Brake discs wear faster than average (TÜV)
usually 40,000–150,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Scored or lipped discs, vibration or noise when braking; noted at the roadworthiness test.
Fix: Replace discs and pads per axle and clean and grease the caliper slides.
€150–300
Corroded brake lines and rust on older cars (10+ years)
usually 100,000–300,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rusty brake lines under the car, possibly fluid seepage; surface rust on underbody and body seams; test failure.
Fix: Inspect the lines on a lift and replace corroded sections; treat rust early and protect the underbody.
€150–600
Springs and dampers fail more often after about 10 years
usually 100,000–250,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Clunk over bumps, car sits lower on one corner, bouncy ride.
Fix: Replace the broken spring or worn dampers in pairs per axle and check the strut top mounts.
€150–450
Front and rear lighting defects above average
usually 30,000–250,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Bulb out, misaligned headlight or faulty rear lamp; a common remark at the roadworthiness test.
Fix: Replace the bulb, check connectors and earth, and adjust the headlight aim.
€20–100
Flat 12 V battery (ADAC breakdown hotspot)
usually 20,000–150,000 km · Medium risk
model years 2011–2014 only
Signs: No start, or hybrid does not reach READY; electrical warnings after the car stood for a while.
Fix: Test and replace the 12 V battery with the correct type; on short-trip cars charge it regularly.
€100–250
Recall: brake line fittings not torqued, fluid may leak (2013 builds)
at any mileage · High risk
model years 2013–2013 only
Signs: Brake fluid warning light, fluid loss, longer pedal travel.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer retightens the brake line fittings free of charge.
free / recall
Recall: door wiring cracks, side and curtain airbags may switch off
at any mileage · High risk
model years 2014–2017 only
Signs: Airbag warning light on; side and curtain airbags may not deploy in a crash.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer repairs or replaces the front door airbag sensor harness free of charge.
free / recall
Recall: airbag inflator (Takata) may deploy abnormally (early cars)
at any mileage · High risk
model years 2011–2014 only
Signs: No warning; the inflator may rupture or the airbag may not unfold properly in a crash.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer replaces the inflator or airbag module free of charge.
free / recall