APK defects by part

Control arms / ball joints at the APK

In Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 the APK inspector recorded a control arms / ball joints defect 320,743 times, across 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars. On 139 model generations it occurs clearly more often than average.

Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026

What is it?

Worn bushes or ball joints in the suspension.

Repair indication: mediuma targeted repair at the garage.

How to check it at the viewing

Listen for clunks or knocks over speed bumps on the test drive. The car should not wander when braking.

Ask the seller: Have the control arms or ball joints been replaced?

Models where this is clearly more common

Sorted by how many extra cars have this defect. Per model the age with the largest difference; only when the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval is above the national share and the difference is at least 3 in 1,000 cars.

#	Model	Age	This model	National	Difference
1	Mercedes-Benz Sprinter2006–2026	13–15 yrs	36.3%	1.9%	18.9×
2	Volvo XC90 II2015–2026	9–10 yrs	25.3%	1.1%	22.9×
3	Volvo XC60 II2017–2026	7–8 yrs	19.1%	0.9%	21.8×
4	Tesla Model S2013–2022	7–8 yrs	17.7%	0.9%	20.2×
5	Suzuki Baleno2016–2020	7–8 yrs	15.7%	0.4%	41.5×
6	Renault Zoe2013–2025	7–8 yrs	14.5%	0.5%	29.4×
7	Volvo V90 / S90 II2016–2026	9–10 yrs	14.7%	1.1%	13.3×
8	Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W213/S2132016–2025	9–10 yrs	13.7%	1.1%	12.4×
9	Mazda CX-5 I2012–2017	13–15 yrs	13.8%	2.0%	7.0×
10	Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse S2052015–2023	9–10 yrs	12.9%	1.1%	11.7×
11	Mercedes-Benz GLC X2532015–2025	7–8 yrs	12.6%	0.9%	14.4×
12	BMW 5-serie F112010–2018	13–15 yrs	13.2%	1.9%	6.9×
13	Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W2052015–2025	11–12 yrs	12.5%	1.3%	10.0×
14	Mercedes-Benz EQC2019–2025	5–6 yrs	12.0%	0.9%	13.9×
15	Tesla Model X2016–2022	7–8 yrs	12.0%	0.9%	13.7×
16	Opel Mokka (A) / Mokka X2012–2019	11–12 yrs	11.8%	0.8%	14.1×
17	Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212/S2122009–2024	7–8 yrs	11.5%	0.9%	13.1×
18	Tesla Model 32019–2026	7–8 yrs	11.3%	0.9%	12.8×
19	BMW 5-serie F102010–2019	13–15 yrs	11.9%	1.9%	6.2×
20	Tesla Model Y2020–2026	3–4 yrs	10.3%	0.4%	27.0×
21	Nissan Qashqai II2014–2022	11–12 yrs	10.6%	0.8%	12.6×
22	Land Rover Range Rover Sport II2013–2023	9–10 yrs	10.0%	0.6%	16.5×
23	Nissan Juke I2010–2019	13–15 yrs	10.8%	1.9%	5.7×
24	Nissan Qashqai I2007–2015	16+ yrs	11.5%	2.7%	4.2×
25	Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W2042007–2014	11–12 yrs	9.7%	1.3%	7.7×
26	Peugeot 206+2009–2011	13–15 yrs	9.1%	1.9%	4.7×
27	Renault Kadjar2015–2023	9–10 yrs	7.7%	0.6%	12.7×
28	BMW X1 E842009–2025	9–10 yrs	8.2%	1.1%	7.4×
29	Mitsubishi Colt VI2005–2014	13–15 yrs	8.0%	1.1%	7.0×
30	Mazda Mazda3 (BL)2009–2013	11–12 yrs	8.1%	1.3%	6.3×
31	Mitsubishi Space Star2013–2025	13–15 yrs	7.9%	1.1%	6.9×
