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Nissan Xterra and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Lemon Odds and Nada Odds for the Year Ending June 30, 2018

An asterisk (*) marks results based on small sample sizes.

Year Make/Model Nada Odds per 100 Cars Lemon Odds per 100 Cars    
51 vehicles, 11.3 months per vehicle, 17500 miles driven2017 Volkswagen Golf 1.8T
[?] see reported repairs
  51 vehicles, 11.3 months per vehicle, 17500 miles driven
70 vehicles, 11.3 months per vehicle, 12900 miles driven2017 Volkswagen GTI and Golf R
[?] see reported repairs
  70 vehicles, 11.3 months per vehicle, 12900 miles driven
39 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 28600 miles driven

A year ago the 2015 Golf 1.8T had a similarly high repair frequency, while the GTI has generally been better.
2016
Volkswagen Golf 1.8T
[?] see reported repairs
  39 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 28600 miles driven

A year ago the 2015 Golf 1.8T had a similarly high repair frequency, while the GTI has generally been better.
87 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 21700 miles driven

A year ago the 2015 Golf 1.8T had a similarly high repair frequency, while the GTI has generally been better.
2016
Volkswagen GTI and Golf R
[?] see reported repairs
  87 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 21700 miles driven

A year ago the 2015 Golf 1.8T had a similarly high repair frequency, while the GTI has generally been better.
56 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 38900 miles driven

Redesigned. Golf 1.8T initially had a higher repair frequency than the GTI, and the TDI still does. Unclear why. All might have a somewhat common problem with failing AC compressors.
2015
Volkswagen GTI and Golf R
[?] see reported repairs
  56 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 38900 miles driven

Redesigned. Golf 1.8T initially had a higher repair frequency than the GTI, and the TDI still does. Unclear why. All might have a somewhat common problem with failing AC compressors.
36 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 57900 miles driven2013 Volkswagen GTI
[?] see reported repairs
  36 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 57900 miles driven
38 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 70800 miles driven2012 Volkswagen GTI
[?] see reported repairs
  38 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 70800 miles driven

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Nissan Xterra vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Lemon Odds and Nada Odds

Other sources of Nissan Xterra and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI reliability data provide only averages, which can conceal as much as they reveal. So we also report the percentage of Nissan Xterras and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTIs with no repairs at all in the past year and the percentage of Nissan Xterras and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTIs that are lemons (required three or more repair trips in the past year). These figures might surprise you.

These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to closely track Nissan Xterra and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI lemon odds as the cars age. Others can be over a year behind. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the Nissan Xterra and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI have been recently.

To see how frequently Nissan Xterra and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.

What Our Members Are Saying about the Brand Reputation of the Nissan Xterra

Nissan Xterra Brand Reputation: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2006 4dr SUV 265-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range
This vehicle is truly made for off-road. It performs very well on rough terrain and in deep snow right from the factory. see full Nissan Xterra review
2002 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed manual 4WD, part-time w/low range
Nissan has a solid reputation for a reason - they make reliable and affordable cars. Generally nothing to get overly excited about, but a good performer. Except on the Xterra I love that profile. see full Nissan Xterra review
Nissan Xterra Brand Reputation: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr SUV 261-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range
Nissan has a lower reliability reputation than toyota and honda. While I agree with that in general, I would say that xterra is an exception: it is on par with 4runner and fj cruiser on reliability and durability. Still, Nissan looks like doesn't care about their reputation in this area. It is actually quite close to subaru in this area - their reputation looks like not important to them, because nowadays they try to impress buyers with all that "innovation and technology" bs, instead of worrying about keeping a reputation of reliability and durability. see full Nissan Xterra review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Brand Reputation of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Brand Reputation: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
I always see Volkswagens as great, reliable cars. The GTI is special because of its utility and performance. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2008 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
german built, soild car see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2008 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
Like the 2004 R32, the 2008 R32 had a limited production run of 5000, most of which are now sold. The R32 is really a well balanced "mini grand touring" car; without the stigma of being a "rice racer" like the Evo or STi. A great car for road and track! see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2005 2dr Hatch 200-horsepower 2.8L V6
6-speed manual FWD
VW builds a quality car, besides their electrical issues, which I have not had in either of my last two GTIs. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2004 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
VW, to me, means smart and sophisticated; while, at the same time, being practical and understated. Owning one shows you know automobiles without having to shout about it. VWs are not appliances. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Brand Reputation: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2016 2dr Hatch turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Low reliability see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2013 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
VW does not have that great a reputation in the U.S. This is a shame because the Golf really seems to be a well-made vehicle. Time will tell whether it holds up, but there are many horror stories of poor service, poor dealers, and the factory not standing behind their warranties. I'm hoping that VW has improved their ways, but this remains a major sticking point. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2009 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
VW dealerships have one of the worst reps. for fair service prices. The dealer I saw was great on the test drive front, but I feared the service desk a few years down the line. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2007 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Too many people, VW are still seen as nice cars that break often see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review