Volkswagen Crafter: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 3,358 Volkswagen Crafter cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1998 and 2026.
In a sample of 393 cars, 77.9% 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 tyre tread depth insufficient (20.4% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 17 recalls for this model; 42.6% of registered cars still have an open recall.
5.1% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Volkswagen Crafter
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 | 20.4% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 17.8% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 16.8% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 15% |
| Reflector defective | 13.2% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 12.2% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 9.4% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 7.9% |
| (Side) marker light not working (properly) | 5.9% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 5.9% |
Share of 393 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 | 19.8% |
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 12.5% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 4.3% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.8% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 3,358 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 42.6% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 5.1% |
| Used as a taxi | 21.2% |
| First registered | 1998 to 2026 |
All Volkswagen Crafter passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-16 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 14,290 |
| 2023-08-11 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2023-05-30 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 2 |
| 2022-10-04 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2021-07-08 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 0 |
| 2020-09-10 | windows and wipers | serious | 120 |
| 2020-06-25 | not specified | – | 0 |
| 2019-12-30 | other | – | 31 |
| 2019-09-26 | other | serious | 3 |
| 2019-05-14 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 2 |
| 2018-11-29 | brakes | serious | 7 |
| 2018-03-08 | towbar and trailer coupling | serious | 10 |
| 2016-10-25 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 2 |
| 2016-03-18 | bodywork | serious | 3 |
| 2015-01-06 | transmission and drivetrain | serious | 1,630 |
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 Crafter fail the APK?
In a sample of 393 cars first registered 2012–2021, 77.9% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Volkswagen Crafter?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (20.4%), tyre pressure incorrect (17.8%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (16.8%).
Does the Volkswagen Crafter have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 17 recalls. 42.6% 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 · Caddy · Taigo · Transporter · California
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.