Honda Civic vs Volkswagen Jetta: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2026, owners filed an average of 504 complaints per model year about the Honda Civic and 291 about the Volkswagen Jetta.
Side by side
| Honda Civic | Volkswagen Jetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2026 | 2006-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 10,592 | 6,119 |
| Complaints per model year | 504 | 291 |
| Recalls | 41 | 43 |
| Years to avoid | 2006200720082016 | 2006200920102011 |
| Best years | 201120202021 | 201720202021 |
| Most common problem | Steering | Electrical |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 24-49 mpg combined (2026) | 33-34 mpg combined (2026) |
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
| Civic | Jetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 2,457 | 245 |
| Engine | 1,336 | 1,268 |
| Airbags | 1,285 | 403 |
| Electrical | 914 | 1,442 |
| Visibility | 895 | 185 |
| Transmission | 776 | 1,152 |
| Fuel system | 585 | 1,147 |
| Brakes | 718 | 621 |
Questions about the Honda Civic vs Volkswagen Jetta
Which is more reliable, the Honda Civic or the Volkswagen Jetta?
Between 2006 and 2026, the Honda Civic has 4 years to avoid and the Volkswagen Jetta 4. Both are about equally consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Volkswagen Jetta drew fewer complaints per model year (291 vs 504), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Honda Civic or the Volkswagen Jetta?
From 2006 to 2026, the Honda Civic was covered by 41 recalls and the Volkswagen Jetta by 43.
What years of the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta should you avoid?
Honda Civic: 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2016. Volkswagen Jetta: 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
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