APK defects by part

Warning lights at the APK

In Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 the APK inspector recorded a warning lights defect 234,641 times, across 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars. On 128 model generations it occurs clearly more often than average.

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

What is it?

A warning light that stays on (for example ABS, airbag or engine fault) points to a fault that has to be read out first.

Repair indication: mediuma targeted repair at the garage.

How to check it at the viewing

Switch on the ignition: all lights come on briefly and go out after starting. If one stays on, ask about the cause.

Ask the seller: Does a warning light ever come on, and has the fault been read out?

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 Karl2015–2019	11–12 yrs	28.9%	2.4%	11.8×
2	Opel Astra K2015–2023	9–10 yrs	24.7%	3.2%	7.8×
3	Opel Astra J Sports Tourer / GTC2010–2019	9–10 yrs	21.3%	3.1%	6.8×
4	Opel Corsa D2006–2014	9–10 yrs	15.2%	3.2%	4.8×
5	Kia Rio III2011–2017	13–15 yrs	14.0%	2.5%	5.6×
6	Ford Kuga III2020–2026	5–6 yrs	11.4%	0.5%	21.7×
7	Ford Puma2019–2026	5–6 yrs	10.0%	0.5%	19.2×
8	Ford Mondeo V2015–2022	11–12 yrs	11.8%	2.5%	4.8×
9	Volkswagen Jetta V2005–2014	16+ yrs	14.7%	5.7%	2.6×
10	SEAT Altea2005–2016	16+ yrs	14.1%	5.6%	2.5×
11	Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212/S2122009–2024	9–10 yrs	11.5%	3.2%	3.6×
12	Tesla Model S2013–2022	11–12 yrs	10.3%	2.5%	4.2×
13	Hyundai i10 II2013–2021	11–12 yrs	9.9%	2.4%	4.1×
14	Mazda Mazda6 (GH)2008–2012	16+ yrs	13.0%	5.7%	2.3×
15	Land Rover Range Rover Sport II2013–2023	11–12 yrs	9.7%	2.4%	4.0×
16	Škoda Octavia II2005–2013	16+ yrs	12.8%	5.8%	2.2×
17	Mitsubishi Space Star2013–2025	9–10 yrs	10.1%	3.2%	3.2×
18	Opel Mokka (A) / Mokka X2012–2019	9–10 yrs	10.1%	3.2%	3.2×
19	Volvo XC40 / EX40 / C402017–2026	7–8 yrs	7.1%	0.4%	18.4×
20	Hyundai i20 I2008–2017	16+ yrs	11.8%	5.6%	2.1×
21	Volvo V60 I Plug-in Hybrid2012–2018	9–10 yrs	9.3%	3.2%	2.9×
22	Ford Focus III2011–2019	9–10 yrs	9.2%	3.2%	2.9×
23	Mercedes-Benz Sprinter2006–2026	11–12 yrs	8.4%	2.5%	3.4×
24	SEAT Mii2011–2022	13–15 yrs	8.3%	2.5%	3.3×
25	Volkswagen up!2011–2025	13–15 yrs	8.2%	2.5%	3.3×
26	Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W213/S2132016–2025	9–10 yrs	8.7%	3.1%	2.8×
27	SEAT Leon II2005–2014	16+ yrs	11.2%	5.9%	1.9×
28	Volkswagen Golf Plus2005–2014	16+ yrs	10.8%	5.7%	1.9×
29	Ford Fiesta VI2008–2018	9–10 yrs	8.2%	3.2%	2.6×
30	Mercedes-Benz V-Klasse / Vito W4472014–2026	9–10 yrs	7.9%	3.2%	2.5×
31	Volkswagen Passat B72011–2014	13–15 yrs	7.1%	2.4%	2.9×
32	Volkswagen Golf V2005–2008	16+ yrs	10.2%	5.7%	1.8×
33	Volkswagen Passat B62005–2010	16+ yrs	10.2%	5.7%	1.8×
34	Volkswagen Polo V2009–2018	13–15 yrs	7.0%	2.5%	2.8×
35	Volvo XC60 II2017–2026	7–8 yrs	4.7%	0.4%	12.2×
36	Volkswagen Golf VI Variant2009–2014	13–15 yrs	6.7%	2.5%	2.7×
37	Suzuki Swift IV2010–2017	7–8 yrs	5.1%	0.9%	5.4×
38	Nissan Qashqai I2007–2015	16+ yrs	9.6%	5.6%	1.7×
39	BMW 1-serie E872005–2011	16+ yrs	9.6%	5.6%	1.7×
40	Škoda Citigo2011–2022	13–15 yrs	6.4%	2.5%	2.6×
41	Mercedes-Benz CLA C1172013–2019	11–12 yrs	6.3%	2.4%	2.6×
42	Opel Insignia B2017–2023	7–8 yrs	4.6%	0.9%	4.9×
43	Volvo V90 / S90 II2016–2026	7–8 yrs	3.9%	0.4%	10.2×
44	Hyundai ix352010–2016	9–10 yrs	6.7%	3.2%	2.1×
45	Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W1762012–2018	9–10 yrs	6.6%	3.1%	2.1×
46	Volkswagen Golf V Variant2005–2008	16+ yrs	9.2%	5.7%	1.6×
47	BMW 5-serie G312017–2024	9–10 yrs	6.5%	3.1%	2.1×
48	Volkswagen Touran I2005–2015	16+ yrs	8.9%	5.6%	1.6×
49	Škoda Superb II2008–2025	13–15 yrs	5.8%	2.5%	2.3×
50	Toyota RAV4 III2006–2013	11–12 yrs	5.7%	2.5%	2.3×
51	Volvo XC90 II2015–2026	7–8 yrs	3.6%	0.4%	9.4×
52	Lexus CT 200h2011–2021	9–10 yrs	6.2%	3.1%	2.0×
53	Ford C-MAX II / Grand C-MAX2010–2020	11–12 yrs	5.4%	2.5%	2.2×
54	Mazda Mazda3 (BL)2009–2013	16+ yrs	8.6%	5.7%	1.5×
55	Volkswagen Scirocco III2008–2018	16+ yrs	8.6%	5.7%	1.5×
