Overview and Common Failures
Body and interior The paint coating is quite weak, and the car body itself quickly rusts. Apart from the wheel arches or door edges, corrosion can even be found on the roof. The interior made of rigid plastic rattles on any bump, and there is simply no sound insulation. Owners face a lot of trouble with the unreliable heating and ventilation system.
Engine The 1.7-liter VAZ 21214 engine is not known for its reliability, but the parts are inexpensive. It is necessary to carefully monitor its cooling, as the cylinder head tends to overheat quickly. Constant leaks of lubricant, antifreeze, and gasket burnout cause many problems. Weak points of the engine include hydraulic lifters, as well as the timing chain tensioner.
Transmission The 5-speed manual transmission VAZ 21214 often requires repairs at 50,000 km mileage. Bearings, synchronizers, and the gear of the 5th speed wear out quickly. Additionally, all components of the full-drive transmission suffer from regular leaks.
Suspension The suspension has been upgraded more than once, and by 2009, its reliability became acceptable. Weak points include hub bearings, tie rods, and springs. The brakes are decent if you keep an eye on the condition of the hoses, which tend to corrode quickly. There are few complaints about the steering, especially in the version with power steering.
