Six months of apparent DPF problems with an Astra

I have a 2012 Vauxhall Astra 1.7 diesel. It started to cut out in March 2013 and became unreliable. Vauxhall assistance (AA) said it was supermarket fuel. Local dealer said not enough miles being done to clear DPF. Current mileage at one year old is 23,000 including regular journeys of 150 miles at a time. Dealer then said not enough miles over 40mph! Regular journeys being done between 50-70mph.

The car has regularly become unreliable and dangerous, losing power, won't pull away etc. Final straw came while crossing a busy dual carriageway - when I set off the car wouldn't go more than 5mph! Scary!

Dealer says he needs to tell me how the engine works and how to drive the car? This issue has happened with different drivers. I don't want the car back until a fault has been identified. Dealer continually says it is a DPF issue. Can it really be with that mileage?

Asked on 3 September 2013 by David Helliwell

Answered by Honest John

What I'd simply suggest is to permanently switch fuels to Shell V-Power Nitro Plus. Even though it's more expensive to buy it actually works out cheaper because I'm achieving 9% better mpg on it. If that doesn't work, then the blame lies with the old tech engine simply not working properly with a DPF, but if this was universal there would be an outcry.

Tags: dpf diesel engines

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