Vauxhall Opel Karl, Viva Recall R/2016/090: Risk Of Driveshaft Failure, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 22 Apr 2016
- Launched
- 63
- vehicles in the UK
- 170395 (16-C-002)
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Vauxhall recalled Opel Karl, Viva vehicles built between 14 December 2014 and 10 March 2015. Due to insufficient coating during manufacture the drive-shafts) may corrode and fracture. The recall notice describes the fix as: on affected vehicles replace both drive shafts. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Due to insufficient coating during manufacture the drive-shafts) may corrode and fracture. In the event that the drive-shaft is fractured the vehicle loses drive but steering and braking will be still be available.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: RISK OF DRIVESHAFT FAILURE Defect: Due to insufficient coating during manufacture the drive-shafts) may corrode and fracture. In the event that the drive-shaft is fractured the vehicle loses drive but steering and braking will be still be available. Remedy: On affected vehicles replace both drive shafts.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: risk of driveshaft failure.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: on affected vehicles replace both drive shafts.
Are You Affected?
Opel Karl, Viva built between 14 December 2014 and 10 March 2015 may be included. Vauxhall estimates 63 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Vauxhall, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Vauxhall.
- Book with any franchised Vauxhall dealer, quoting the campaign code 170395 (16-C-002) or the DVSA reference R/2016/090. See how to get a Vauxhall recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
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| GrandlandGrandland EPS software update | Urgent | R/2026/199 | |
| Astra LVSM software missing AEB telltale in case of blind camera | Urgent | R/2025/544 | |
| FronteraVauxhall Frontera brake pedal bracket connection | Urgent | R/2025/513 | |
| VivaroVauxhall Vivaro rear brake discs | Urgent | R/2025/412 | |
| FronteraFrontera risk of brake bar welding breakage | Stop driving | R/2025/362 |
This is one of 300 Vauxhall recalls in DVSA’s data. The Vauxhall recall launched before it was R/2016/087 on 22 Apr 2016, for risk of fire. The one launched after it was R/2016/101 on 19 May 2016, for airbag may not deploy as intended. You can also see every Vauxhall recall, all recalls launched in 2016 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2016/090, launched 22 April 2016. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.