not eliminate it. Gearbox issues are also reported, particularly with the 6-speed manual, including bearing noise and difficult gear selection. Electrical faults — including the stop-start system malfunctioning, infotainment screen freezing, and random warning lights — are common owner complaints. The later 2.0-litre engine (2019 onwards) is more reliable but still benefits from regular oil changes every 10,000 miles rather than the extended service interval.