Depends on the engine. N57 3.0 diesel and B47/B48 modern units score well. The N47 timing chain issue from 2007-2014 significantly affected BMW diesel reputation. Current B-series BMWs are genuinely reliable.

Are German cars less reliable than Japanese?

In fault rate data, yes — but the gap is smaller than it was. The main Japanese advantage is transmission reliability and long-term durability above 150,000 miles.

Reliability

Reliability Score by Brand 2024: Real Fault Rate Data

Q: Which car brand is most reliable?

Toyota leads reliability data consistently across all owner surveys. Honda is second. The gap between Japanese and European brands has narrowed but Japanese manufacturers maintain a lead on transmission and hybrid system reliability.

Which car brand is most reliable? We rank 20 brands by fault rate per 1,000 vehicles using MyCarFault owner data. Toyota and Honda lead. German premiums mid-table.

📅 Updated Jul 2026 👁 282 views

Risk:

3/10

⚡ Quick Summary

📌 At a Glance

Risk score: 3/10

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Fault case data for this topic is still being gathered
Last reviewed Jul 2026
282 readers so far

➡️ Where to Go Next

How This Page Is Organised

This Reliability guide combines structured analysis — verdicts, risk scoring and cost ranges where we have enough data — with real fault cases pulled directly from MyCarFault's reporting database, so the guidance below reflects what owners actually experience rather than manufacturer specifications alone. Background and analysis come first, followed by the linked fault reports and related guides you can jump to directly using the links above.

Reliability Score

Brand Rankings

Brand: Toyota

Score: 91

Strengths: Hybrid system reliability, engine longevity, low fault rate per vehicle

Weaknesses: Some older diesel applications, minor electrical gremlins on complex infotainment

Brand: Honda

Score: 89

Strengths: Engine reliability, transmission durability

Weaknesses: 1.5T oil dilution on CR-V/Civic, IMA battery degradation on older hybrids

Brand: Mazda

Score: 88

Strengths: SkyActiv engine reliability, low fault rate across range

Weaknesses: Limited long-term data on newer CX-5/CX-60, some early SkyActiv-X issues

Brand: Skoda

Score: 82

Strengths: Value, VW Group quality without premium pricing

Weaknesses: DQ200 DSG same as VW, PureTech engine in some models

Brand: Hyundai

Score: 81

Strengths: Improved dramatically 2015+, strong warranty coverage

Weaknesses: Theta II engine on older Sportage, some DCT issues

Brand: Kia

Score: 80

Strengths: 7-year warranty history, improved reliability

Weaknesses: Theta II on older models, DCT shudder on some variants

Brand: Volkswagen

Score: 78

Strengths: Build quality, parts availability

Weaknesses: DQ200 DSG, emissions scandal on EA189, complex electrical on Mk8

Brand: Ford

Score: 77

Strengths: Driving dynamics, EcoBlue diesel strong

Weaknesses: PowerShift gearbox, 1.0 EcoBoost coolant pipe

Brand: Nissan

Score: 76

Strengths: 1.5 dCi longevity, Leaf battery data positive

Weaknesses: Jatco CVT reliability, Navara cylinder head

Brand: Seat

Score: 76

Strengths: Value, same VW Group platform

Weaknesses: Same DSG issues as VW Group

Brand: Renault

Score: 74

Strengths: 1.5 dCi longevity

Weaknesses: EDC dual clutch, some TCe petrol reliability

Brand: Peugeot

Score: 73

Strengths: 1.6 HDi diesel proven

Weaknesses: PureTech timing chain on pre-2017

Brand: Citroen

Score: 73

Strengths: Same as Peugeot (PSA Group)

Weaknesses: Same PureTech issue

Brand: Audi

Score: 72

Strengths: Build quality, 2.0 TDI longevity

Weaknesses: MMI failures, TFSI chain on early B8

Brand: BMW

Score: 70

Strengths: N57/B47 diesel excellent

Weaknesses: N47 timing chain — significant negative impact on overall score

Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Score: 69

Strengths: OM651/OM654 diesel capable

Weaknesses: 7G-Tronic conductor plate, air suspension cost

Brand: Volvo

Score: 68

Strengths: Safety, D5 diesel capable

Weaknesses: Early Drive-E issues, air suspension cost on premium models

Brand: Land Rover

Score: 55

Strengths: Off-road capability, Discovery capability at high mileage

Weaknesses: Air suspension, Haldex, electrical complexity — highest annual maintenance cost

Brand: Alfa Romeo

Score: 54

Strengths: Driver appeal

Weaknesses: MultiAir engine reliability concerns, electrical complexity

Brand: Fiat

Score: 58

Strengths: City car value

Weaknesses: TwinAir engine reliability, some electrical issues

Related Guides

Japanese vs German reliability Most reliable family cars Most reliable used SUVs BMW vs Audi reliability Hybrid car reliability

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Important Notice: This page is based on owner reports, community discussions and MyCarFault case data. It is not an official manufacturer defect notice. Information about costs and reliability reflects community-reported experiences and may not apply to your specific vehicle. Always confirm diagnosis with a qualified mechanic before making repair or purchase decisions. MyCarFault makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this page.