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Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Audi A3 Reliability Comparisons

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Reliability vs. Audi A3 Reliability:
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Reliability vs. Audi A3 Reliability:

You won't find Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI or Audi A3 reliability information like this anywhere else. Actual repair frequencies, not just vague dots, to make it clear how much the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI and the Audi A3 truly differ in reliability. These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to much more closely track Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI and Audi A3 reliability as the cars age. Others tell you how reliable the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI and the Audi A3 were a year ago, when the cars were a year younger and had 12,000 fewer miles on them. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI and the Audi A3 have been recently.

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Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

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Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Reliability through December 31, 2012

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

General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.

Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.

New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.

 

Year Make/Model Repair Frequencysuccessful repair trips per 100 cars per year Compared to all models for the same year  
2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.5   19 Golf 2.5s, 6.9 months of data per Golf 2.5, average 7700 miles

Small sample size. Join or 19 Golf 2.5s, 6.9 months of data per Golf 2.5, average 7700 miles

Small sample size. sign in to view		 see reported repairs
2012 Volkswagen Golf diesel 35 Golf diesels, 8.6 months of data per Golf diesel, average 8900 miles28
30% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2012 Volkswagen GTI 82 GTIs, 7.8 months of data per GTI, average 7300 miles45
60% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2011 Audi A3   15 A3s, 9.9 months of data per A3, average 23800 miles

Small sample size. Join or 15 A3s, 9.9 months of data per A3, average 23800 miles

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2011 Volkswagen Golf 2.5   12 Golf 2.5s, 10.9 months of data per Golf 2.5, average 17600 miles

Small sample size. Join or 12 Golf 2.5s, 10.9 months of data per Golf 2.5, average 17600 miles

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2011 Volkswagen Golf diesel 30 Golf diesels, 10.1 months of data per Golf diesel, average 22400 miles32
30% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2011 Volkswagen GTI 63 GTIs, 10.1 months of data per GTI, average 19100 miles43
50% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2010 Audi A3   11 A3s, 8.8 months of data per A3, average 31500 miles

Small sample size. Join or 11 A3s, 8.8 months of data per A3, average 31500 miles

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2010 Volkswagen GTI 85 GTIs, 10.2 months of data per GTI, average 28800 miles

42
40% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2010 Volkswagen Golf diesel 79 Golf diesels, 10.4 months of data per Golf diesel, average 38500 miles

45
50% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2010 Volkswagen Golf 2.5   24 Golf 2.5s, 10.3 months of data per Golf 2.5, average 26200 miles

Small sample size. Join or 24 Golf 2.5s, 10.3 months of data per Golf 2.5, average 26200 miles

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2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 39 Rabbits, 9.0 months of data per Rabbit, average 42000 miles

24
10% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2009 Audi A3   21 A3s, 9.6 months of data per A3, average 34900 miles

Small sample size. Join or 21 A3s, 9.6 months of data per A3, average 34900 miles

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2009 Volkswagen GTI 39 GTIs, 9.1 months of data per GTI, average 44200 miles

57
60% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit 2.5 47 Rabbit 2.5s, 8.6 months of data per Rabbit 2.5, average 52400 miles

30
20% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2008 Volkswagen GTI 45 GTIs, 8.9 months of data per GTI, average 48800 miles

42
30% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2008 Audi A3 33 A3s, 9.0 months of data per A3, average 53800 miles

57
50% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2008 Volkswagen R32   18 R32s, 9.1 months of data per R32, average 48500 miles

Small sample size. Join or 18 R32s, 9.1 months of data per R32, average 48500 miles

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2007 Audi A3 31 A3s, 10.4 months of data per A3, average 66400 miles

34
20% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit 2.5 39 Rabbit 2.5s, 9.4 months of data per Rabbit 2.5, average 69100 miles

Includes the 2006.5 Rabbit and GTI.46
30% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2007 Volkswagen GTI 41 GTIs, 8.7 months of data per GTI, average 74200 miles

Includes the 2006.5 Rabbit and GTI.57
50% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2006 Audi A3 51 A3s, 10.0 months of data per A3, average 70000 miles

First model year.104
100% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2005 Volkswagen Golf diesel   12 Golf diesels, 11.4 months of data per Golf diesel, average 129700 miles

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2005 Volkswagen Golf / GTI   11 Golf / GTIs, 9.4 months of data per Golf / GTI, average 88000 miles

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2004 Volkswagen Golf / GTI   23 Golf / GTIs, 9.7 months of data per Golf / GTI, average 94300 miles

Small sample size. Join or 23 Golf / GTIs, 9.7 months of data per Golf / GTI, average 94300 miles

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2004 Volkswagen Golf diesel   11 Golf diesels, 7.8 months of data per Golf diesel, average 175600 miles

Small sample size. Join or 11 Golf diesels, 7.8 months of data per Golf diesel, average 175600 miles

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2003 Volkswagen Golf diesel   24 Golf diesels, 10.5 months of data per Golf diesel, average 206200 miles

Small sample size. Join or 24 Golf diesels, 10.5 months of data per Golf diesel, average 206200 miles

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2003 Volkswagen Golf / GTI 39 Golf / GTIs, 7.2 months of data per Golf / GTI, average 113400 miles

