Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Mazda Mazda3 Reliability Comparisons
You won't find Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI or Mazda Mazda3 reliability information like this anywhere else. Actual repair frequencies, not just vague dots, to make it clear how much the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI and the Mazda Mazda3 truly differ in reliability. These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to much more closely track Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI and Mazda Mazda3 reliability as the cars age. Others tell you how reliable the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI and the Mazda Mazda3 were a year ago, when the cars were a year younger and had 12,000 fewer miles on them. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI and the Mazda Mazda3 have been recently.
See Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Mazda Mazda3 price comparisonSee what people are saying about Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI reliability
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Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Reliability through December 31, 2012
An asterisk (*) marks results based on small sample sizes.
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
What People Are Saying about Reliability and the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
blog comments powered by DisqusWhat Our Members Are Saying about Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Reliability and Durability
| Reliability and Durability of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2012 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
The car is not old, but so far, so good. Oil changes are required only every 10K miles at first, and the first three are taken care of - not a high-price incentive, certainly, but a nice touch. I haven't had a single cause for alarm so far, and the car operates as it did on the day I bought it. VW has an iffy reputation in the US right now, but it's also said that quality control is best in Wolfsburg, where this car is assembled, and for what its worth, Consumer Reports ranked the MK6 Golf well above average for projected reliability. |
| 2009 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
No problems so far, the car feels durable and does not creak or make funny noises |
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed automated manual AWD |
Rated by Edmunds as a "least cost" vehicle, coming in at a rate below the comparable vehicle costs of operation and ownership |
| 2008 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
very safe car, rated well in crash ratings, better warrenty than most, |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
We had a very high recommendation from a close friend regarding Golf and we are finding it to be exactly as stated. Solid and reliable, plus easy to drive. We are aware of expensive parts and service but we have not had any repairs to date other than tire |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
The diesel engine is built to last. |
| 2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
Engine has 150K+ miles, and I should be able to get another 150K |
| 2003 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
VW'S "enjoy" a certain reputation. Rest assured they are not all like that. Ours has been regularly maintained, and has really only had a small number of unexpected problems: front bearings and clutch went earlier than usual. 150k km, no oth |
| 2003 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
Has been reliable for us. Has never left us stranded. No wierd unpredictable breakdowns, just regular maintenance. Diesel motor is durable if maintained properly. |
| 2002 | 4dr Hatch 115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
I own the car 8 years 1 months. Beside regular maintenance items I so far had to change: Oxygen sensor, battery and 3 bulbs |
| 2002 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
Engine and drivetrain reliable when maintained - rest of the car, not so much! TDI engine should be fine for at least 200K |
| Reliability and Durability of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2013 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
There is a major potential problem with the Golf TDI in the form of the high pressure fuel pump. The concern is that the Bosch unit does not like American low sulfur diesel fuel because of its relatively lower lubricity compared to Euro diesel fuels available where the car was designed. When the pump fails, it can send metal shavings throughout the fuel system, and require major replacements to the tune of $8-10,000. This is a sword of Damocles hanging over the head of any TDI owner. Three or more design revisions have been implemented, but the problem still shows up. Are you willing to take a chance they finally got it right in your car? |
| 2012 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
My GTI had a water pump failure inside of 20k miles. Other than that, all was good. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Do not trust VW to be well built or have dealers that will honor the warranty. |
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
I have had to return to the dealership three times for "Airbag Fault" warnings. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Averaging 2 to 3 shop visits per year. Concerns about how much it will cost to own this vehicle over the long haul. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
In a year of ownership I have had far more dealership experiences than I care to remember. Lots of check engine lights, parts acting funny, and several parts that have questionable long-term durability. |
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
VW needs to address reliability concerns with bulletprood reliability and a good service network. |
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
OK, everything comes with a price, right? Rattles, bad tranny, warpped timing belt cover, cracked tail light lens. Did I mention the rattles? Know what? I STILL like it. Thank God for warranties. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of repairs so far, minor and major ones. |
| 2005 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
total miles driven in my car: 45,000. but i have yet to have any major repairs. it is the brand (VW) reliability that the press talk about that i fear. |
| 2003 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
This car could cost you a lot in repairs and maintenance if you do not do some research and get to know it a little more indepth than another car. Have a reputable VW or more importantly TDI expert work on your car. |
| 2002 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
Front wheel bearings failed at 55K, $800 Passenger door lock does not unlock electrically Hood latch corroded shut, $300 |
What Our Members Are Saying about Mazda Mazda3 Reliability and Durability
None of our members have yet commented on the reliability and durability of the Mazda Mazda3.