56	Kia Picanto II2011–2018	7–8 yrs	3.8%	1.0%	4.0×
57	Opel Astra J2009–2017	9–10 yrs	6.0%	3.2%	1.9×
58	BMW 3-serie E90/E912005–2012	16+ yrs	8.4%	5.6%	1.5×
59	Kia Sportage III2010–2016	9–10 yrs	5.9%	3.1%	1.9×
60	Volvo V60 II / S60 III2018–2026	7–8 yrs	3.1%	0.4%	8.0×
61	Alfa Romeo MiTo2008–2019	9–10 yrs	5.6%	3.1%	1.8×
62	Toyota Avensis III2008–2019	9–10 yrs	5.5%	3.1%	1.8×
63	Citroën C4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer2013–2022	11–12 yrs	4.8%	2.4%	2.0×
64	Opel Corsa E2015–2019	11–12 yrs	4.8%	2.5%	1.9×
65	SEAT Leon III2012–2021	13–15 yrs	4.6%	2.4%	1.9×
66	Volkswagen ID.4 / ID.52020–2026	5–6 yrs	2.6%	0.5%	5.1×
67	Škoda Enyaq2020–2026	5–6 yrs	2.6%	0.5%	4.9×
68	Dacia Sandero III2020–2026	5–6 yrs	2.6%	0.5%	4.9×
69	Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W2042007–2014	11–12 yrs	4.5%	2.5%	1.8×
70	Toyota Auris II2013–2020	9–10 yrs	5.2%	3.3%	1.6×
71	Toyota Verso2009–2019	7–8 yrs	2.8%	0.9%	3.0×
72	Opel Insignia A2008–2017	9–10 yrs	4.9%	3.1%	1.6×
73	Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W2052015–2025	11–12 yrs	4.3%	2.5%	1.7×
74	Kia Picanto I2005–2012	13–15 yrs	4.3%	2.5%	1.7×
75	Opel Meriva B2010–2017	7–8 yrs	2.7%	0.9%	2.9×
76	Volkswagen Golf VII2012–2021	13–15 yrs	4.2%	2.5%	1.7×
77	SEAT Ibiza IV2008–2018	13–15 yrs	4.2%	2.5%	1.7×
78	Tesla Model 32019–2026	3–4 yrs	2.0%	0.3%	6.9×
79	Hyundai i20 II2014–2021	11–12 yrs	4.1%	2.4%	1.7×
80	Peugeot 508 I2011–2021	9–10 yrs	4.9%	3.3%	1.5×
81	Volkswagen ID.32020–2026	5–6 yrs	2.1%	0.5%	4.0×
82	Ford Kuga II2013–2020	9–10 yrs	4.6%	3.1%	1.5×
83	Dacia Logan2006–2022	11–12 yrs	3.8%	2.4%	1.6×
84	Tesla Model Y2020–2026	3–4 yrs	1.7%	0.3%	5.6×
85	Honda Insight II2009–2015	13–15 yrs	3.7%	2.5%	1.5×
86	Peugeot 308 III2021–2026	3–4 yrs	1.5%	0.3%	5.0×
87	BMW X5 G052018–2026	7–8 yrs	1.5%	0.4%	4.0×
88	BMW 2-serie Active Tourer F452016–2022	7–8 yrs	1.5%	0.4%	3.8×
89	Volkswagen Golf VIII2019–2026	5–6 yrs	1.6%	0.5%	3.0×
90	BMW X2 F392018–2024	7–8 yrs	1.4%	0.4%	3.8×
91	BMW 5-serie G302017–2025	7–8 yrs	1.4%	0.4%	3.6×
92	MG ZS EV2019–2025	3–4 yrs	1.3%	0.3%	4.3×
93	Nissan Juke II2019–2026	5–6 yrs	1.5%	0.5%	2.8×
94	BMW X1 F482016–2023	7–8 yrs	1.3%	0.4%	3.5×
95	SEAT Tarraco2018–2025	5–6 yrs	1.0%	0.1%	13.1×
96	Nissan Qashqai III2021–2026	3–4 yrs	1.2%	0.3%	3.9×
97	Volkswagen Passat B82015–2024	5–6 yrs	1.4%	0.5%	2.7×
98	Škoda Kamiq2019–2026	5–6 yrs	1.4%	0.5%	2.6×
99	Škoda Scala2019–2026	5–6 yrs	1.4%	0.5%	2.6×
100	BMW X3 G012017–2025	7–8 yrs	1.2%	0.4%	3.1×
101	SEAT Leon IV2020–2026	5–6 yrs	1.3%	0.5%	2.5×
102	Opel Zafira Tourer C2011–2019	7–8 yrs	1.7%	0.9%	1.8×
103	BMW i i32013–2022	11–12 yrs	0.8%	0.1%	11.3×
104	Audi A3 (8Y)2020–2026	5–6 yrs	1.2%	0.5%	2.4×
105	Renault Zoe2013–2025	3–4 yrs	1.0%	0.3%	3.3×
106	Jeep Renegade2014–2026	3–4 yrs	1.0%	0.3%	3.3×
107	Opel Adam2012–2019	7–8 yrs	1.6%	0.9%	1.7×
108	Suzuki Baleno2016–2020	7–8 yrs	1.6%	0.9%	1.7×
109	Toyota RAV4 V Plug-in2020–2026	3–4 yrs	0.9%	0.3%	3.0×
110	Dacia Spring2021–2026	3–4 yrs	0.9%	0.3%	2.9×
111	Volvo V70 III / XC70 II2007–2017	11–12 yrs	0.6%	0.1%	8.9×
112	BMW 4-serie F32/F362013–2021	7–8 yrs	0.9%	0.4%	2.3×
113	Ford Focus IV2018–2026	3–4 yrs	0.8%	0.3%	2.7×
114	Mitsubishi Outlander III2013–2021	5–6 yrs	1.0%	0.5%	2.0×
115	Toyota Corolla XII (E21)2019–2026	3–4 yrs	0.8%	0.3%	2.6×
116	Ford Mustang Mach-E2020–2026	3–4 yrs	0.8%	0.3%	2.6×
117	Hyundai Tucson III2015–2021	9–10 yrs	0.5%	0.0%	13.6×
118	Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W1772018–2026	7–8 yrs	0.5%	0.1%	8.2×
119	Škoda Yeti2009–2020	13–15 yrs	0.5%	0.1%	6.2×
120	BMW X1 E842009–2025	7–8 yrs	0.8%	0.4%	2.1×
121	Ford Fiesta VII2017–2025	3–4 yrs	0.7%	0.3%	2.4×
122	Toyota RAV4 V2018–2026	3–4 yrs	0.7%	0.3%	2.4×
123	Dacia Jogger2022–2026	3–4 yrs	0.4%	0.0%	8.9×
124	Toyota Prius III2009–2016	9–10 yrs	0.5%	0.2%	3.0×
125	Kia Picanto III2017–2026	7–8 yrs	0.4%	0.1%	5.7×
126	Fiat 500 (312)2007–2026	5–6 yrs	0.4%	0.1%	5.1×
127	Volvo V40 II2012–2020	13–15 yrs	0.4%	0.1%	5.1×
128	Toyota Yaris III2011–2020	5–6 yrs	0.8%	0.5%	1.6×

