Ford Focus vs Volkswagen Jetta: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2018, owners filed an average of 1,070 complaints per model year about the Ford Focus and 405 about the Volkswagen Jetta.
Side by side
| Ford Focus | Volkswagen Jetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2018 | 2006-2018 |
| Owner complaints | 13,911 | 5,271 |
| Complaints per model year | 1,070 | 405 |
| Recalls | 24 | 25 |
| Years to avoid | 201220132014 | 2006200920102011 |
| Best years | 200620082009 | 2017 |
| Most common problem | Transmission | Electrical |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 22-34 mpg combined (2018) | 27-33 mpg combined (2018) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Focus | Jetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 6,317 | 963 |
| Engine | 2,549 | 1,063 |
| Fuel system | 1,827 | 1,088 |
| Steering | 1,673 | 213 |
| Electrical | 1,407 | 1,226 |
| Acceleration | 742 | 180 |
| Brakes | 245 | 520 |
| Airbags | 394 | 376 |
Questions about the Ford Focus vs Volkswagen Jetta
Which is more reliable, the Ford Focus or the Volkswagen Jetta?
Between 2006 and 2018, the Ford Focus has 3 years to avoid and the Volkswagen Jetta 4. The Ford Focus has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Volkswagen Jetta drew fewer complaints per model year (405 vs 1,070), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Focus or the Volkswagen Jetta?
From 2006 to 2018, the Ford Focus was covered by 24 recalls and the Volkswagen Jetta by 25.
What years of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Jetta should you avoid?
Ford Focus: 2012, 2013 and 2014. Volkswagen Jetta: 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
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