2.0 CDTI (A20DTH / A20DT)
2008–2017 · diesel · 1956cc · 160hp
Engine codes: A20DTH, A20DT, A20DTJ
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Opel Insignia A 2.0 CDTI (A20DTH / A20DT). Check this before you buy used.
The 2.0 CDTI is the volume Insignia engine and the sensible high-mileage choice — torquey, economical and well-matched to the big car. It's a chain-driven GM diesel; the watch items are timing-chain wear (rattle), the swirl-flap/intake and EGR sooting, DPF clogging on short trips, and injector wear, with some cars known for oil-pump or balance-related noise on neglect. With disciplined oil and motorway use it covers big distances; buy on a documented service record.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (A20DTH) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
Known Issues
Chain/tensioner wear → rattle; labour-involved job.
Fix / Workaround: Strict oil; replace chain kit at rattle.
Repair cost: €500–€1300
Typically appears after: 150,000 km
DPF clogs on short trips; EGR and intake/swirl soot up.
Fix / Workaround: Motorway regens; clean EGR/intake.
Repair cost: €250–€1100
Typically appears after: 140,000 km
Injectors wear with mileage → rough running, smoke.
Fix / Workaround: Injector test; recon/replace.
Repair cost: €200–€900
Typically appears after: 160,000 km
Mileage Thresholds
After 160,000 km: Chain + DPF + injector window.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Cold-start chain rattle check
- ☐DPF + EGR history (city cars)
- ☐Oil + injector records — the engine to buy
Frequently asked questions
Is the Opel Insignia A 2.0 CDTI (A20DTH / A20DT) reliable?
Maint. Sensitive — The 2.0 CDTI is the volume Insignia engine and the sensible high-mileage choice — torquey, economical and well-matched to the big car. It's a chain-driven GM diesel; the watch items are timing-chain wear (rattle), the swirl-flap/intake and EGR sooting, DPF clogging on short trips, and injector wear, with some cars known for oil-pump or balance-related noise on neglect. With disciplined oil and motorway use it covers big distances; buy on a documented service record.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Opel Insignia A 2.0 CDTI (A20DTH / A20DT)?
The most commonly reported problems: Timing chain wear, DPF / EGR / swirl, Injector wear.
Is a used Opel Insignia A 2.0 CDTI (A20DTH / A20DT) worth buying?
Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.