Common Problems with the Vauxhall Crossland
FixMyCar discusses common problems with the Vauxhall Crossland and average repair costs.
Compare Vauxhall Crossland repair quotesEllie Dyer-Brown
Wednesday March 04 2026
7 min read
The Vauxhall Crossland is bold, spacious and economical - but how does it fare in terms of reliability? Is it likely to break down, and will the repair be expensive if it does? If these questions have crossed your mind, you’re in the right place.
This guide examines known issues with the Vauxhall Crossland, providing owners and potential buyers with insights into specific faults and their average repair costs.
In a nutshell: The Vauxhall Crossland has average reliability overall, and there are a few faults to watch for – particularly wet belt wear on some 1.2 petrol models, plus handbrake button failures, and occasional clutch or automatic gearbox issues. Buy based on condition and history: a well-maintained example that drives smoothly is usually a safe bet, while a neglected one can get expensive quickly.
What’s wrong with the Vauxhall Crossland?
Drivers are searching online for information about the following problems.
Vauxhall Crossland handbrake problems
There are reports of the handbrake release button breaking or sticking, and in some cases the handbrake can fail completely. The typical repair is to replace the handbrake lever assembly, which requires access under the centre console.
Average handbrake repair price: £125.93
Vauxhall Crossland automatic gearbox problems
Some drivers report the automatic can feel hesitant or jerky at low speeds, and more serious faults can be expensive if internal parts are involved. The right starting point is a proper diagnostic check. If faults are confirmed, repairs can range from targeted component work to a gearbox replacement depending on what’s failed.
Average auto gearbox repair price: £572.65
Vauxhall Crossland clutch problems
There have been reports of premature clutch wear on some Crosslands. Drivers report slipping, a high biting point and difficulty changing gears. If you notice any of these symptoms on a test drive, either walk away or budget for an imminent clutch replacement when negotiating the price.
Average clutch replacement cost: £686.69
Vauxhall Crossland 1.2 engine problems
Some 1.2 petrol versions are linked with premature wet belt degradation and excessive oil consumption, which can lead to warning lights and, if ignored, more serious engine issues. The usual fix is an inspection of the belt and oil system, followed by a wet belt replacement and oil change.
Average wet belt replacement cost: £891.58
Average oil change price: £111.44
Recalls
Crossland
| Recall number | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| R/2025/342 | 18.08.25 | Vehicles may be affected by incorrect performance of the On-Board-Diagnostics related to Selective Catalytic Reduction system and/or Diesel Particle Filter. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may not illuminate in the event of a malfunction and therefore does not comply with emission regulations. |
| R/2025/245 | 03.07.25 | Vehicles may be affected by premature wearing of the camshaft drive chain leading to abnormal noise or to a breakage of the chain in the worst case. |
| R/2024/133 | 13.03.24 | On affected vehicles below 12500 miles under certain conditions engine emissions may lead to a non-compliance to regulatory requirements. |
| R/2023/219 | 21.07.23 | Affected vehicles may have been fitted with a rear axle crossmember that was not manufactured according to specifications. |
| R/2022/145 | 17.05.22 | The passenger seatbelt warning chime might be inoperative. |
| R/2017/341 | 03.01.18 | The engine pistons may not be according to specification leading to oil entry in the inlet circuit. In a worst case this may cause an increased engine rpm for a few seconds possibly resulting in a total engine failure. |
Crossland X
| Recall number | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| R/2023/170 | 08.06.23 | Affected vehicles have Engine Control Unit software not according to specification. |
| R/2022/352 | 13.12.22 | On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt caused by the ageing of the engine oil. |
| R/2020/206 | 09.07.20 | Possible leaky connection on the high pressure fuel pump. |
| R/2019/295 | 30.08.19 | The lambda control may not work sufficiently which may result in a NOx limit exceedance. |
| R/2019/206 | 03.07.19 | The rear end impact limiter might not have been installed in production. |
| R/2019/120 | 09.04.19 | The bolts securing the rear axle beam to the vehicle underbody could break. |
| R/2018/108 | 21.03.18 | On a certain number of Crossland X - Model Year 18 the Fastening Nut of the Rear Axle Hub might potentially become loose. This can lead to a separation of the rear wheel resulting in a loss of steering control. |
Vauxhall Crossland X 2017-2024 problems
There has been just one generation of the Crossland X. It underwent a significant facelift in 2020/2021 that saw the "X" dropped from the name.
