APK defects by part

Springs and shock absorbers at the APK

In Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 the APK inspector recorded a springs and shock absorbers defect 219,240 times, across 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars. On 140 model generations it occurs clearly more often than average.

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

What is it?

Broken springs or leaking shock absorbers.

Repair indication: mediuma targeted repair at the garage.

How to check it at the viewing

Push each corner down firmly: the car should rebound once. Look for oil on the dampers and whether the car sits level.

Ask the seller: Have the shock absorbers or springs ever 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	Opel Meriva B2010–2017	16+ yrs	13.8%	2.7%	5.1×
2	Nissan Micra V2017–2024	9–10 yrs	11.8%	0.8%	14.8×
3	Ford Kuga I2008–2012	13–15 yrs	11.2%	2.2%	5.0×
4	Alfa Romeo MiTo2008–2019	7–8 yrs	9.2%	0.4%	24.9×
5	Suzuki SX4 I2006–2015	11–12 yrs	9.6%	1.4%	7.0×
6	Volkswagen Golf VI Variant2009–2014	16+ yrs	10.2%	2.7%	3.8×
7	Opel Adam2012–2019	11–12 yrs	8.2%	1.1%	7.6×
8	BMW 5-serie F112010–2018	16+ yrs	9.5%	2.6%	3.6×
9	Renault Zoe2013–2025	11–12 yrs	8.0%	1.4%	5.8×
10	Mazda Mazda3 (BL)2009–2013	11–12 yrs	7.9%	1.4%	5.7×
11	Volkswagen Tiguan I2007–2015	16+ yrs	9.1%	2.7%	3.4×
12	Volkswagen Polo V2009–2018	16+ yrs	8.0%	1.6%	5.0×
13	Renault Mégane III2008–2016	11–12 yrs	7.5%	1.4%	5.4×
14	Volkswagen Passat B62005–2010	13–15 yrs	8.3%	2.2%	3.7×
15	Volkswagen Passat B72011–2014	13–15 yrs	8.1%	2.3%	3.6×
16	Chevrolet Aveo II2011–2019	11–12 yrs	7.2%	1.4%	5.3×
17	Renault Clio III2005–2012	13–15 yrs	8.0%	2.3%	3.5×
18	Renault Twingo II2007–2014	13–15 yrs	7.9%	2.3%	3.5×
19	Opel Corsa D2006–2014	16+ yrs	8.2%	2.6%	3.1×
20	Fiat Panda II2005–2013	13–15 yrs	6.4%	1.0%	6.6×
21	Volvo V40 II2012–2020	9–10 yrs	6.2%	0.8%	7.8×
22	Citroën DS32010–2024	9–10 yrs	6.2%	0.8%	7.8×
23	Volkswagen Jetta V2005–2014	16+ yrs	8.1%	2.7%	3.0×
24	SEAT Altea2005–2016	16+ yrs	8.1%	2.7%	3.0×
25	Opel Agila B2008–2015	16+ yrs	8.0%	2.7%	3.0×
26	Renault Scénic III2009–2016	16+ yrs	8.0%	2.7%	3.0×
27	Mercedes-Benz V-Klasse / Vito W4472014–2026	11–12 yrs	6.5%	1.4%	4.7×
28	Mazda Mazda3 (BM/BN)2014–2019	11–12 yrs	6.4%	1.4%	4.6×
29	Nissan Note I2006–2014	11–12 yrs	6.4%	1.4%	4.6×
