Škoda Octavia: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 71,703 Škoda Octavia cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1959 and 2026.
In a sample of 396 cars, 50.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is dipped beam incorrectly aimed (12.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 20 recalls for this model; 1.1% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.4% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Škoda Octavia
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 |
|---|---|
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 12.1% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 10.6% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 10.1% |
| Tyre damaged | 7.1% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 6.1% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 4.5% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 4% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 3% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 2.8% |
| Disc/drum brake binding | 2.5% |
Share of 396 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 | 11.4% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 6.1% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 3.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 71,703 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 1.1% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.4% |
| Used as a taxi | 1.1% |
| First registered | 1959 to 2026 |
All Škoda Octavia passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-15 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 163 |
| 2025-07-21 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 22 |
| 2024-07-04 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 32 |
| 2023-11-09 | suspension | serious | 0 |
| 2023-03-10 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 21 |
| 2022-04-07 | electrical system | serious | 483 |
| 2022-03-22 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 2 |
| 2021-03-18 | steering | – | 0 |
| 2020-06-25 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 124 |
| 2020-03-24 | axles, wheels and tyres | – | 0 |
| 2019-09-18 | windows and wipers | – | 56 |
| 2019-09-02 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 25 |
| 2019-05-24 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 79 |
| 2019-02-06 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 34 |
| 2018-12-17 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 632 |
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 Škoda Octavia fail the APK?
In a sample of 396 cars first registered 2012–2021, 50.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Škoda Octavia?
The most common APK defects are: dipped beam incorrectly aimed (12.1%), tyre tread depth insufficient (10.6%), tyre pressure incorrect (10.1%).
Does the Škoda Octavia have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 20 recalls. 1.1% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Škoda models
Fabia · Kodiaq · Enyaq · Citigo · Karoq · Superb · Elroq · Kamiq · Yeti · Scala · Rapid · Roomster
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.