Known APK problem
Opel Karl: windows and visibility
On the Opel Karl the APK inspector finds windows and visibility problems 2.3× as often as on cars of the same age: at 5–6 years 7.8%, against about 3.4% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Chips or cracks in the windscreen in the field of view, or worn wipers.
How to check it at the viewing
Look for chips and cracks especially in the driver’s field of view. Test the wipers and washers.
Ask the seller: Has the windscreen been replaced, or have chips been repaired?
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 | B | 7.8% | 3.4% | 2.3× |
| 7 – 8 years | B | 6.9% | 3.8% | 1.8× |
| 9 – 10 years | B | 6.2% | 3.9% | 1.6× |
| 11 – 12 years | B | 6.0% | 4.6% | 1.3× |
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 | Windows and visibility | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Opel Karl | 7.8% | 2.3× |
| Hyundai i10 II | 4.0% | 1.2× |
| Renault Twingo III | 5.1% | 1.5× |
| Peugeot 108 | 6.9% | 2.1× |
| Citroën C1 II | 7.5% | 2.3× |
| Fiat 500 (312) | 5.0% | 1.5× |
Looking at a Opel Karl? Check that car
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All weak spots of the Opel Karl · Windows and visibility: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Opel Karl often have windows and visibility problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 5–6 years the inspector found a windows and visibility defect on 7.8% of inspected Opel Karls, against about 3.4% of all cars of the same age (2.3×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the windows and visibility on a used Opel Karl?
Look for chips and cracks especially in the driver’s field of view. Test the wipers and washers.
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