Opel Meriva: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 48,296 Opel Meriva cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2003 and 2017.
In a sample of 399 cars, 61.9% 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 tyre tread depth insufficient (11.5% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 12 recalls for this model; 31.8% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.9% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Opel Meriva
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 | 11.5% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 11.5% |
| Tyre damaged | 11% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 11% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 10.5% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 10% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 9.5% |
| Rear light not working (properly) | 4.5% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 3.8% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 3.8% |
Share of 399 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 | 6.3% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 5.8% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 1.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 48,296 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 31.8% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.9% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2003 to 2017 |
All Opel Meriva passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-15 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 9,577 |
| 2025-09-16 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2024-03-07 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 229 |
| 2022-06-30 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | – |
| 2017-02-17 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 458 |
| 2016-12-02 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 709 |
| 2016-11-21 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 17,928 |
| 2015-10-14 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 17,129 |
| 2015-07-01 | electrical system | – | 56 |
| 2014-12-11 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 238 |
| 2014-08-28 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 78 |
| 2013-05-29 | steering | serious | 72 |
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 Meriva fail the APK?
In a sample of 399 cars first registered 2012–2021, 61.9% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Opel Meriva?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (11.5%), excessive leak of other fluids (11.5%), tyre damaged (11%).
Does the Opel Meriva have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 12 recalls. 31.8% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Opel models
Corsa · Astra · 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.