1. Wet belt wear
Some 1.2 petrol versions use a timing belt that runs in engine oil, known as a wet belt. If it degrades, it can contaminate the oil system and trigger warning lights. And if ignored, it can lead to serious engine damage.
What repair is needed for wet belt wear, and how much does it cost?
A garage will inspect the belt and oil system, then carry out a wet belt replacement (usually with an oil and filter change, plus checks/cleaning if there’s debris). The average price of a wet belt replacement on FixMyCar is £891.58.
2. Failed handbrake release button
A known Crossland X annoyance is the handbrake release button failing, which can stop the handbrake working properly.
What repair is needed for a failed handbrake release button, and how much does it cost?
The usual fix is to replace the handbrake lever assembly, which involves removing the centre console to access the mechanism. Handbrake repairs cost an average of £125.93.
3. Faulty oxygen sensor
Some Crossland X models can throw up an engine warning light even when the car feels fine, with a common cause being a faulty oxygen sensor.
What repair is needed for a faulty oxygen sensor, and how much does it cost?
You’ll typically need a diagnostic scan to confirm the fault (average price: £62.08), then replacement of the oxygen sensor (avg. £206.92).
4. ABS/ESP warning light
If you see the anti-lock braking system (ABS) or electronic stability programme (ESP) light, one common cause is a wheel speed sensor fault (sometimes it’s dirty; other times it needs to be replaced).
What repair is needed for an ABS/ESP warning light, and how much does it cost?
A garage will read the fault codes, then clean or replace the affected sensor. ABS sensor replacement is one of the cheaper sensor jobs, costing £116.28 on average.
5. Faulty starter motor
Some Crosslands are reported to have starting issues, where the car struggles to turn over or won’t start at all.
What repair is needed for a faulty starter motor, and how much does it cost?
If the starter motor is confirmed as the issue, it’s usually more cost-effective to replace it. The average price on FixMyCar is £385.78.
6. Leaking window seals
Some owners report water leaks through window seals, which can lead to damp smells, mould and, in worst cases, electrical niggles if moisture gets where it shouldn’t.
What repair is needed for leaking window seals, and how much does it cost?
The repair is typically to re-seal or replace the affected seals, depending on what’s deteriorated. Costs vary by where the leak is and how much trim needs removing, so it’s usually priced after an inspection.
Years to avoid
The Crossland is generally a sensible small SUV, so there aren’t many years to avoid outright. However, a few versions are worth extra caution if you want to minimise the chance of costly repairs:
2017-2024 1.2 petrol models with patchy servicing - some 1.2 engines are linked with premature wet belt degradation and oil-related issues, so it’s best to avoid examples without clear evidence of the correct servicing/oil and any required remedial work.
Any year automatic that feels hesitant or jerky on a test drive - avoid cars that shudder, lurch or hesitate when pulling away or in slow traffic because gearbox faults can be expensive.
Is the Vauxhall Crossland reliable?
In the 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey, the 2018-present Crossland came in joint 13th place in the small SUV class, scoring 95.7% - not a bad result, but not a particularly good one, either. As a brand, Vauxhall ranked fifth for reliability with a score of 95.1%, which is a significant improvement compared to previous years.
Overall, the Crossland has average reliability. If you're thinking of buying one, make sure it comes with a full service history and that there are no red flags when you take it on a test drive.
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Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.