Fiat Panda: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 85,092 Fiat Panda cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1982 and 2026.
In a sample of 400 cars, 74.3% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (20.3% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 9 recalls for this model; 1.6% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.2% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Fiat Panda
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 tread depth insufficient | 20.3% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 18% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 12% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 10.8% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 9.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 9.5% |
| Brake or parking brake cable / outer cable defective | 9.5% |
| Tyre damaged | 9.3% |
| Shock absorber insecurely mounted | 6.5% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 6% |
Share of 400 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 | 14.8% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 5.5% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 2.8% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 1% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 85,092 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 1.6% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.2% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1982 to 2026 |
All Fiat Panda passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-14 | electrical system | serious | 165 |
| 2025-09-18 | brakes | – | 317 |
| 2023-11-03 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 141 |
| 2020-05-11 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 0 |
| 2018-11-12 | steering | – | 0 |
| 2016-01-13 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 1,036 |
| 2015-03-04 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 500 |
| 2014-09-23 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 4,062 |
| 2013-07-05 | electrical system | – | 24,105 |
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 Fiat Panda fail the APK?
In a sample of 400 cars first registered 2012–2021, 74.3% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Fiat Panda?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (20.3%), tyre pressure incorrect (18%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (12%).
Does the Fiat Panda have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 9 recalls. 1.6% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Fiat models
500 · Punto · 500X · 500L · Ducato · Doblo · Seicento · Bravo · Tipo · Abarth · 600
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.