The most common defects in this group

Defect (RDW description, Dutch)	Type	Share of cars	Cars
Waarschuwingsinrichting airbag- / gordelsysteem geeft defect	C	1.6%	112,532
Waarschuwingsinrichting controlesysteem bandenspanning geeft	C	0.8%	52,966
Waarschuwingsinrichting antiblokkeersysteem geeft defect aan	C	0.5%	37,003
Waarschuwingsinrichting stabiliteitscontrolesysteem geeft de	C	0.2%	11,883
Waarschuwingsinrichting controlesysteem bandenspanning geeft	B	0.1%	7,502
Waarschuwingsinrichting elektronisch remsysteem geeft defect	C	0.0%	3,131
Waarschuwingsinrichting eCall-boordsysteem geeft defect aan	B	0.0%	2,613
Waarschuwingsinrichting elektronische stuurbekrachtiging gee	C	0.0%	2,162
Waarschuwingsinrichting antiblokkeersysteem geeft defect aan	A	0.0%	2,120
Waarschuwingsinrichting airbagsysteem geeft defect aan	A	0.0%	2,052
Waarschuwingsinrichting elektronisch remsysteem geeft defect	A	0.0%	319
Waarschuwingsinrichting gordelsysteem geeft defect aan	A	0.0%	181

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 warning lights problems?

At the APK this occurs most clearly above average on the Opel Karl, Opel Astra K, Opel Astra J Sports Tourer / GTC. 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