Subaru Impreza vs Volkswagen Jetta: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2026, owners filed an average of 90 complaints per model year about the Subaru Impreza and 291 about the Volkswagen Jetta.
Side by side
| Subaru Impreza | Volkswagen Jetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2026 | 2006-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 1,889 | 6,119 |
| Complaints per model year | 90 | 291 |
| Recalls | 43 | 43 |
| Years to avoid | 2008201220132019 | 2006200920102011 |
| Best years | 200620102011 | 201720202021 |
| Most common problem | Airbags | Electrical |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 29 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
| Impreza | Jetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 379 | 403 |
| Engine | 298 | 1,268 |
| Visibility | 261 | 185 |
| Transmission | 220 | 1,152 |
| Electrical | 213 | 1,442 |
| Lights | 191 | 232 |
| Fuel system | 66 | 1,147 |
| Brakes | 150 | 621 |
Questions about the Subaru Impreza vs Volkswagen Jetta
Which is more reliable, the Subaru Impreza or the Volkswagen Jetta?
Between 2006 and 2026, the Subaru Impreza has 4 years to avoid and the Volkswagen Jetta 4. Both are about equally consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Subaru Impreza drew fewer complaints per model year (90 vs 291), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Subaru Impreza or the Volkswagen Jetta?
From 2006 to 2026, the Subaru Impreza was covered by 43 recalls and the Volkswagen Jetta by 43.
What years of the Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Jetta should you avoid?
Subaru Impreza: 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2019. Volkswagen Jetta: 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
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