Known APK problem
Opel Karl: leaks
On the Opel Karl the APK inspector finds leaks problems 14.7× as often as on cars of the same age: at 5–6 years 1.5%, against about 0.1% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Leaks of oil, coolant or other fluids.
How to check it at the viewing
Look under the engine and where the car was parked. Open the bonnet and look for wet, greasy spots.
Ask the seller: Does the car lose oil or coolant?
By age
Share of inspected Opel Karls with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | Karl | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 – 6 years | C | 1.5% | 0.1% | 14.7× |
| 7 – 8 years | C | 0.8% | 0.5% | 1.5× |
| 9 – 10 years | C | 2.0% | 1.4% | 1.4× |
| 11 – 12 years | C | 2.2% | 2.8% | 0.8× |
A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.
Comparable cars at 5–6 years
| Model | Leaks | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Opel Karl | 1.5% | 14.7× |
| Fiat 500 (312) | 0.2% | 2.2× |
Looking at a Opel Karl? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Opel Karls of the same age.
All weak spots of the Opel Karl · Leaks: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Opel Karl often have leaks problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 5–6 years the inspector found a leaks defect on 1.5% of inspected Opel Karls, against about 0.1% of all cars of the same age (14.7×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the leaks on a used Opel Karl?
Look under the engine and where the car was parked. Open the bonnet and look for wet, greasy spots.
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