SEAT Altea: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 13,045 SEAT Altea cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2004 and 2016.
In a sample of 395 cars, 77% 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 (19.7% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 5 recalls for this model; 14.7% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.7% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific SEAT Altea
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 | 19.7% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 16.5% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 14.4% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 12.4% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 9.4% |
| Tyre damaged | 8.1% |
| Disc/drum brake binding | 8.1% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 7.3% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 7.1% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 6.3% |
Share of 395 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 | 13.2% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 8.9% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 3.8% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 13,045 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 14.7% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.7% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2004 to 2016 |
All SEAT Altea passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-03-19 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 6 |
| 2023-11-23 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2018-03-01 | electrical system | – | 2,712 |
| 2017-07-19 | brakes | – | 3,936 |
| 2016-02-18 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 25,684 |
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 SEAT Altea fail the APK?
In a sample of 395 cars first registered 2012–2021, 77% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the SEAT Altea?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (19.7%), tyre pressure incorrect (16.5%), excessive leak of other fluids (14.4%).
Does the SEAT Altea have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 5 recalls. 14.7% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other SEAT models
Ibiza · Leon · Mii · Arona · Ateca · Tarraco · Arosa · Alhambra
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.