Volkswagen Jetta vs. Nissan Xterra Reliability Comparisons
You won't find Volkswagen Jetta or Nissan Xterra reliability information like this anywhere else. Actual repair frequencies, not just vague dots, to make it clear how much the Volkswagen Jetta and the Nissan Xterra truly differ in reliability. These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to much more closely track Volkswagen Jetta and Nissan Xterra reliability as the cars age. Others tell you how reliable the Volkswagen Jetta and the Nissan Xterra 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 Jetta and the Nissan Xterra have been recently.
See Volkswagen Jetta vs. Nissan Xterra price comparisonSee what people are saying about Volkswagen Jetta reliability
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Volkswagen Jetta
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Nissan Xterra
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Volkswagen Jetta 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.
What People Are Saying about Reliability and the Volkswagen Jetta
blog comments powered by DisqusWhat Our Members Are Saying about Volkswagen Jetta Reliability and Durability
| Reliability and Durability of the Volkswagen Jetta: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
We purchased the vehicle new in June 2012. Around Oct I noticed a bubble on the lower half of the steering wheel. It did not bother me until I seen a thread was starting to come undone. We showed the dealer and they said to monitor it, and if it gets worse come back in. On a weekend trip it came undone more. Once back in town we took it in, and they scheduled to replace it. They did so under warranty with not problems. Besides this One problem the vehicle as been flawless. With just over 40k miles on the vehicle we both say we would get another one. Problem is I told the wife she MUST wait tell 150k miles to get a new vehicle. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Comes with a good warranty and free oil changes. VW has a good reputation for building quality vehicles. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
With the odometer reading over 36,000 miles I have not had any unpleasant surprises or repairs. |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Diesel reliability and longevity. Gotten nearly 5 years out of the car without any of the stereotypical VW glitches. |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Diesel powertrains are renown for their durability. My brother has a diesel Golf with 120,000 still purring. |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 150-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The car has held together very well in the 26,000 miles I have owned it. True Delta and Consumer Reports both show that reliability is good and improved considerably over older VWs. |
| 2004 | 4dr Sedan 115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
This has been a trouble-free car for four years & 40,000+ miles. |
| 2004 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The diesel engine is proven and will last a very long time if properly maintained- which does add to the expense of the vehicle in the long run. It appears to be well built and sound, in comparison to some other makes of vehicles I have ridden in. |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 4-speed automatic FWD |
Replaced timing belt at 100,000 and brake and rotors in 140,000 miles. Basically regular service. |
| 2003 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 4-speed automatic FWD |
With regular maintenance, oil changes and filter changes as suggested by manufacturer, not a single blip or glitch in day to day reliability. |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Never had a major mechanical problem. If i do, i fix it myself... easy cars to work on. |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
I know VW has a well deserved reputation for buggy electronics and somewhat questionable initial fit and finish. However, the basic drivetrain is extremely rugged. They seem to get more reliable with age. My jetta went nearly 100,000 between shop visits. |
| Reliability and Durability of the Volkswagen Jetta: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 115-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
VW has traditionally had troubles with reliability. We've had the Jetta for 9 months and 8,000 miles (daughter's car) and thus far there have been four admittedly minor recalls. On positive, structure feels sturdy all controls appear of hi |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
1 year old, shop needed to work on motor at least twice. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
More than a little concerned about Volkswagen’s lingering reputation for poor reliability, high repair costs, parts availability and short livened parts. |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
TDI engine lasts forever if you take care of it, but its a VW and they are notorious for needing lots of repairs on everything else on the car. |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
A few annoying problems to date. Electrical system issues. Nothing in the powertrain or major subsystems. |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 150-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
I ran into many interior cosmetic trim issues during the warranty period, however no major mechanical problems. Now at ~67k miles I have had to replace the drivers door latch and one of my radiator cooling fans is acting up. |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
Nothing in the first 42K miles but, reading the newsgroups has me worried down the line.... |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
06 Jetta TDI has a long list of common issues, all of which I have had, Transmission valve body failure, dual mass flywheel catastrophic failure, camshafts wear out which puts steel bits inside engine, expensive EGR coolers fail. Beware! |
| 2003 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
Reputation for electrical problems. |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD |
questionable reliablity depending on year damages image of great car |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Electronics and sensors that breakdown always. My check engine light comes off often since 40,000miles. Parts/repair are more expensive than comparable american or japanese cars. Brake light switch $400+, alternator $600-700+(part itself about $500) etc. |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 4-speed automatic FWD |
Major repairs every few months! |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 4-speed automatic FWD |
The auto transmission is an abysmal failure. DO NOT buy a VW of any type with the 01M (late 90s through early 2000s) auto transmission unless it has already been replaced with a $5000 FACTORY REPLACEMENT UNIT ONLY! The original auto will fail. |
What Our Members Are Saying about Nissan Xterra Reliability and Durability
None of our members have yet commented on the reliability and durability of the Nissan Xterra.
