You've probably come across the popular phrase "German Engineering" when discussing automobiles with mates. As the conversation proceeds, someone will throw in the popular myth that Toyota builds dull cars. Yes, they do build some boring but durable and reliable everyday vehicles. But they've also built some of the most exciting cars through their Gazoo Racing division. Similarly, one can easily misconceive the German Engineering reputation with reliability and quality.
That was true decades ago when even the lowly people's car, the Volkswagen Beetle, topped many Consumer Reports reliability tests. Things have changed, and German automakers seem to focus more on their vehicle's desirability and delivering performance with unmatched driving experience. Their reliability steadily declined over the last few decades, and some modern German cars are among the least reliable, especially compared to their Japanese counterparts. Still, amidst the sea of unreliability, some German cars stand out with their solid reliability in the used car market. Here's our pick of the most reliable German everyday vehicles from the 2010s, based on data from respected vehicle dependability studies by Consumer Reports, J.D Power, What Car?, and Repair Pal.
10 Volkswagen Up!
Since its debut in 2012, the Volkswagen Up! remains one of the market's most desirable and stylish city cars. It is a little pricier than the Kia Picanto, but it offers impressive build quality, a smart interior, and plenty of driving comfort. It also has a solid reputation for reliability.
Owners have reported a few isolated car problems, often outperforming the Volkswagen brand in reliability surveys. What Car? gave the little German city car a used reliability rating of 94.8%.
9 BMW 1 Series
The second-gen BMW 1 Series, built between 2011 and 2019, has received praise from owners for its reliability as a luxurious family hatchback. It isn't perfect, as there are better well-rounded options, but few are as entertaining to drive. Car Wow notes that the 1 Series Mk2 generation received high ratings for reliability throughout its production run, and the yearly reports of the German vehicle inspection service gave the BMW 1 Series mk2 an above-average reliability rating.
It also comes with efficient yet powerful engine options and impressive infotainment. Also, note that the petrol version has proven more reliable than diesel models.
8 Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen launched the Tiguan in 2007, based on the contemporary Golf platform. It was their first compact SUV, offering a more upscale and refined option in the competitive segment. It combined the practicality and flexibility of an SUV with the sportiness of a Golf.
Besides the premium interior that echoes Volkswagen's quality and refinement strength, the Tiguan has provided commendable reliability. But not all model years are the same, and Consumer Reports cites the 2017 model as the best to buy in the used car market. Also, newer is not always better, as the 2019 model reported low-reliability scores.
7 Audi Q5
By the time the Audi Q5 entered the scene in 2008, the luxury compact SUV was already one of the most competitive and remains extremely competitive. While the Toyota RAV and Honda CR-V offer some of the most reliable vehicles in the popular segment, the Audi Q5 offers a premium, upscale experience, elevating it among Audi's best-selling vehicles.
Earlier models were less dependable but improved later in the decade, with the second generation introduced in 2017. Consumer Reports reliability ratings indicate impressive overall reliability, with the years from 2016 to 2019 receiving a solid four out of five.
6 Volkswagen T-Roc
The T-Roc is the perfect vehicle for those who want a compact SUV with smart styling and some practicality. It competes with the BMW X2, Audi Q2, and Mercedes GLA in a class more focused on function than form, but it still sneaks in its cool Golf-like looks.
The T-Roc isn't among the most reliable members of the small SUV segment, but that doesn't reflect its reliability. The class has a tremendously strong reliability record, and the T-Roc receives high satisfaction ratings.
5 Audi A4
The Audi A4 comes in sedan, and wagon body types, after Audi dropped the cabriolet in 2009. Both excel in perceived quality, performance, and mechanical refinement. The only notable downside spoiling the party is the poor real-world economy and the soulless handling. Its reliability isn't bad either, with a J.D Power rating of 82 out of 100.
That is level with dependable rivals like the Lexus IS and the Kia Stinger. What car reports that the Audi A4's main issue is with the battery, followed by non-engine related electronics issues.
4 Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen has sold the Jetta over seven generations to fill a niche above the Golf hatchbacks, earning its reputation as a classic, family-friendly, compact sedan. The sixth and seventh generations came in the 2010s and gave us reliable vehicles across multiple model years.
With a Repair pal reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, the VW Jetta is one of the more reliable sedans on the road. CoPilot advises buyers to avoid 2010, 2012,2013, and 2019 models. The 2011 model is a reliable buy with very few known issues, and with newer models, go for the 2017 model, which receives a solid four out of five in Consumer Reports ratings.
3 BMW 5-Series
The BMW 5-Series sits at the helm of sporty and comfortable business sedans. The lineup has a reputation for well-crafted entries, which explains why it is one of BMW's best-selling models. Inside, you find a posh interior with plenty of room and top-class features. It is also one of the more reliable cars from BMW, seeing the 2019 model beat seven Lexus models in U.S. News reliability rating, coming in second overall after the Genesis G80.
What Car? suggests that petrol-powered trims of the large executive sedan are more dependable than their diesel counterparts with a lower fault rate.
2 Audi A3
In 2014, the World Car Awards, a reputable group of automotive Car of The Year awards, voted the Audi A3 the World Car of the Year, a huge achievement for the small family car. Such accolades helped present the A3 as an ideal compact premium hatchback across the seven-year run of the third generation. It offered efficient engines, a posh interior, the latest tech gadgets, and an impressively balanced chassis.
Also, reliability studies rate the Audi A3 highly over other Audis. What car? awarded it a 93.6% reliability rating and bettered rivals like the Ford Focus, Volvo V40, and even the incredibly reliable Honda Civic. There are few problems, and they only seem severe if owners neglect maintenance recommendations.
1 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Some modern Mercedes-Benz models haven't covered themselves in glory for their reliability, making customers looking for a reliable luxury car warry of the brand. But some few models stand out, including the W123 E-Class. It comes from good stock, the first E-Class, the W124, built between 1986 and 1995, which many consider a tank and is an excellent classic luxury car to buy today.
The 2010-2016 W212 fared well with an above-average score in Consumer reports ratings. And. the latest iteration, the W213, introduced in 2018, is one of the most reliable current Mercedes-Benz models. Car and Driver did a long-term test on the 2018 E450 wagon and found no significant issues with the car.
Sources: whatcar.com, consumerreports.org, copilotsearch.com, jdpower.com, repairpal.com, caranddriver.com