Vauxhall Meriva Common Problems and Solutions
The Boot Won’t Open
Problem:
You can’t open the boot.
Solution:
This will be a problem caused by your boot switch, which will need to be replaced if you want to carry on using your boot. We always have boot switches in stock for the Meriva because they are known to fail regularly.
Difficulty level
Losing Brake Power
Problem:
The car is taking a long time to come to a complete stop.
Solution:
Everyone knows that brake pads need to be replaced often, but the Meriva gets through brake pads very quickly indeed. Typically, they will only last around 18,000 miles. You’ll need to change all of your brake pads at the same time if you want to keep your braking even, and we sell the Meriva brake pads for each wheel.
Difficulty level
Brake Pads
Knocking Noise From Suspension
Problem:
You can hear a knocking sound coming from your suspension, particularly when driving over uneven surfaces.
Solution:
You will probably assume that this is a problem with your suspension system, but the cause is actually your steering rack. If you don’t replace the steering rack quickly, then you will end up causing serious damage to your suspension system, though, so order your replacement from us as soon as possible.
Difficulty level
Steering Rack
The Boot Won’t Open
Problem:
You can’t open the boot.
Solution:
This will be a problem caused by your boot switch, which will need to be replaced if you want to carry on using your boot. We always have boot switches in stock for the Meriva because they are known to fail regularly.
Difficulty level
Losing Brake Power
Problem:
The car is taking a long time to come to a complete stop.
Solution:
Everyone knows that brake pads need to be replaced often, but the Meriva gets through brake pads very quickly indeed. Typically, they will only last around 18,000 miles. You’ll need to change all of your brake pads at the same time if you want to keep your braking even, and we sell the Meriva brake pads for each wheel.
Difficulty level
Brake Pads
Knocking Noise From Suspension
Problem:
You can hear a knocking sound coming from your suspension, particularly when driving over uneven surfaces.
Solution:
You will probably assume that this is a problem with your suspension system, but the cause is actually your steering rack. If you don’t replace the steering rack quickly, then you will end up causing serious damage to your suspension system, though, so order your replacement from us as soon as possible.
Difficulty level
Steering Rack
Power steering fault
Problem:
It has been known for the power steering to go on the Vauxhall Meriva, making the vehicle extremely difficult to move. This fault has even been known to cause the steering to jam and it is a very common problem on this vehicle. Watch the video below to see the power steering fault in action.
Solution:
Some Vauxhall dealers would allow the vehicle to be fixed free of charge, but strangely enough this fault was never subject to a recall.
Difficulty level
Steering problems
Problem:
It is a very common fault on the Meriva to hear a real clunking noise from the front end and noises from the dashboard area. This is caused by a faulty steering rack and column.
Solution:
Unfortunately, the only way to resolve this issue is to have a new steering rack and column fitted.
Difficulty level
Steering Rack
Low oil levels
Problem:
The 1.0L Meriva is known for consuming a lot of engine oil.
Solution:
On these vehicles make sure that you keep a check on the oil levels on a weekly basis. Make sure the oil is a golden brown colour, and the levels are at least half way and no higher than the full mark. Top up the oil if need be, and change the oil filter and oil immediately if the oil is black.
Difficulty level
Squealing noise from wheels
Problem:
When you are driving along (usually any speed under 30mph) and you hear a squealing noise, your brake pads are binding. The brakes pads on the Vauxhall Meriva usually last no longer than 18,000 miles and this noise indicates that they need changing.
Solution:
Fitting new brake pads will sort this out. Remember to fit both sides of the car at the same time to get even braking.
Difficulty level
Brake Pads
Gear changing problem
Problem:
If you are noticing that you are having problems with changing gears, mainly when engaging any of the gears, then it sounds like a gear linkage problem.
Solution:
Whichever gear you are struggling to engage in, you will need to have that linkage replaced to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Gear Linkage
Knocking noise from suspension
Problem:
If you have noticed that there is a knocking noise coming from the suspension when you are driving over bumps or rough surfaces then it is most likely a problem with the steering rack.
Solution:
To stop the knocking noise you will need to have the steering rack replaced.
Difficulty level
Steering Rack
Can’t Get Into First Gear
Problem:
You can move between other gears perfectly fine, but the car won’t move into first gear.
Solution:
The gear linkage on older models of the Meriva is prone to wear out. It’s very likely that you have worn gear linkages, but you won’t need to replace the entire gearbox. Look for replacement gear links on our parts list, and you’ll be able to install them in under 20-minutes.
Difficulty level
Gear Linkage
Can’t Get Into First Gear
Problem:
You can move between other gears perfectly fine, but the car won’t move into first gear.
Solution:
The gear linkage on older models of the Meriva is prone to wear out. It’s very likely that you have worn gear linkages, but you won’t need to replace the entire gearbox. Look for replacement gear links on our parts list, and you’ll be able to install them in under 20-minutes.
Difficulty level
Gear Linkage
Loose Seats
Problem:
The passenger seat feels loose and unsecured.
Solution:
In September 2010, a number of Merivas were rolled out of the factory with incorrectly fitted fixing bolts on the passenger seat rails. The seat rails will need to be replaced with the fixing bolts added. You can order these directly from us and make the repair yourself.
Difficulty level
Loose Seats
Problem:
The passenger seat feels loose and unsecured.
Solution:
In September 2010, a number of Merivas were rolled out of the factory with incorrectly fitted fixing bolts on the passenger seat rails. The seat rails will need to be replaced with the fixing bolts added. You can order these directly from us and make the repair yourself.
Difficulty level
Brakes Engaging
Problem:
When driving from a cold start, the brakes feel as if they are engaging. Sometimes there will also be a grinding noise.
Solution:
This could be caused by a few issues. It could be that the ABS sensor is faulty, in which case you will have to find a replacement in our store and install it. However, it could also be a sticking valve in the modulator itself, which will mean replacing the entire modulator. It’s also worth checking the condition of your brake pads and discs to see if they are binding or corroded.
Difficulty level
ABS Sensor
Brakes Engaging
Problem:
When driving from a cold start, the brakes feel as if they are engaging. Sometimes there will also be a grinding noise.
Solution:
This could be caused by a few issues. It could be that the ABS sensor is faulty, in which case you will have to find a replacement in our store and install it. However, it could also be a sticking valve in the modulator itself, which will mean replacing the entire modulator. It’s also worth checking the condition of your brake pads and discs to see if they are binding or corroded.
Difficulty level
