Opel Adam: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 11,222 Opel Adam cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2012 and 2019.
In a sample of 398 cars, 66.6% 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 steering dust boot damaged, not sealing (20.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 8 recalls for this model; 0.7% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.7% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Opel Adam
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 |
|---|---|
| Steering dust boot damaged, not sealing | 20.1% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 12.8% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 10.6% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 10.6% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 8.3% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 8.3% |
| Tyre damaged | 7.5% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 7% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 6.5% |
| Shock absorber not working (properly) | 4.5% |
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 | 15.3% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 11.3% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 6.8% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.8% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 11,222 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 0.7% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.7% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2012 to 2019 |
All Opel Adam passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-05-30 | windows and wipers | – | 952 |
| 2017-03-29 | brakes | – | 60 |
| 2017-02-17 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 458 |
| 2016-12-08 | steering | serious | 504 |
| 2015-11-25 | steering | serious | 35 |
| 2015-09-09 | steering | serious | 79 |
| 2015-03-19 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 27 |
| 2014-10-03 | steering | serious | 3,819 |
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 Opel Adam fail the APK?
In a sample of 398 cars first registered 2012–2021, 66.6% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Opel Adam?
The most common APK defects are: steering dust boot damaged, not sealing (20.1%), tyre pressure incorrect (12.8%), tyre tread depth insufficient (10.6%).
Does the Opel Adam have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 8 recalls. 0.7% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Opel models
Corsa · Astra · Meriva · Agila · Mokka · Karl · Zafira · Crossland · Grandland · Insignia · Vectra · Frontera · Vivaro · Ampera · Kadett
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.