Vauxhall Grandland common problems, recalls and buying checks (2017–present)

Written by the C4R team from DVSA data and owner reports. Fact-checked 2026-10-08.

At a glance: generations, engines and verdict

The first generation is a practical family SUV, but the powertrain changes the risk. Vauxhall acknowledges premature timing-belt degradation on previous-generation 1.2 PureTech engines, while a DVSA recall links detached belt material to reduced brake-vacuum assistance on a limited Grandland X build window. The 1.5 diesel has a separate confirmed camshaft-chain recall. The newer 48V hybrid uses a chain-driven 1.2, according to Vauxhall's price guide, and must not be treated as the older non-hybrid wet-belt engine.

Sources for the range and timing-drive distinction: Auto Express first-generation buyer's guide, Vauxhall next-generation announcement and Vauxhall Grandland price guide.

Known issues and high-priority checks

1. Non-hybrid 1.2 Turbo timing-belt deterioration

Label: Manufacturer-recognised issue; confirmed recall R/2022/352 applies only to the specified build window.

• Affected: previous-generation 1.2 petrol engines using an oil-immersed timing belt. Do not identify the engine from registration year alone: late cars were also offered with a chain-driven 48V hybrid.
• What can happen: Vauxhall says premature belt degradation can cause an oil-pressure issue. The DVSA recall says material detaching from the belt as the oil ages can affect the brake vacuum pump.
• Buying check: obtain itemised servicing and belt invoices, confirm that the specified oil was used, and ask a Vauxhall retailer to identify the engine and check outstanding campaigns from the VIN. Treat an oil-pressure or brake-assistance warning as a reason to stop and investigate, not as a code to clear.
• Repair position: the necessary work depends on inspection and diagnosis. Avoid assuming that a belt-only quotation covers cleaning or damage elsewhere in the lubrication system.

This is corroborated independently by Vauxhall's PureTech support page and DVSA recall R/2022/352 in the official recalls CSV. Eligibility for Vauxhall support is conditional; check the current terms rather than assuming that every car or invoice is covered.

2. 1.5 diesel camshaft-chain wear

Label: Confirmed recall R/2025/245.

• Affected: DV5R 1.5 diesels in the DVSA Grandland row with build dates from 13 October 2017 to 31 January 2023. A build window does not prove that an individual vehicle is included; check the VIN.
• What can happen: premature wear can produce abnormal engine noise and, in the worst case, chain breakage.
• Recall remedy: update the software to improve oil pressure and reduce wear, check for engine noise and replace the chain if required. If no problem is found, the recall specifies an oil change to a higher-viscosity oil with anti-wear additives.
• Buying check: insist on a cold start, listen for unusual top-end noise and obtain confirmation that the campaign is complete.

The wording and build dates were verified against DVSA's CSV and are consistent with Vauxhall's 1.5 BlueHDi information.

3. Diesel emissions-system campaigns

These are confirmed campaigns rather than proof that every diesel has a recurring fault:

• R/2019/117: particulate emissions could be higher than specified; inspect and, where needed, replace the DPF and update software.
• R/2020/288: the urea injector could block and raise NOx emissions; update the ECU software.
• R/2020/329: the DPF could crack; replace the affected filter.
• R/2025/342: the malfunction light might not illuminate for an SCR or DPF fault; update the ECU software.

On a test drive, reject unexplained emissions warnings or a no-restart countdown until the cause is diagnosed. A diesel used mainly for short journeys may struggle to complete DPF regeneration; the RAC DPF guide explains the general usage risk. Scan the car and inspect campaign completion rather than assuming that a refill or cleared code is a repair.

4. Plug-in-hybrid battery campaigns

Several separate recalls cover limited PHEV populations. They include cell-voltage mismatch, water ingress around the battery reinforcement or cover, and battery overheating or fire risk. Some remedies are software updates; others require inspection or battery replacement. R/2025/380 specifically told affected owners to stop plug-in and eSave charging until rectification.

Charge a used PHEV from both the supplied cable and a suitable charge point, test EV and hybrid modes, scan the high-voltage and combustion systems, and obtain written VIN-level confirmation that every applicable battery campaign is complete. The first-generation PHEV uses a 1.6 petrol engine, so the 1.2 wet-belt and 1.5 diesel-chain sections do not apply to it.

What the 2024 MOT data says

• First-time pass rate: 85.6% from 69,196 normal Class 4 and 7 Vauxhall Grandland model-family tests.
• National comparison: 71.5% across the same dataset, putting the Grandland 14.1 percentage points above the national first-time pass rate.
• Typical tested mileage: median 34,936 miles; mean 37,000 miles.

The leading advisories were tyre tread close to the limit or worn on an edge (20.0%), worn, pitted or scored brake discs (9.7%), and brake pads wearing thin (9.4%). One test can record more than one item, so the percentages must not be added together.

Method and limits: C4R calculated these de-duplicated model-family figures from DVSA's anonymised 2024 MOT results. Pass rate is P / (P + F + PRS) for normal Class 4 and 7 tests. The results describe the tested population and do not predict the condition of one car or separate every engine, trim and generation.

DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results

Confirmed recalls from the DVSA recalls file

C4R checked the local DVSA recalls CSV on 8 October 2026. It contains 34 distinct Vauxhall Grandland references. The table below includes every row whose make is Vauxhall and whose model field begins with Grandland. Dates are build windows, not registration years, and inclusion in a window does not prove that a particular VIN is affected.

Check the exact car on the GOV.UK recall checker and ask Vauxhall to confirm completed and outstanding campaigns by VIN.

Buyer and test-drive checklist

1. Identify the exact engine, gearbox and hybrid system from the VIN; do not infer the timing drive from the year alone.
2. Check the MOT history and obtain written recall status. On a PHEV, confirm every applicable battery campaign.
3. Start the engine from cold. On a 1.5 diesel, listen for abnormal top-end noise.
4. For a non-hybrid 1.2, require correct-oil service records and itemised evidence of any timing-belt work.
5. Scan all modules. On a diesel, inspect DPF and SCR data; on a PHEV, inspect charging and high-voltage faults.
6. Test infotainment, cameras, parking sensors, SOS or connected services, air conditioning, both keys and the 12V battery.
7. Test automatic engagement cold and warm, brake firmly in a safe place and listen for suspension knocks.
8. Inspect tyre tread and edges, brake discs and pads in light of the MOT data.
9. Obtain an independent pre-purchase inspection before paying.

Running costs

Fuel use varies substantially by engine, gearbox and journey. A PHEV only delivers its main fuel-saving benefit when it is charged regularly and used for suitable trips. Compare the exact derivative's official WLTP figure with a realistic owner-use pattern rather than relying on one model-wide number.

Insurance depends on the exact derivative, driver and postcode. Vehicle tax depends on registration date, emissions, fuel type and, where applicable, original list price. Check the registration with an insurer and use the GOV.UK vehicle-tax tables. Obtain written servicing and repair quotations for the specific car; this guide does not quote unsupported fixed costs.

Discuss the Vauxhall Grandland in the forum

Use the Vauxhall Grandland forum, giving the year, engine, gearbox, mileage, diagnostic codes and service history. Forum replies are not a diagnosis.

Sources and further reading

• DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch recalls database
• GOV.UK vehicle recall checker
• DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results
• Vauxhall PureTech customer support
• Vauxhall 1.5 BlueHDi information
• Vauxhall next-generation Grandland announcement
• Vauxhall Grandland price guide
• Auto Express first-generation Grandland buyer's guide
• RAC diesel particulate-filter guide

Open-data attribution: Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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