30	Volkswagen Golf V Variant2005–2008	16+ yrs	7.6%	2.7%	2.8×
31	Volkswagen Golf VII2012–2021	11–12 yrs	5.9%	1.1%	5.5×
32	Suzuki Splash2008–2021	16+ yrs	7.4%	2.6%	2.8×
33	BMW 3-serie E90/E912005–2012	13–15 yrs	6.1%	1.4%	4.3×
34	Škoda Octavia II2005–2013	11–12 yrs	5.6%	1.1%	5.2×
35	Fiat Grande Punto / Punto Evo / Punto2005–2021	11–12 yrs	5.9%	1.4%	4.2×
36	Audi Q5 (FY)2016–2026	9–10 yrs	5.2%	0.8%	6.5×
37	BMW 1-serie E872005–2011	16+ yrs	5.9%	1.6%	3.7×
38	Opel Insignia A2008–2017	16+ yrs	5.9%	1.6%	3.7×
39	Opel Astra H Station Wagon2005–2012	16+ yrs	6.8%	2.6%	2.6×
40	Ford Fiesta VI2008–2018	7–8 yrs	4.5%	0.4%	12.3×
41	Volvo V502005–2020	16+ yrs	6.8%	2.7%	2.5×
42	SEAT Leon II2005–2014	16+ yrs	6.8%	2.7%	2.5×
43	Volkswagen Scirocco III2008–2018	13–15 yrs	6.3%	2.3%	2.8×
44	Škoda Octavia III2013–2022	7–8 yrs	4.5%	0.5%	9.5×
45	Fiat 500 (312)2007–2026	9–10 yrs	4.8%	0.8%	6.2×
46	Opel Zafira B2005–2015	16+ yrs	6.7%	2.7%	2.5×
47	SEAT Leon III2012–2021	13–15 yrs	5.4%	1.4%	3.8×
48	Renault Captur I2013–2019	13–15 yrs	6.1%	2.3%	2.7×
49	Volvo XC60 I2008–2018	13–15 yrs	6.1%	2.3%	2.7×
50	BMW 5-serie G312017–2024	9–10 yrs	4.6%	0.8%	5.9×
51	Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse W2452005–2014	16+ yrs	6.4%	2.7%	2.4×
52	Peugeot 508 I2011–2021	11–12 yrs	5.1%	1.4%	3.7×
53	Citroën C3 II2009–2016	13–15 yrs	6.0%	2.3%	2.6×
54	BMW 3-serie F302012–2020	13–15 yrs	5.1%	1.5%	3.5×
55	Fiat Panda III2012–2026	13–15 yrs	4.6%	1.0%	4.8×
56	Ford Focus III2011–2019	13–15 yrs	5.9%	2.3%	2.6×
57	Renault Clio IV2013–2019	9–10 yrs	4.2%	0.8%	5.3×
58	Audi A3 (8P)2005–2014	16+ yrs	6.0%	2.6%	2.3×
59	Toyota Auris I Hybrid2010–2012	13–15 yrs	5.6%	2.2%	2.5×
60	SEAT Ibiza IV2008–2018	13–15 yrs	4.7%	1.4%	3.3×
61	Volkswagen Golf VII Variant2013–2021	11–12 yrs	4.3%	1.1%	4.0×
62	Volkswagen Golf V2005–2008	16+ yrs	5.8%	2.6%	2.2×
63	Ford Focus II2005–2012	16+ yrs	5.8%	2.6%	2.2×
64	Audi Q3 (8U)2011–2019	13–15 yrs	5.4%	2.3%	2.4×
65	Ford Ka II2008–2016	9–10 yrs	3.9%	0.8%	5.1×
66	Renault Scénic IV2016–2024	9–10 yrs	3.9%	0.8%	4.8×
67	Dacia Logan2006–2022	11–12 yrs	3.5%	0.4%	7.8×
68	Ford C-MAX I2005–2020	13–15 yrs	4.0%	1.0%	4.1×
69	Škoda Rapid2012–2021	7–8 yrs	3.4%	0.5%	7.2×
70	Škoda Roomster2006–2023	7–8 yrs	3.3%	0.5%	6.9×
71	Volkswagen Touran I2005–2015	13–15 yrs	5.1%	2.3%	2.2×
72	MG ZS EV2019–2025	3–4 yrs	2.8%	0.0%	104.0×
