Volkswagen Caddy: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 11,935 Volkswagen Caddy cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1983 and 2026.
In a sample of 396 cars, 75.8% 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 (30.8% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 17 recalls for this model; 3.3% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.8% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Volkswagen Caddy
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 | 30.8% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 14.9% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 13.1% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 12.4% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 10.1% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 8.1% |
| Tyre damaged | 8.1% |
| Wheel bearing wear/damage audible or noticeable | 6.3% |
| Disc/drum brake binding | 6.1% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 5.6% |
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 | 19.9% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 9.3% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 3.5% |
| 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 | 11,935 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 3.3% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.8% |
| Used as a taxi | 3.9% |
| First registered | 1983 to 2026 |
All Volkswagen Caddy passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-16 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 24 |
| 2024-12-18 | brakes | – | 45 |
| 2024-09-23 | brakes | serious | 373 |
| 2024-07-17 | brakes | – | 355 |
| 2023-08-11 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 0 |
| 2023-04-20 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 232 |
| 2022-11-09 | suspension | serious | 203 |
| 2019-12-30 | other | – | 31 |
| 2019-03-13 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 10 |
| 2018-05-09 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 140 |
| 2017-06-21 | brakes | – | 4,997 |
| 2017-02-22 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 566 |
| 2016-09-12 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 723 |
| 2016-02-18 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 119,666 |
| 2015-12-16 | electrical system | serious | 2,540 |
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 Volkswagen Caddy fail the APK?
In a sample of 396 cars first registered 2012–2021, 75.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Volkswagen Caddy?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (30.8%), number plate light not working (properly) / missing (14.9%), tyre pressure incorrect (13.1%).
Does the Volkswagen Caddy have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 17 recalls. 3.3% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Volkswagen models
Golf · Polo · Tiguan · Up! · Passat · T-Roc · Touran · ID.3 · T-Cross · ID.4 · Fox · Taigo · Transporter · California · Kombi
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.