Note high average odometer for the TDI.90
60% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2002 Volkswagen Golf diesel   14 Golf diesels, 9.4 months of data per Golf diesel, average 189200 miles

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2002 Volkswagen Golf / GTI   11 Golf / GTIs, 8.3 months of data per Golf / GTI, average 108300 miles

Small sample size. Join or 11 Golf / GTIs, 8.3 months of data per Golf / GTI, average 108300 miles

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2001 Volkswagen Golf diesel   14 Golf diesels, 9.4 months of data per Golf diesel, average 190900 miles

Small sample size. Join or 14 Golf diesels, 9.4 months of data per Golf diesel, average 190900 miles

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2001 Volkswagen Golf / GTI 32 Golf / GTIs, 8.0 months of data per Golf / GTI, average 142600 miles

Note high average odometer for the TDI. Score for the diesel especially seems too low to be accurate. Possible that owners are living with problems instead of fixing them.56
0% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2000 Volkswagen Golf / GTI 26 Golf / GTIs, 8.0 months of data per Golf / GTI, average 124400 miles

Note high average odometer for the TDI.80
20% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2000 Volkswagen Golf diesel   16 Golf diesels, 8.8 months of data per Golf diesel, average 197500 miles

Small sample size. Join or 16 Golf diesels, 8.8 months of data per Golf diesel, average 197500 miles

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What People Are Saying about Reliability and the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

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What Our Members Are Saying about Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Reliability and Durability

Reliability and Durability of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD		 The car is not old, but so far, so good. Oil changes are required only every 10K miles at first, and the first three are taken care of - not a high-price incentive, certainly, but a nice touch. I haven't had a single cause for alarm so far, and the car operates as it did on the day I bought it. VW has an iffy reputation in the US right now, but it's also said that quality control is best in Wolfsburg, where this car is assembled, and for what its worth, Consumer Reports ranked the MK6 Golf well above average for projected reliability.
2009 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD		 No problems so far, the car feels durable and does not creak or make funny noises
2008 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD		 Rated by Edmunds as a "least cost" vehicle, coming in at a rate below the comparable vehicle costs of operation and ownership
2008 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 very safe car, rated well in crash ratings, better warrenty than most,
2006 4dr Hatch 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD		 We had a very high recommendation from a close friend regarding Golf and we are finding it to be exactly as stated. Solid and reliable, plus easy to drive. We are aware of expensive parts and service but we have not had any repairs to date other than tire
2006 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD		 The diesel engine is built to last.
2005 4dr Wagon turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD		 Engine has 150K+ miles, and I should be able to get another 150K
2003 2dr Hatch turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 VW'S "enjoy" a certain reputation. Rest assured they are not all like that. Ours has been regularly maintained, and has really only had a small number of unexpected problems: front bearings and clutch went earlier than usual. 150k km, no oth
2003 4dr Hatch turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD		 Has been reliable for us. Has never left us stranded. No wierd unpredictable breakdowns, just regular maintenance. Diesel motor is durable if maintained properly.
2002 4dr Hatch 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 I own the car 8 years 1 months. Beside regular maintenance items I so far had to change: Oxygen sensor, battery and 3 bulbs
2002 4dr Hatch turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD		 Engine and drivetrain reliable when maintained - rest of the car, not so much! TDI engine should be fine for at least 200K
Reliability and Durability of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD		 There is a major potential problem with the Golf TDI in the form of the high pressure fuel pump. The concern is that the Bosch unit does not like American low sulfur diesel fuel because of its relatively lower lubricity compared to Euro diesel fuels available where the car was designed. When the pump fails, it can send metal shavings throughout the fuel system, and require major replacements to the tune of $8-10,000. This is a sword of Damocles hanging over the head of any TDI owner. Three or more design revisions have been implemented, but the problem still shows up. Are you willing to take a chance they finally got it right in your car?
2012 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD		 My GTI had a water pump failure inside of 20k miles. Other than that, all was good.
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD		 Do not trust VW to be well built or have dealers that will honor the warranty.
2007 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD		 I have had to return to the dealership three times for "Airbag Fault" warnings.
2007 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD		 Averaging 2 to 3 shop visits per year. Concerns about how much it will cost to own this vehicle over the long haul.
2007 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD		 In a year of ownership I have had far more dealership experiences than I care to remember. Lots of check engine lights, parts acting funny, and several parts that have questionable long-term durability.
2007 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD		 VW needs to address reliability concerns with bulletprood reliability and a good service network.
2007 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD		 OK, everything comes with a price, right? Rattles, bad tranny, warpped timing belt cover, cracked tail light lens. Did I mention the rattles? Know what? I STILL like it. Thank God for warranties.
2006 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 Lots of repairs so far, minor and major ones.
2005 2dr Hatch turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 total miles driven in my car: 45,000. but i have yet to have any major repairs. it is the brand (VW) reliability that the press talk about that i fear.
2003 4dr Hatch turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD		 This car could cost you a lot in repairs and maintenance if you do not do some research and get to know it a little more indepth than another car. Have a reputable VW or more importantly TDI expert work on your car.
2002 4dr Hatch turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD		 Front wheel bearings failed at 55K, $800 Passenger door lock does not unlock electrically Hood latch corroded shut, $300

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