How we know.
Official data. A fair comparison. Visible uncertainty.
An APK defect is not a failure.
A problem may have been repaired during the inspection. Our figures describe recorded defects, not the reliability of each car.
From registration to insight
We use official RDW data and the same method for all models. That makes the comparison fair.
What do we calculate?
We show the share of cars with at least one A-problem in a specific group (e.g. model and year).
Window: 12 full months · Each car counts once.
Inspected cars = all passenger cars with an APK report from the inspection station in the window, also without defects. If a car was inspected twice, the latest inspection counts; the defects come from that same inspection. Advisory points do not count as defects.
Our five RDW sources
We use five open RDW datasets. That gives a complete and verifiable picture.
m9d7-ebf2Basic vehicle data such as make, model and year.
Original data: CC0sgfe-77wxEvery APK inspection, also without defects: the denominator.
Original data: CC0a34c-vvpsRecorded defects per inspection.
Original data: CC0hx2c-gt7kOfficial defect codes and descriptions.
Original data: CC08ys7-d773Fuel type and energy carrier.
Original data: CC0Categories of APK defects
Our grouping of RDW defect codes; not an official RDW classification.
Important safety defects and serious mechanical defects.
Defects pointing to wear and necessary maintenance.
Defects of an advisory nature.
Administrative defects, such as documents or identification.
The grouping is a draft and is being reviewed by a certified APK inspector.
How certain are the figures?
We show 95% Wilson intervals.
2.3%
n = 16,806 · 95% CI 2.1 – 2.5%
n < 200: no percentage
With few inspections we show no percentage.
What the data do not tell
Important limitations to keep in mind.
- Defect history available from June 2022Older inspections may have no data.
- Maintenance and individual differences matterDriving style, use and maintenance affect the condition of a car.
- Export and scrapping can distort the comparisonCars that are exported or scrapped are not always visible.
- No complete accident or maintenance historyDamage and maintenance history are not fully available in the RDW data.
We show what is in the official RDW registrations. It helps you buy better, but it remains a snapshot and no guarantee.
Report a correction · We reply within 5 working days.