Volkswagen Transporter: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 8,910 Volkswagen Transporter cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1954 and 2026.
In a sample of 399 cars, 73.7% 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 (25.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 22 recalls for this model; 5.1% of registered cars still have an open recall.
5% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Volkswagen Transporter
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 | 25.1% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 16.8% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 16.5% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 12% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 8% |
| Reflector defective | 7.3% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 6.5% |
| Brake light not working (properly) | 6% |
| Tyre damaged | 6% |
| Particulate filter not working properly, particle count too high | 5% |
Share of 399 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 | 14% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 8.3% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 2.5% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 2% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 8,910 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 5.1% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 5% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.5% |
| First registered | 1954 to 2026 |
All Volkswagen Transporter passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-29 | electrical system | serious | 1 |
| 2025-05-01 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 19 |
| 2023-08-17 | seats | serious | 75 |
| 2023-05-30 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 2 |
| 2022-05-19 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 77 |
| 2022-04-20 | steering | serious | 35 |
| 2021-12-15 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 377 |
| 2021-07-12 | doors, bonnet and tailgate | – | 6,523 |
| 2020-05-19 | doors, bonnet and tailgate | – | 1,863 |
| 2020-03-16 | doors, bonnet and tailgate | serious | 76 |
| 2019-12-30 | other | – | 31 |
| 2019-07-23 | electrical system | serious | 14 |
| 2019-01-15 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 346 |
| 2018-06-14 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 180 |
| 2018-03-01 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 38 |
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 Transporter fail the APK?
In a sample of 399 cars first registered 2012–2021, 73.7% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Volkswagen Transporter?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (25.1%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (16.8%), tyre pressure incorrect (16.5%).
Does the Volkswagen Transporter have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 22 recalls. 5.1% 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 · 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.