Opel Zafira: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 31,783 Opel Zafira cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1999 and 2019.
In a sample of 399 cars, 73.9% 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 excessive leak of other fluids (20.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 19.6% 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 Zafira
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 | 20.1% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 19% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 13% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 10.5% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 10.5% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 9.5% |
| Tyre damaged | 9.3% |
| Brake or parking brake cable / outer cable defective | 7.5% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 7.3% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 6.8% |
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 | 14.5% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 7.5% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.8% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 31,783 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 19.6% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 3.1% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.1% |
| First registered | 1999 to 2019 |
All Opel Zafira passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-10 | electrical system | serious | 24 |
| 2026-01-15 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 9,577 |
| 2025-11-14 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 4,322 |
| 2025-11-03 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 23,904 |
| 2025-10-16 | brakes | serious | 2 |
| 2025-09-18 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 12,893 |
| 2025-09-16 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2025-09-12 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 12,382 |
| 2025-06-06 | electrical system | – | 80 |
| 2025-04-24 | electrical system | – | 3,557 |
| 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 |
| 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 Zafira fail the APK?
In a sample of 399 cars first registered 2012–2021, 73.9% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Opel Zafira?
The most common APK defects are: excessive leak of other fluids (20.1%), tyre tread depth insufficient (19%), tyre pressure incorrect (13%).
Does the Opel Zafira have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 19.6% 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 · 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.