The Most Common Failures Of The Chevrolet Corsa: Problems And Solutions
The Corsa one of the classic vehicles of our time. There are millions of Corsas on the urban and rural roads of Europe and the American continent, since it has become one of the best-selling cars of all time. But some faults do not escape him, we have here the common faults of the Chevrolet Corsa , keep reading!
This car has been marketed under various brands, Chevrolet, Vauxhall, Holden and Opel . The second edition of the vehicle, available as a small town car, introduced the Corsa to a global market and since then there have been no signs of its popularity abating.
Common failures of the Chevrolet Corsa
Do you want to buy a second-hand Chevrolet, Vauxhall or Opel Corsa? As with all used cars, there are many problems that you will have to avoid. In this article, we have listed some of the common Chevrolet Corsa problems that will help inform and guide you in your purchase.
It does not hurt to know some common problems that the Chevrolet Corsa sometimes presents.
1- Problems with the airbag (Safety airbags)
If the Corsa you’re thinking of buying was built between 2000 and 2006, check the service history. You will want to check that the front airbags have been fully tested, as there is a known glitch in the software system that may affect their operation.
2- Failed to adjust the seats
Another failure in Corsas built during the 2000-2006 period is a failure in the seat adjuster, where the latch spring is known to fail, preventing the seat from locking into a proper position.
This is a relatively easy problem to spot before a test drive. Just check that the seat is not stuck in its rearmost position.
3- Problems with the ABS system
Is the Corsa’s ABS warning light on? If you try the ABS system, does the car skid and the brakes lock up? The culprit could be a known issue with this system, which is prone to allowing water into the car, causing the electronic ABS controls to malfunction.
4- Faults in the steering wheel
When you go to test drive the car, you should notice if the steering wheel wobbles or feels a little loose. There is a problem with the central nut that holds the steering wheel. Although it’s an annoying glitch, it’s relatively easy to fix and shouldn’t affect your purchase decision.
5- Brake problems
If the Corsa you’re considering buying was built after 2008, there’s a chance the brake system wasn’t properly filled with hydraulic fluid . Test the brakes, if you are taking longer than normal to stop or there is spongy and inadequate pedal response then the vehicle may need a proper service to fix this problem.
6- Failure in the parking brake
During a test drive of the Corsa, take a moment to check the parking brake. There is a common Chevrolet Corsa fault where the drive cable can become loose at the mounting end and move in its bracket. This prevents proper application of the brake.
Obviously, the parking brake is one of the most crucial parts for the safety of the entire vehicle, so if an issue arises, you’ll want to prioritize fixing it. A particularly common problem on Corsas made between 2009 and 2010 involves the parking brake coming out of its bracket.
This renders the parking brake totally useless, which may not be an immediate problem, but can pose serious problems for anyone trying to park it on a hill.
To fix the problem, you will need to replace the mount or bracket . Don’t forget to test it thoroughly before taking it out on the road again.
7- Corsa does not start
There are several known issues with the Corsa’s electrical systems that can manifest in different ways. One of the most common is with the ignition system , which can often fail to start on the first try.
8- Problems with the air conditioning
You should always check the air conditioning completely before you drop your money, with the Corsa something else happens. If the unit is not pumping any cold air, it is most likely a serious problem with the plumbing .
9- Failure with the clutch
One of the most annoying problems that can affect this small Chevrolet car is a bad clutch. While this issue can be quickly resolved by a service, there are reports of it returning to the vehicle multiple times, affecting road handling and management, especially in urban areas.
10- Failures in the radiator
Another weak point of the Corsa is the radiator. Take a look under the hood and be sure to watch for any kind of fluid leaks and check that the coolant levels are normal.
11- Fault in the water pump
Thinking of buying a 1.4-litre Corsa? There are common Chevrolet Corsa problems that manifest in the water pump, they can cause the belt to malfunction in the engine, creating extensive damage.
Most mechanics suggest that the water pump be changed every time the belt is replaced, so check the service history to make sure this job has been completed.
12- Gearbox problems
You don’t have to be a professional mechanic to know how important the gearbox is. The main function of it is to optimize the rotational speed of the engine, but it cannot do this job properly unless the gearbox is fully aligned and in good working order. Pay attention to any signs that it isn’t.
If you notice excessive play in the shifter, and especially if it struggles to shift into first, second, or reverse gear, it probably points to a gear problem. In the case of pre-owned Corsas, this means that a plastic ball joint has slipped out of the linkage, causing the gears to slip.
To fix it, all you have to do is install a new gear selector linkage.
13- MAF sensor failure (air flow sensor)
As in any car, chemistry is important in a Corsa’s combustion engine, which maintains a very delicate mixture of air and fuel to keep it running smoothly. The airflow sensor plays a crucial role in regulating this mixture by controlling the amount of air entering it.
Too much or too little can end up causing mechanical damage to the engine. The most common symptoms are the car suddenly lurching forward or ” hesitating ” under acceleration.
The solution is equally easy. Sometimes the airflow sensor may simply be dirty, which means it will send limited information (or maybe no information at all) to the Electronic Control Unit – basically the “brain” of the car. The airflow sensor may need to be completely removed , replaced with a new one that will send the correct information to the ECU.
14- Oil pressure switch fails faulty
If you’re an experienced mechanic, you’ll already know that the operation of most oil pressure switches involves a momentary warning light on the instrument panel coming on every time the car is started.
However, this light should disappear after a very short time. If it doesn’t, it could be a sign of a problem. It could even be that the engine has an oil leak . Often in the case of Corsas this is caused by a faulty oil pressure switch.
You may need a new switch, but it’s worth checking the connectors and wiring for a tight fit first, and inspecting them for damage. Then check the housing for leaks as well as the motor connection and lastly the switch flange.
Depending on the build of the engine, you will find the oil pressure switch on the engine’s cylinder block or on the oil filter housing, or even on the engine’s cylinder head. If all other solutions don’t work, prepare to replace the oil switch.
To end
The Corsa is a great second hand vehicle. The range of options available is vast, and if this is your vehicle of choice, there’s no excuse for settling for lack of quality. If you don’t like the car they offer you because of its high price, get ready to look for one that fits your needs and your budget.
