Are you thinking of buying a used car? According to the German organisation Dekra, you can rely on these 14 cars, whose reliability has been verified by a 100,000 km test and subsequent disassembly down to the last screw. We also list 16 cars to avoid, according to the results of this thorough test.
It is interesting to note that Audi, BMW, Kia, Seat, Suzuki and Volkswagen have their representatives among the best and worst at the same time. So it’s not just the make that matters, but also the specific model.
There are many reliability tests. On our website, you can find the ADAC rankings or TÜV Reports, for example. In this case, test drivers drive each car tens of thousands of kilometres, and other experts disassemble it entirely at the end. This is how the German magazine Autobild has been doing it since 2014, in cooperation with Dekra, Germany’s most significant test facility and one of the world’s leading professional organisations.
Photo source Dekra
There are more than 100 vehicles in the Autobild database. This is a truly representative selection of the automotive market. The test lasts one to three years, and the test drivers record every breakdown, fault and unscheduled service visit in a log and include it in the final score. After this mileage, the car heads straight for a “disassembly”, which not hides various leaks or corrosion in ordinarily inaccessible places, but also the degree of wear and tear on individual components.
A reliable used car rather than an expensive new one?
While new car sales are falling due to inflation and high prices, interest in more affordable used cars is growing. This is also why information on the reliability of used cars is highly sought after. A ranking based on mileage of at least 100,000 kilometres can hint at which cars might serve without problems and which might not.
Don’t forget to check the recalls
But even the most reliable cars can have a fault that causes the manufacturer to announce a recall. In the table below, you will find the relevant link for each model listed. You can also check out (or write) the reviews of the owners of these cars. You’ll find the latest recalls on our site, and you can also search by make and model.
The most reliable cars, according to the German Dekra
| # | Make/Model | Defect points | Rating | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Audi A3 Sportback g-tron | 0 | 1+ | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| Natural gas? Still an exotic drive. But the Audi disproved the prejudices and shone in the endurance test with reliability like no car before. The summary after 100,000 kilometres: no failure, no damage. The final inspection after dismantling also revealed nothing conspicuous. | ||||||
| Audi recalls for other models | ||||||
| 2 | BMW Z4 | 2 | 1 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| During the entire endurance test, it never had to make an unscheduled visit to the workshop. Even the disassembly revealed neither defects nor significant wear. | ||||||
| BMW recalls for other models | ||||||
| 2 | Audi A6 Avant sport 40 TDI S tronic | 2 | 1 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| Apart from a parking sensor that repeatedly causes error messages, no failures. Enduring to the end – after almost 115,000 kilometres. | ||||||
| Audi recalls for other models | ||||||
| 2 | Seat Ateca 1.4 Eco TSI Style | 2 | 1 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| After long runs, several drivers complain of back pain. With one penalty point, this spoils the great, otherwise faultless performance. But that’s just the interim status: the Seat has not yet been disassembled after reaching 100,000 kilometres – it continues to go into overtime. | ||||||
| Seat recalls for other models | ||||||
| 2 | Audi A4 Avant | 2 | 1 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| Disassembly after 100,000 kilometres shows the reliability of the Ingolstadt. There are no problems or reasons for complaint, neither with the technology nor with the interior or manufacturing. | ||||||
| Audi recalls for other models | ||||||
| 2 | VW T-Cross | 2 | 1 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| It has covered 100,000 kilometres without any breakdown or defect. During the final disassembly, a slight brown haze was noticed on the front and rear axles, but this was harmless surface corrosion and had no influence on the T-Cross’ performance. Engine, gearbox, clutch – everything in order! | ||||||
| VW recalls for other models | ||||||
| 7 | Suzuki Swift Sport | 3 | 1 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| Suzuki passes the endurance test without any problems. Only when we disassembled it did we discover a defect: (still harmless) rust in the side members. The corrosion protection was insufficient. Without this defect, the Swift Sport would even have received an A+. | ||||||
| Suzuki recalls for other models | ||||||
| 7 | Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D 184 AWD | 3 | 1 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| The Mazda comes through the test without any noteworthy defects and with impeccable workshop performance. There is incipient but still harmless corrosion under the boot seal. The 2.2-litre diesel has not been overly affected by the 100,000 kilometres. | ||||||
| Mazda recalls for other models | ||||||
| 7 | BMW 320d Touring | 3 | 1 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| A few functional weaknesses in everyday life, a few (rather cosmetic) complaints during disassembly and the high price – that’s all there is to note on the negative side. | ||||||
| BMW recalls for other models | ||||||
| 10 | Mercedes A 220 d | 4 | 1 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| Mature performance. In the editorial office, the A 220 d made many friends as a fast and comfortable companion, revealing no serious weaknesses in the final breakdown. The fact that it is a touch too low and too expensive remains unpleasant, but we knew that beforehand. The grade 1 is, therefore, more than deserved. | ||||||
| Mercedes-Benz recalls for other models | ||||||
| 10 | Toyota Prius IV | 4 | 1 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| The technical components do not show any appreciable wear when disassembled. The durability of the interior materials deserves extra praise. Only in the cavities of the body do we detect traces of corrosion – small brown spots on the otherwise spotless white body. | ||||||
| Toyota recalls for other models | ||||||
