Mazda MAZDA3 vs Volkswagen Jetta: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2026, owners filed an average of 131 complaints per model year about the Mazda MAZDA3 and 291 about the Volkswagen Jetta.
Side by side
| Mazda MAZDA3 | Volkswagen Jetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2026 | 2006-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 2,752 | 6,119 |
| Complaints per model year | 131 | 291 |
| Recalls | 27 | 43 |
| Years to avoid | 20082010 | 2006200920102011 |
| Best years | 201720192021 | 201720202021 |
| Most common problem | Steering | Electrical |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | No data | 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
| MAZDA3 | Jetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 359 | 245 |
| Electrical | 341 | 1,442 |
| Body | 272 | 162 |
| Engine | 257 | 1,268 |
| Brakes | 243 | 621 |
| Transmission | 222 | 1,152 |
| Fuel system | 132 | 1,147 |
| Airbags | 210 | 403 |
Questions about the Mazda MAZDA3 vs Volkswagen Jetta
Which is more reliable, the Mazda MAZDA3 or the Volkswagen Jetta?
Between 2006 and 2026, the Mazda MAZDA3 has 2 years to avoid and the Volkswagen Jetta 4. The Mazda MAZDA3 has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Mazda MAZDA3 drew fewer complaints per model year (131 vs 291), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Mazda MAZDA3 or the Volkswagen Jetta?
From 2006 to 2026, the Mazda MAZDA3 was covered by 27 recalls and the Volkswagen Jetta by 43.
What years of the Mazda MAZDA3 and Volkswagen Jetta should you avoid?
Mazda MAZDA3: 2008 and 2010. Volkswagen Jetta: 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
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