Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior: The paint on the car's body quickly starts to rust, especially its edges. The situation with corrosion is much better in restyled cars, but maybe it's still too early to tell. The interior is made of cheap materials that start to creak right away, and the sound insulation is poor. The electrical system constantly malfunctions due to poor wiring quality and contacts.
Engine: Motors 11186, 21126, and 21127 have a good lifespan and only cause minor concerns. The worst thing that can happen is a timing belt failure, as it can bend the valves. However, in 2018, the engines were upgraded and received piston rings without gaps. There are also frequent complaints about unreliable sensors, thermostats, and auxiliary equipment.
Transmission: Manual transmissions in VAZ 2180, 2181, and 2190 are not praised for their smooth shifting and tend to make loud noises. The AMT 2182 robot transmission jerks during gear changes but is decently reliable. The optimal choice is the 4-speed Jatco automatic, although it is rarely found.
Suspension: People consider the suspension of the Lada Grant to be its advantage as it is energy-consuming and reasonably durable. Everything that can break is very affordable and can be replaced at any workshop. The steering rack is quite reliable; the only potential issue is the power steering. The front disc brakes are decent, but the rear drum brakes don't last very long.
