Opel Vivaro: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 4,200 Opel Vivaro cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2002 and 2026.
In a sample of 397 cars, 77.6% 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 ball joint has too much play (24.7% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 9.7% of registered cars still have an open recall.
3.1% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Opel Vivaro
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 ball joint has too much play | 24.7% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 23.7% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 22.2% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 15.4% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 13.6% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 12.3% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 10.8% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 6.8% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 6.5% |
| Brake lining carrier/fixing touches drum or disc | 6% |
Share of 397 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 | 16.4% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 14.4% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 9.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 4% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 4,200 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 9.7% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 3.1% |
| Used as a taxi | 32.8% |
| First registered | 2002 to 2026 |
All Opel Vivaro passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-10 | electrical system | serious | 24 |
| 2026-03-30 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 31 |
| 2026-02-10 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 13 |
| 2025-11-14 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 4,322 |
| 2025-11-10 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 19 |
| 2025-10-16 | brakes | serious | 2 |
| 2025-09-18 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 12,893 |
| 2025-09-12 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 12,382 |
| 2025-06-06 | electrical system | – | 80 |
| 2025-04-24 | electrical system | – | 3,557 |
| 2025-04-23 | suspension | serious | 7 |
| 2025-01-27 | seats | – | 1,006 |
| 2024-11-15 | electrical system | – | 3,426 |
| 2024-10-03 | suspension | – | 127 |
| 2024-08-12 | electrical system | serious | 5 |
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 Vivaro fail the APK?
In a sample of 397 cars first registered 2012–2021, 77.6% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Opel Vivaro?
The most common APK defects are: steering ball joint has too much play (24.7%), number plate light not working (properly) / missing (23.7%), tyre tread depth insufficient (22.2%).
Does the Opel Vivaro have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 9.7% 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 · Adam · Vectra · Frontera · 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.