Opel's lineup has NHTSA recalls tracked across 4 models (1997–2026) and averages 4.5/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Opel's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Opel — VIN decoder & full model lineup
OPEL, originally a German brand now operating from Rüsselsheim, Germany, has a long and storied history of engineering innovation, particularly in producing reliable and practical vehicles. Historically favored by families and those seeking dependable transportation, OPEL vehicles are known for their robust design and value. At ForCar.org, we can decode any OPEL VIN to uncover full vehicle specifications, including recall history and comprehensive details about your specific car.
Buying or selling? See current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Opel models 4
Every Opel model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Opel More models 4
Opel recalls
Across the Opel lineup, ForCar tracks NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Opel recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Recall data for Opel models is being compiled — check back shortly.
Is Opel reliable?
Across rated models, Opel averages a 4.5/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 4 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Opel competes in mainstream European passenger and crossover segments against Volkswagen, Renault, Peugeot, Citroën, Hyundai-Kia and Toyota. Within Stellantis, Opel serves as the German mainstream brand alongside French Peugeot/Citroën and Italian Fiat, with platform sharing across all four. The brand has not been sold in the United States since the 1970s and is unlikely to return given Stellantis's US focus on Jeep/Ram/Dodge/Chrysler.
Most fuel-efficient Opel models
Fuel-economy rankings for Opel are being compiled — check the most fuel-efficient cars meanwhile.
Safest Opel models
NHTSA safety rankings for Opel are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Get a Opel window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Opel's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Opel window stickers →How to read a Opel VIN
Every Opel built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Opel and the country it was built in (real Opel codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USAW08 · W0L
- UKW04
- GermanyW06
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Opel
Adam Opel founded a sewing-machine business in Rüsselsheim in 1862, expanded into bicycles in 1886, and his sons added automobile production in 1899. Opel introduced the assembly-line technique to Germany in 1924 with the Laubfrosch (tree frog) — a design heavily inspired by the Citroën 5CV that resulted in a Citroën patent lawsuit. General Motors acquired 80% of Opel in 1929 and 100% by 1931, retaining ownership through World War II (when the Russelsheim plant was destroyed) and into the 21st century until the 2017 PSA sale.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1862 |
| Headquarters | Rüsselsheim, Germany |
| Parent company | Stellantis |
| Slogan | "Wir leben Autos" |
| Models tracked | 4 (1997–2026) |
Opel — frequently asked
How do I decode a Opel VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Opel models are there?
ForCar tracks 4 Opel models spanning 1997–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Opel made?
Opel is headquartered in Rüsselsheim, Germany, founded in 1862. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Opel recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Opel model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Opel is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Opel warranty?
New Opel vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Opel dealer.