Opel Karl: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 36,617 Opel Karl cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2015 and 2019.
In a sample of 396 cars, 65.9% 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 indicator colour deviates or not permitted (21.7% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 1 recalls for this model; 0% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Opel Karl
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 |
|---|---|
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 21.7% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 14.9% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 14.9% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 12.4% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 10.1% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 9.8% |
| Tyre damaged | 9.6% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 7.1% |
| Indicators not equal in size/brightness/colour | 3.8% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 2.8% |
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 | 6.8% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 2.3% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.3% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 36,617 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 0% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2015 to 2019 |
All Opel Karl passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-09-28 | transmission and drivetrain | serious | 4 |
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 Karl fail the APK?
In a sample of 396 cars first registered 2012–2021, 65.9% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Opel Karl?
The most common APK defects are: indicator colour deviates or not permitted (21.7%), tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault (14.9%), wipers give insufficient visibility (14.9%).
Does the Opel Karl have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 1 recalls. 0% 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 · 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.