Audi A1: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 45,560 Audi A1 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2010 and 2026.
In a sample of 398 cars, 47.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (12.6% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 3 recalls for this model; 0.3% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.4% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Audi A1
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 12.6% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 11.6% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 9.8% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 6.5% |
| Steering dust boot damaged, not sealing | 5.5% |
| Tyre damaged | 5% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 4% |
| Dipped beam pattern incorrect | 2.8% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 2.8% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 2.3% |
Share of 398 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 12.3% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 5.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 3.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 45,560 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 0.3% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.4% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2010 to 2026 |
All Audi A1 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-06-10 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 0 |
| 2017-02-23 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 111 |
| 2016-02-18 | Product voldoet niet aan de typegoedkeuringseisen | – | 24,773 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Audi A1 fail the APK?
In a sample of 398 cars first registered 2012–2021, 47.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Audi A1?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (12.6%), tyre tread depth insufficient (11.6%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (9.8%).
Does the Audi A1 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 3 recalls. 0.3% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Audi models
A3 · A4 · A6 · Q3 · Q5 · Q4 · A5 · Q2 · E-Tron · TT · Q7 · Q8 · Q6 · A2 · SQ5
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.