Known APK problem
Opel Karl: exhaust and emissions
On the Opel Karl the APK inspector finds exhaust and emissions problems 4.9× as often as on cars of the same age: at 11–12 years 6.9%, against about 1.4% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
A leaking exhaust, high emissions or problems with the catalytic converter or particulate filter.
How to check it at the viewing
Start the engine cold and watch for smoke and an uneven idle. Listen for blowing noises under the car.
Ask the seller: Has any work been done on the exhaust, catalytic converter or particulate filter?
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 | 0.7% | 0.1% | 6.4× |
| 7 – 8 years | B | 2.2% | 0.4% | 5.3× |
| 9 – 10 years | B | 3.8% | 0.8% | 4.7× |
| 11 – 12 years | B | 6.9% | 1.4% | 4.9× |
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 11–12 years
| Model | Exhaust and emissions | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Opel Karl | 6.9% | 4.9× |
| Hyundai i10 II | 0.2% | 0.5× |
| Kia Picanto II | 0.4% | 0.3× |
| Renault Twingo III | 0.2% | 0.5× |
| Peugeot 107 | 3.1% | 2.2× |
| Peugeot 108 | 0.5% | 0.4× |
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 · Exhaust and emissions: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Opel Karl often have exhaust and emissions problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 11–12 years the inspector found a exhaust and emissions defect on 6.9% of inspected Opel Karls, against about 1.4% of all cars of the same age (4.9×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the exhaust and emissions on a used Opel Karl?
Start the engine cold and watch for smoke and an uneven idle. Listen for blowing noises under the car.
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