73	Mercedes-Benz Sprinter2006–2026	7–8 yrs	3.1%	0.4%	8.3×
74	Smart Fortwo II (451)2007–2014	16+ yrs	5.4%	2.7%	2.0×
75	Volkswagen Golf VI2009–2018	13–15 yrs	4.1%	1.4%	2.9×
76	Toyota Yaris III2011–2020	13–15 yrs	4.8%	2.3%	2.1×
77	Jeep Renegade2014–2026	11–12 yrs	3.9%	1.4%	2.8×
78	Mazda CX-5 I2012–2017	9–10 yrs	3.2%	0.8%	4.0×
79	Toyota RAV4 III2006–2013	16+ yrs	3.6%	1.2%	3.0×
80	Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W1692005–2012	16+ yrs	5.0%	2.6%	1.9×
81	Fiat 500L2012–2021	7–8 yrs	2.7%	0.4%	7.4×
82	Volkswagen Fox2005–2013	13–15 yrs	4.6%	2.3%	2.0×
83	Volkswagen Polo VI2017–2026	7–8 yrs	2.7%	0.5%	5.7×
84	Škoda Superb II2008–2025	9–10 yrs	2.9%	0.8%	3.8×
85	Volkswagen Passat B82015–2024	11–12 yrs	3.5%	1.4%	2.5×
86	Peugeot 3008 I2009–2017	9–10 yrs	2.9%	0.8%	3.6×
87	Dacia Sandero II2013–2022	11–12 yrs	2.5%	0.5%	5.5×
88	Opel Astra J2009–2017	13–15 yrs	4.3%	2.3%	1.9×
89	Opel Astra J Sports Tourer / GTC2010–2019	13–15 yrs	4.2%	2.2%	1.9×
90	Dacia Sandero I2008–2012	13–15 yrs	2.9%	1.0%	3.0×
91	Škoda Yeti2009–2020	9–10 yrs	2.7%	0.8%	3.5×
92	Chevrolet Spark2009–2014	16+ yrs	3.5%	1.6%	2.2×
93	Audi A3 (8V)2012–2021	13–15 yrs	4.1%	2.3%	1.8×
94	Hyundai Tucson III2015–2021	9–10 yrs	2.1%	0.3%	6.8×
95	Peugeot 2072006–2016	16+ yrs	4.4%	2.8%	1.6×
96	Nissan Qashqai II2014–2022	11–12 yrs	3.0%	1.4%	2.2×
97	Alfa Romeo Giulietta2010–2021	11–12 yrs	3.0%	1.4%	2.2×
98	Opel Corsa E2015–2019	11–12 yrs	2.7%	1.1%	2.5×
99	BMW 1-serie F212011–2020	13–15 yrs	3.0%	1.4%	2.1×
100	Opel Zafira Tourer C2011–2019	13–15 yrs	3.7%	2.2%	1.7×
101	Mitsubishi ASX I2010–2021	13–15 yrs	2.9%	1.5%	2.0×
102	Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan2014–2021	11–12 yrs	2.5%	1.1%	2.3×
103	Suzuki Swift III2005–2012	13–15 yrs	2.8%	1.4%	2.0×
104	Citroën C4 Picasso I2007–2014	16+ yrs	4.0%	2.7%	1.5×
105	Volkswagen Arteon2017–2025	7–8 yrs	1.8%	0.5%	3.8×
106	BMW 5-serie F102010–2019	13–15 yrs	2.8%	1.5%	1.9×
107	Renault Twingo III2014–2024	11–12 yrs	2.7%	1.4%	1.9×
108	Opel Meriva A2005–2011	16+ yrs	2.8%	1.6%	1.8×
109	Opel Mokka (A) / Mokka X2012–2019	7–8 yrs	1.5%	0.4%	4.1×
110	Suzuki Ignis III2016–2025	9–10 yrs	1.9%	0.8%	2.4×
111	Audi A1 (8X)2010–2019	11–12 yrs	2.2%	1.1%	2.0×
112	Volkswagen Golf Plus2005–2014	11–12 yrs	2.2%	1.1%	2.0×
113	Kia Sportage IV2015–2022	9–10 yrs	1.4%	0.3%	4.5×
114	Škoda Karoq2017–2026	5–6 yrs	1.3%	0.2%	5.8×