32	Mercedes-Benz GLE V1672019–2026	5–6 yrs	7.6%	0.9%	8.8×
33	BMW X5 G052018–2026	7–8 yrs	7.5%	0.9%	8.5×
34	Volkswagen Fox2005–2013	13–15 yrs	7.7%	1.1%	6.8×
35	Nissan Micra V2017–2024	9–10 yrs	7.4%	0.9%	8.6×
36	Mazda Mazda2 (DE)2007–2015	13–15 yrs	8.5%	2.0%	4.3×
37	Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse S2042007–2014	11–12 yrs	7.6%	1.3%	6.0×
38	Mercedes-Benz V-Klasse / Vito W4472014–2026	9–10 yrs	7.2%	0.9%	8.3×
39	Ford Fiesta VI2008–2018	13–15 yrs	8.1%	2.0%	4.1×
40	Mazda Mazda6 (GJ/GL)2013–2025	11–12 yrs	7.4%	1.3%	5.8×
41	Nissan Pulsar2014–2019	11–12 yrs	7.0%	1.3%	5.5×
42	Suzuki Swift III2005–2012	13–15 yrs	7.7%	2.0%	3.9×
43	Fiat 500e2020–2026	5–6 yrs	5.8%	0.3%	18.1×
44	Nissan X-Trail III2014–2022	9–10 yrs	6.0%	0.6%	9.9×
45	Mitsubishi Outlander II2008–2012	13–15 yrs	6.3%	1.1%	5.5×
46	Land Rover Range Rover Velar2017–2026	3–4 yrs	5.4%	0.4%	14.2×
47	Suzuki SX4 I2006–2015	16+ yrs	7.7%	2.8%	2.8×
48	Opel Agila B2008–2015	13–15 yrs	6.9%	2.0%	3.5×
49	Kia Venga2009–2019	11–12 yrs	5.6%	0.8%	6.7×
50	Hyundai i10 I2008–2014	16+ yrs	6.8%	2.1%	3.3×
51	Renault Clio III2005–2012	16+ yrs	9.0%	4.3%	2.1×
52	Volkswagen Passat B62005–2010	13–15 yrs	6.5%	2.0%	3.3×
53	Škoda Superb II2008–2025	11–12 yrs	5.8%	1.3%	4.5×
54	Chevrolet Aveo II2011–2019	11–12 yrs	5.2%	0.8%	6.2×
55	Mazda Mazda3 (BM/BN)2014–2019	11–12 yrs	5.5%	1.3%	4.3×
56	Ford Ka II2008–2016	13–15 yrs	6.1%	1.9%	3.2×
57	Hyundai ix202010–2020	11–12 yrs	5.0%	0.8%	6.0×
58	Volkswagen Golf V Variant2005–2008	16+ yrs	6.1%	2.0%	3.0×
59	Suzuki Splash2008–2021	13–15 yrs	6.0%	1.9%	3.1×
60	Volkswagen Tiguan I2007–2015	9–10 yrs	4.9%	0.8%	5.8×
61	Hyundai i30 II2012–2018	13–15 yrs	5.7%	1.9%	3.0×
62	Kia Picanto I2005–2012	16+ yrs	5.8%	2.1%	2.8×
63	Škoda Yeti2009–2020	16+ yrs	5.7%	2.0%	2.8×
64	Mazda Mazda6 (GH)2008–2012	13–15 yrs	4.6%	1.2%	4.0×
65	Volkswagen Passat B72011–2014	11–12 yrs	4.7%	1.3%	3.7×
66	Citroën DS32010–2024	13–15 yrs	5.3%	1.9%	2.8×
67	Fiat 500 (312)2007–2026	13–15 yrs	5.3%	2.0%	2.7×
68	Citroën C3 Picasso2009–2012	13–15 yrs	5.1%	1.9%	2.7×
69	Kia cee'd II2012–2019	13–15 yrs	5.1%	2.0%	2.6×
70	Hyundai i30 I2009–2014	16+ yrs	5.1%	2.0%	2.5×
71	Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W1762012–2018	13–15 yrs	4.9%	1.9%	2.6×
72	Citroën C3 II2009–2016	13–15 yrs	4.9%	1.9%	2.6×
73	Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse W2452005–2014	16+ yrs	5.6%	2.7%	2.1×
74	Mercedes-Benz CLA C1172013–2019	13–15 yrs	4.8%	1.9%	2.5×
75	Fiat Panda II2005–2013	13–15 yrs	4.8%	1.9%	2.5×
76	Renault Mégane III2008–2016	13–15 yrs	4.8%	1.9%	2.5×
77	Hyundai i20 I2008–2017	16+ yrs	4.8%	2.1%	2.3×
78	SEAT Altea2005–2016	16+ yrs	4.7%	2.0%	2.3×
79	Nissan Leaf II2018–2025	7–8 yrs	3.1%	0.5%	6.3×
80	Hyundai i20 II2014–2021	11–12 yrs	3.4%	0.8%	4.1×
81	Volkswagen Golf VI2009–2018	16+ yrs	4.6%	2.1%	2.2×
82	Volkswagen Golf VI Variant2009–2014	16+ yrs	4.6%	2.1%	2.2×
83	Nissan Note I2006–2014	11–12 yrs	3.8%	1.3%	2.9×
84	Volkswagen Touran I2005–2015	13–15 yrs	4.4%	1.9%	2.3×
85	Renault Twingo II2007–2014	11–12 yrs	3.7%	1.2%	3.0×
