Are Volkswagens Reliable?

Volkswagen remains an affordable, reliable brand, albeit with a few hiccups that most automotive manufacturers experience in their lifetimes. The VW brand hails from a lineage of vehicles priced for the average consumer, with average repair costs comparable to Honda and Toyota. While recent recalls may blemish the reputations of a few well-known models, the expense and frequency of repairs cost owners less than many other brands. 

Once you’ve figured out how car loans work and what credit score is needed to buy a car, check out the following Volkswagen models. They’re the most reliable of the German automotive manufacturer’s lineup.

Atlas

The Atlas remains Volkswagen’s largest SUV in its current lineup, besides the electric ID.4. The Atlas and its cousin, the Atlas Cross Sport, give consumers what they loved in the Tiguan and Touareg, with a bit of modern styling. While the Atlas may not be as stylish as the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade full-size SUVs, it does fit more budgets. 

Golf GTI

Considering how many iterations the VW Golf has seen, it’s no wonder it’s one of the brand’s top reliable vehicles. The Golf R hatchback variant, known for its sporty features and unique styling, debuted in 2002. The 2023 variant pays homage to the 21-year-old nameplate to continue the legacy. 

Jetta

Akin to its sibling, the Passat, the Jetta represents a stalwart addition to the Volkswagen lineup. Hailing from the 1980s, this nameplate has seen better days since the most recent refresh. However, the GLI remains a favorite among consumers and enthusiasts alike. 

ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4 electrifies the brand and signifies VW’s commitment to a sustainable future. The newest 2024 variant boasts a range of 275 miles, with modern styling and technological advancements to boot. This electric VW may soon be joined by the ID.Buzz and ID.7 models in 2024. 

Regardless of car make and model, reliability is often measured by obtaining an overall view of a brand in five main areas:

• Reliability ratings and reported problems from RepairPal
• Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB) 5-Year Cost to Own
• Safety ratings from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 
• Fuel efficiency ratings from The U.S. Department of Energy’s FuelEconomy.gov
• Dependability awards from J.D. Power

Comparing notes from each source can help give you a well-rounded picture of how reliable Volkswagens are. You can also consult other Volkswagen owners in your area to figure out the pros and cons of VW ownership. 

Volkswagen’s reliability (like Tesla reliability) depends upon its fuel efficiency, average repair costs, cost of ownership, safety features, and dependability. Take a closer look at each facet listed below. 

1. Average repair costs

The average repair cost for a Volkswagen, as reported by RepairPal, totals $676, which is only just over $20 from the industry standard repair cost. The German car brand ranks three out of five regarding reliability and 12 out of 32 for all car brands. The average Volkswagen visits the shop 0.5 times per year, with an 11% chance that repairs will be severe. 

2. Cost of ownership 

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the only vehicle for the brand to rank among the lowest cost of ownership. The Golf GTI costs $42,488 to own for five years, comprising $15,815 lost in depreciation. This cost of ownership puts it third in rankings for the sporty compact car segment, which also consists of the 2023 Honda Civic and MINI Cooper 4 Door (2024) and 2 Door (2023) models. 

3. Safety features and ratings 

The NHTSA awarded the 2023 VW ID.4 with a five-out-of-five-star overall safety rating. However, five recalls and 95 complaints exist on this model. The most urgent recall concerns a fire risk when parked that affects around 1,000 models.

The IIHS recognized the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 as a Top Safety Pick+, ranking the model “Good” in all categories. The 2023 VW Golf GTI follows suit, with the previous year receiving the Top Safety Pick recognition. This hot hatch also scores “Good” in all categories. 

However, the NHTSA recently released a statement warning consumers about a recall from Volkswagen America concerning the occupant detection systems in the front passenger seat of select 2018 to 2021 VW Atlas and 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport models. While not as widespread as past VW recalls, it is a safety hazard that should be addressed immediately. 

4. Fuel efficiency 

Looking at fuel efficiency across the board can give you an idea of how fuel-efficient Volkswagens are. Here are a few examples to compare: 

• 2023 Volkswagen Jetta: Despite being a midsize sedan, the Jetta sips fuel at 29 city and 40 highway MPG. Combined, that’s 33 MPG. 
• 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan: This SUV achieves 23 city and 30 highway MPG for a combined total of 26 MPG. 
• 2023 Volkswagen ID.4: The brand’s largest electric SUV returns 115 city and 99 highway MPGe for a combined 107 MPGe.

While Volkswagens don’t necessarily top the charts regarding fuel economy, that may not be bad for this brand. Real-world fuel economies mean more to consumers than what manufacturers boast about emissions.  

5. Dependability 

J.D. Power awards the 2023 VW ID.4 with 66 out of 100 points for dependability. The driving experience, resale value, and dealership experience rank in the 70s out of 100 range, but quality and reliability suffer at 54 out of 100. Unfortunately, the ID.4 doesn’t make the cut for the J.D. Power list of best compact SUVs of 2023. 

Repairing a Volkswagen can put you at a disadvantage, depending on the severity of the issue. Here are a few common problems you may want to look for in a Volkswagen. 

1. Oil sludge and leaks

Many Volkswagen models from the early 2000s and late 1990s suffered from engine oil leaks, excessive oil consumption, and sludgy oil. Owners have reported the oil pressure light activating after performing an oil change. Lack of oil can lead to engine failure, costing thousands of dollars in replacement costs and labor. 

2. ABS module

A total of 15 model years for the Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Tiguan, and Passat suffered from a faulty anti-lock braking system (ABS) module. Affected vehicle models include 1993, 1998 through 2010, and 2012. Repairs simply require replacing the module. 

3. Ignition coils

Again, several VW models suffered from issues with ignition coils. Jettas from the early 2000s had this issue, as did CC, Golf, Tiguan, and Passat models from similar years. If the failing ignition coils didn’t stall the vehicle, they could cause a sudden power loss, backfiring, and an engine fire. 

4. Front collision-avoidance system

Many drivers rely on the front collision-avoidance systems in Volkswagen cars to keep them from hitting something ahead. However, faults within the system can cause it to prematurely—and without warning—engage when no danger is present. While the experience can be startling to the driver, it can also be deadly for other vehicles on the road. 

Volkswagens can be reliable, depending upon which model you purchase and how well it’s taken care of. Most VW models maintain an average reliability rating, though some suffer from more recalls and issues than others. Though Volkswagens may cost less than an Audi to repair, sometimes the trade-off includes lesser-quality components.