Cupra Leon: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 5,516 Cupra Leon cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2020 and 2026.
In a sample of 394 cars, 24.6% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (6.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 5 recalls for this model; 1.9% of registered cars still have an open recall.
0.5% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Cupra Leon
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 | 6.1% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 5.8% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 4.6% |
| Front fog light incorrectly aimed | 3.8% |
| Tyre damaged | 3.8% |
| Brake disc badly corroded | 2.3% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 1.8% |
| Tyre bulging | 0.8% |
| Brake components too corroded | 0.8% |
| Number plate missing | 0.3% |
Share of 394 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 | 5.6% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 0.8% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 5,516 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 1.9% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 0.5% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.1% |
| First registered | 2020 to 2026 |
All Cupra Leon passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-10-19 | suspension | – | 3 |
| 2022-08-09 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 4 |
| 2022-04-08 | electrical system | serious | 268 |
| 2022-03-29 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 14 |
| 2021-09-07 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 0 |
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 Cupra Leon fail the APK?
In a sample of 394 cars first registered 2012–2021, 24.6% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Cupra Leon?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (6.1%), tyre tread depth insufficient (5.8%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (4.6%).
Does the Cupra Leon have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 5 recalls. 1.9% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Cupra models
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.