86	SEAT Ibiza IV2008–2018	16+ yrs	4.4%	2.0%	2.2×
87	Hyundai i10 II2013–2021	11–12 yrs	3.2%	0.8%	3.8×
88	Mitsubishi ASX I2010–2021	13–15 yrs	3.5%	1.2%	3.0×
89	Toyota RAV4 IV2015–2019	9–10 yrs	3.1%	0.9%	3.6×
90	Mitsubishi Outlander III2013–2021	11–12 yrs	3.5%	1.3%	2.7×
91	Volkswagen Jetta V2005–2014	11–12 yrs	3.5%	1.3%	2.7×
92	Renault Scénic III2009–2016	13–15 yrs	4.0%	1.9%	2.1×
93	Kia Rio III2011–2017	13–15 yrs	3.2%	1.1%	2.8×
94	Škoda Octavia II2005–2013	16+ yrs	4.1%	2.1%	2.0×
95	Volvo V60 II / S60 III2018–2026	7–8 yrs	2.9%	0.9%	3.3×
96	Kia Sportage III2010–2016	9–10 yrs	3.1%	1.1%	2.8×
97	Mazda CX-32015–2025	9–10 yrs	2.8%	0.9%	3.2×
98	Volkswagen Golf V2005–2008	16+ yrs	3.8%	2.0%	1.9×
99	Peugeot 2072006–2016	13–15 yrs	3.7%	1.9%	1.9×
100	Audi Q3 (8U)2011–2019	11–12 yrs	3.0%	1.3%	2.3×
101	Peugeot 508 II2018–2026	5–6 yrs	2.0%	0.3%	6.3×
102	Škoda Fabia II2007–2014	16+ yrs	3.7%	2.1%	1.8×
103	Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W1772018–2026	7–8 yrs	2.5%	0.9%	2.8×
104	Suzuki Alto (2009)2009–2015	13–15 yrs	2.7%	1.1%	2.4×
105	Renault Clio IV2013–2019	11–12 yrs	2.8%	1.3%	2.2×
106	Renault Scénic IV2016–2024	7–8 yrs	2.0%	0.5%	4.0×
107	SEAT Leon II2005–2014	16+ yrs	3.5%	2.1%	1.7×
108	Dacia Spring2021–2026	3–4 yrs	1.5%	0.1%	10.9×
109	Dacia Sandero I2008–2012	13–15 yrs	3.3%	1.9%	1.7×
110	Dacia Duster I2010–2022	13–15 yrs	3.2%	1.9%	1.7×
111	Nissan Pixo2009–2014	11–12 yrs	2.1%	0.8%	2.5×
112	Toyota Aygo I2005–2013	16+ yrs	3.3%	2.1%	1.6×
113	Volkswagen Polo IV2005–2010	16+ yrs	3.3%	2.1%	1.6×
114	Smart Fortwo II (451)2007–2014	16+ yrs	3.2%	2.0%	1.6×
115	Suzuki Vitara IV2015–2026	11–12 yrs	1.9%	0.8%	2.3×
116	Fiat 500L2012–2021	11–12 yrs	1.9%	0.9%	2.2×
117	Volkswagen Polo V2009–2018	16+ yrs	3.1%	2.1%	1.5×
118	Peugeot 1072005–2022	16+ yrs	3.1%	2.1%	1.5×
119	Škoda Roomster2006–2023	16+ yrs	3.1%	2.1%	1.5×
120	Suzuki Swift IV2010–2017	9–10 yrs	1.6%	0.6%	2.7×
121	Audi A3 (8P)2005–2014	16+ yrs	3.0%	2.0%	1.5×
122	Mazda CX-5 II2017–2025	9–10 yrs	1.6%	0.6%	2.6×
123	Dacia Logan2006–2022	13–15 yrs	2.9%	1.9%	1.5×
124	Volkswagen Scirocco III2008–2018	13–15 yrs	2.1%	1.2%	1.8×
125	BMW 3-serie G202019–2026	3–4 yrs	1.3%	0.4%	3.4×
126	BMW 3-serie G212019–2026	3–4 yrs	1.3%	0.4%	3.3×
127	Fiat Panda III2012–2026	3–4 yrs	1.0%	0.1%	7.4×
128	Nissan Micra IV2010–2017	11–12 yrs	2.1%	1.3%	1.6×
129	Renault Mégane IV2016–2025	7–8 yrs	1.2%	0.5%	2.4×
130	Suzuki Ignis III2016–2025	9–10 yrs	1.3%	0.6%	2.1×
131	Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse W2462011–2018	11–12 yrs	1.9%	1.3%	1.5×
132	Opel Mokka B2020–2026	3–4 yrs	1.0%	0.4%	2.6×
133	Suzuki SX4 S-Cross2013–2026	11–12 yrs	1.3%	0.8%	1.6×
134	Peugeot 2008 II2019–2026	3–4 yrs	0.6%	0.1%	4.6×
135	Land Rover Range Rover Evoque I2011–2019	7–8 yrs	0.8%	0.4%	2.2×
136	Renault Twingo III2014–2024	9–10 yrs	1.3%	0.9%	1.5×
137	MG ZS EV2019–2025	3–4 yrs	0.8%	0.4%	2.1×
138	SEAT Arona2017–2026	7–8 yrs	0.7%	0.4%	1.8×
139	Volkswagen Polo VI2017–2026	5–6 yrs	0.4%	0.1%	4.1×

