Open recall and the APK: what you need to know

The RDW wants cars with an open recall to fail the APK in the future. That is not yet a rule: the law has to be changed first. For buyers it is already wise to check whether a used car has an open recall.

What does the RDW propose?

According to Auto Review (22 August 2026) the RDW wants a car with an open recall for a safety defect to fail before the inspection starts, based on a digital register. Since 2020 makers have recalled 2.1 million Dutch cars for safety-critical defects; about 600,000 of them have not yet been to a dealer. The RDW is also looking at a sales ban, fines and contacting owners directly. There is no start date yet. Source: Auto Review

What does this mean when you buy a used car?

• An open recall concerns a known defect, often brakes, airbags or fire safety. The repair is free at a dealer of the make.
• Ask the seller for proof that recalls have been carried out, otherwise have it done before buying.
• If the rule comes in, a car with an open recall can only pass its APK after the repair. Parts are not always available right away.

How to check it for free

Enter the plate in the CarXray plate check. We fetch from the RDW whether an open recall is registered, together with the APK history and the odometer judgement. The register is not always fully up to date; when in doubt, ask a dealer of the make.

This is general information, not legal advice. Status as of Oct 2026.