Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior The paint is weak, and the body rusts quickly without additional treatment. Corrosion is most commonly found on the wheel arches or door edges, especially the rear ones. The interior plastic is stiff, the assembly is poor, everything rattles, and there is no sound insulation. There are many issues with constant breakdowns of the heating and ventilation system.
Engine The 1.7-liter engine VAZ 21214 cannot be called reliable, but the spare parts are inexpensive. It is important to monitor its cooling, as it can quickly lead to a blown head gasket. The weak points include an unreliable chain tensioner and hydraulic lifters. There are also complaints about excessive oil consumption, frequent gasket failures, and regular leaks.
Transmission The 5-speed manual transmission VAZ 21214 is somewhat weak and usually requires repair by 50,000 km. Synchronizers, shaft bearings, or the 5th gear wheel are most commonly replaced. There are also frequent leaks from all transmission components.
Suspension The suspension has been constantly improved and became somewhat reliable by 2009. Hub bearings, tie rods, and springs are less durable compared to other components. The brakes are normal, but it is necessary to monitor the condition of the hoses as they rust quickly. There are few complaints about the steering, especially in the version with power steering.