The most common defects in this group

Defect (RDW description, Dutch)	Type	Share of cars	Cars
Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm	C	2.1%	143,304
Fusee(kogel) te veel speling	A	1.1%	75,395
Stofhoes fuseekogel beschadigd en dicht niet af	B	1.0%	69,021
Draaipunt onafhankelijke wielophanging te veel speling	A	0.2%	10,318
Roestschade as, wielgeleidingselement of reactiestang	A	0.1%	6,993
As of wielgeleidingselement ondeugdelijk	A	0.1%	6,667
As of wielgeleidingselement ondeugdelijk bevestigd	A	0.1%	3,711
Stofhoes fuseekogel ondeugdelijk bevestigd	B	0.0%	2,671
Fusee(kogel) ondeugdelijk bevestigd	A	0.0%	1,501
Doorgeroest wielgeleidingselement gerepareerd	A	0.0%	565
Fuseekogel of fuseekogelhuis vertoont corrosie	A	0.0%	530
Koppelingskogel te veel gesleten	A	0.0%	66

Looking at a used car? Check that car

Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how the car compares with the same model at the same age.

Frequently asked questions

Which used cars often have control arms / ball joints problems?

At the APK this occurs most clearly above average on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Volvo XC90 II, Volvo XC60 II. Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.

Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.

Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know