Opel Astra: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 115,746 Opel Astra cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1991 and 2026.
In a sample of 396 cars, 59.8% 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 excessive leak of other fluids (14.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 33.2% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.3% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Opel Astra
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 |
|---|---|
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 14.1% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 12.9% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 11.6% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 11.4% |
| Tyre damaged | 7.3% |
| Rear light not working (properly) | 6.8% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 6.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 6.3% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 6.1% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 4.5% |
Share of 396 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 | 10.9% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 8.3% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.5% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 115,746 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 33.2% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.3% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.1% |
| First registered | 1991 to 2026 |
All Opel Astra passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-11 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 50 |
| 2026-06-09 | doors, bonnet and tailgate | – | 2,268 |
| 2026-04-30 | electrical system | – | 1,829 |
| 2026-03-30 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 31 |
| 2026-02-10 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 13 |
| 2026-01-15 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 9,577 |
| 2025-11-03 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 23,904 |
| 2025-09-16 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2025-09-08 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 14,788 |
| 2025-05-30 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 0 |
| 2025-02-21 | electrical system | – | 3,254 |
| 2025-01-31 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 1 |
| 2024-10-16 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 108 |
| 2024-04-08 | electrical system | – | 23 |
| 2024-02-19 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 1,118 |
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 Astra fail the APK?
In a sample of 396 cars first registered 2012–2021, 59.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Opel Astra?
The most common APK defects are: excessive leak of other fluids (14.1%), tyre tread depth insufficient (12.9%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (11.6%).
Does the Opel Astra have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 33.2% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Opel models
Corsa · Meriva · Agila · Mokka · Karl · Zafira · Crossland · Grandland · Insignia · Adam · 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.