Renault Trafic: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 2,717 Renault Trafic cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1983 and 2026.
In a sample of 394 cars, 81.5% 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 (24.6% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 17 recalls for this model; 1.1% of registered cars still have an open recall.
4.5% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Renault Trafic
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 | 24.6% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 23.6% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 23.4% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 16.2% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 12.4% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 12.2% |
| Brake light not working (properly) | 11.7% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 10.4% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 9.4% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 5.3% |
Share of 394 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 19.5% |
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 14.7% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 9.6% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 6.9% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 2,717 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 1.1% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 4.5% |
| Used as a taxi | 4.6% |
| First registered | 1983 to 2026 |
All Renault Trafic passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-01-12 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 757 |
| 2020-09-29 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 27 |
| 2020-02-07 | brakes | – | 168 |
| 2019-10-28 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 0 |
| 2019-07-18 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2019-07-08 | brakes | serious | 1,152 |
| 2017-02-15 | axles, wheels and tyres | – | 102 |
| 2016-12-19 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 4,445 |
| 2016-11-09 | steering | serious | 960 |
| 2016-10-31 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 1,094 |
| 2016-08-01 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 227 |
| 2016-05-19 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 278 |
| 2016-02-05 | doors, bonnet and tailgate | serious | 2,790 |
| 2015-03-11 | seats | serious | 366 |
| 2015-02-20 | windows and wipers | – | 414 |
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 Renault Trafic fail the APK?
In a sample of 394 cars first registered 2012–2021, 81.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Renault Trafic?
The most common APK defects are: steering ball joint has too much play (24.6%), tyre tread depth insufficient (23.6%), number plate light not working (properly) / missing (23.4%).
Does the Renault Trafic have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 17 recalls. 1.1% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Renault models
Clio · Captur · Twingo · Megane · Scenic · Kadjar · Zoe · Kangoo · Modus · Espace · Austral · 5 · Arkana · Symbioz · Laguna
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.