115	Mazda Mazda6 (GJ/GL)2013–2025	11–12 yrs	1.5%	0.5%	3.3×
116	Mitsubishi Colt VI2005–2014	16+ yrs	2.2%	1.2%	1.9×
117	Peugeot 308 II2013–2022	9–10 yrs	1.8%	0.8%	2.3×
118	Dacia Duster I2010–2022	9–10 yrs	1.8%	0.8%	2.2×
119	Volvo V60 I Plug-in Hybrid2012–2018	11–12 yrs	2.0%	1.1%	1.9×
120	BMW 4-serie F32/F362013–2021	11–12 yrs	1.9%	1.1%	1.8×
121	Audi A4 (B9)2016–2025	7–8 yrs	1.2%	0.4%	3.2×
122	Renault Kadjar2015–2023	9–10 yrs	1.6%	0.8%	2.0×
123	Volkswagen Golf VIII2019–2026	5–6 yrs	1.0%	0.2%	4.6×
124	SEAT Ibiza V2017–2026	7–8 yrs	1.2%	0.5%	2.6×
125	Audi A5 (8T)2007–2016	13–15 yrs	2.2%	1.5%	1.5×
126	BMW 3-serie F312012–2019	13–15 yrs	2.2%	1.5%	1.5×
127	Mitsubishi Outlander II2008–2012	16+ yrs	1.9%	1.2%	1.6×
128	SEAT Leon IV2020–2026	3–4 yrs	0.8%	0.1%	9.1×
129	Škoda Octavia IV2019–2026	5–6 yrs	0.7%	0.1%	8.7×
130	BMW X1 E842009–2025	7–8 yrs	1.0%	0.4%	2.6×
131	Audi A3 (8Y)2020–2026	5–6 yrs	0.8%	0.2%	3.6×
132	SEAT Ateca2016–2026	3–4 yrs	0.6%	0.1%	7.7×
133	Toyota Yaris IV2020–2026	5–6 yrs	0.7%	0.2%	3.4×
134	Ford Focus IV2018–2026	7–8 yrs	0.6%	0.2%	3.7×
135	Peugeot 3008 II2016–2025	9–10 yrs	1.2%	0.8%	1.5×
136	Volkswagen Tiguan II2016–2025	9–10 yrs	0.7%	0.3%	2.2×
137	Mazda CX-5 II2017–2025	7–8 yrs	0.7%	0.4%	2.0×
138	Audi Q22016–2026	7–8 yrs	0.8%	0.5%	1.7×
139	Volkswagen ID.32020–2026	5–6 yrs	0.4%	0.1%	5.6×
140	Volkswagen Golf VIII Variant2020–2026	3–4 yrs	0.4%	0.1%	4.4×

The most common defects in this group

Defect (RDW description, Dutch)	Type	Share of cars	Cars
Veer gebroken of gescheurd	A	1.5%	100,423
Schokdemper aanwezig die lekkage vertoont	C	1.0%	70,885
Schokdemper werkt niet (goed)	B	0.3%	21,491
Stabilisator ondeugdelijk bevestigd, gebroken of gescheurd	B	0.2%	15,727
Schokdemper ondeugdelijk bevestigd	B	0.1%	7,186
Onderdeel veersysteem ondeugdelijk (bevestigd)	A	0.0%	1,362
Veerbevestiging ondeugdelijk	A	0.0%	553
Werking veersysteem ondeugdelijk	A	0.0%	450
Veerschotel, -hand gescheurd	A	0.0%	368
Doorgeroeste veerschotel gerepareerd	A	0.0%	324
Koordlagen van luchtveerbalg beschadigd	A	0.0%	223
Werking gasveersysteem ondeugdelijk	A	0.0%	106

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 springs and shock absorbers problems?

At the APK this occurs most clearly above average on the Opel Meriva B, Nissan Micra V, Ford Kuga I. 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