| 10 | VW Golf Sportsvan 1.4 TSI Highline | 4 | 1 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| The Sportsvan covered the 100,000 kilometres so convincingly and without a glitch that we extended the test by 50,000 kilometres. And it also completed them almost without complaint. There were only minor issues. VW has changed the trailer hitch. The authorised workshop knows what the problem is and could help. | ||||||
| VW recalls for other models | ||||||
| 10 | Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi AWD | 4 | 1 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| The Kia survives the 100,000 kilometres without any breakdowns. The Sportage remains completely inconspicuous even during the final inspection in its disassembled state. Reliability at the highest level, product features and design 100 per cent suitable for Europe. | ||||||
| Kia recalls for other models | ||||||
| 10 | Volvo XC60 D4 Summum FWD | 4 | 1 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| The drive, space and long-term quality are impressive, with only minor deficiencies. The engine is still in top shape after 100,000 kilometres, as the final inspection shows. Volvo should, however, eliminate the negligent rust prevention on the underbody. | ||||||
| Volvo recalls for other models | ||||||
The least reliable cars, according to the German Dekra
| # | Make/Model | Defect points | Rating | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | BMW 540i xDrive touring | 25 | 3 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| The steering had to be replaced, then the engine ran unsteadily from 90,000 kilometres onwards, and a cracked Hardy disc was discovered during disassembly. | ||||||
| BMW recalls for other models | ||||||
| 68 | Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 4×4 Titanium | 25 | 3 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| The Kuga stumbles over massive but avoidable damage: defective wiper motors at kilometre 39,042 (an isolated case, according to Ford) and a crack in the gearbox housing after 50,100 kilometres. During disassembly, heavily coked intake ducts were also noticed – an explanation for the decreasing engine performance towards the end of the test. For Ford, this is a phenomenon that is not yet known and that they want to investigate further. | ||||||
| Ford recalls for other models | ||||||
| 70 | Ford Mondeo Turnier 1.5 EcoBoost Titanium | 27 | 3 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| Unfortunately, Ford has developed the model in the wrong direction: The chassis has suffered, and the handling has not gained. Nevertheless: Without the loose screw on the intercooler, which was the cause of a stall, the Turnier would have achieved a good 2 as a score. So, in the end, it was only enough for a 3. | ||||||
| Ford recalls for other models | ||||||
| 71 | Kia Carens 1.7 CDTi Spirit | 29 | 3- | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| Even in the interim report after the usual 100,000 kilometres, the Carens had only scored a 3+: Parking sensors and a wheel bearing defective, once jump-starting. Since the Koreans give their extra-long warranty, we extended the test. Only then did the disassembly follow, where an unexpected problem came to light: rust in the tailgate cut-out. The Carens’ technology is basically reliable. But the MPV had more defects than other Kia endurance testers before it. | ||||||
| Kia recalls for other models | ||||||
| 71 | Renault Clio Grandtour TCe 90 Luxe | 29 | 3- | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| The SD card for the navigation system stopped locking right at the beginning of the endurance test, and later the multimedia system crashed. In the end, however, Renault’s gearbox (defective ball bearing) spoiled its overall score. Conclusion: In addition to the gearbox and the failure-prone electronics, the simple materials were also annoying. The quality must improve: Renault is currently well behind Koreans and Germans. | ||||||
| Renault recalls for other models | ||||||
| 71 | Seat Leon 1.6 TDI Style | 29 | 3- | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| From mileage 80,972 onwards, the gearbox started to show signs of trouble. Disassembly at the factory revealed the cause: a material included in the taper roller bearing had caused the bearing ring to tear – with consequential damage to the gearbox. However, such material defects are isolated cases. Rust prevention is mostly in order. Only the beginnings of edge corrosion on the wheel carriers and wheel hubs are beginning to spoil the otherwise very good impression. | ||||||
| Seat recalls for other models | ||||||
| 71 | Suzuki Vitara S | 29 | 3- | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| The Suzuki Vitara S feels just as comfortable in city traffic as it does on the left lane of the motorway. After the first long-term experience, however, the first permanent annoyances become apparent. Too frequent and unscheduled pit stops in the workshop are also annoying. When it then comes to a standstill with an engine failure, a top ranking finally becomes a distant dream. | ||||||
| Suzuki recalls for other models | ||||||
| 75 | Ford Grand C-Max 2.0 TDCi Titanium | 30 | 3- | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| Unfortunately, the electronics in this test car were once again at fault. This is not an isolated case, as our experience with Ford shows. In the Grand C-Max, the navigation system once failed to display a picture, and then a corroded plug caused the turbocharger control to send the wrong impulses. | ||||||
| Ford recalls for other models | ||||||
| 76 | BMW i3 | 31 | 3- | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| The charging cable was annoying. It is fragile and had to be replaced several times. Once, the fan would no longer switch off, and a defective pressure sensor meant that the fuel filler flap could only be opened by emergency release. | ||||||
| BMW recalls for other models | ||||||
| 77 | VW Golf 1.4 TSI (200,000 km!) | 32 | 3- | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| After 100,000 kilometres, the Golf had collected twelve fault points (failures affected the automatic window regulator, the display and the start-stop system). The test did not end; the Golf is still running. By the time it stopped at 200,000 kilometres, more faults had been added: Failure of both horns, front shock absorbers leaking, jammed fuel filler flap, and defective double clutch. | ||||||
| VW recalls for other models | ||||||
| 78 | Citroën C4 Cactus PureTech 110 | 34 | 4+ | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| The Cactus is a courageous, likeable, quirky car. Not a perfect one. We could live with that, but not with a broken gearbox and ignition. Even for 20,000 euros, reliability is a must. | ||||||
| Citroën recalls for other models | ||||||
| 79 | Chevrolet Orlando LT + 2.0 TD | 35 | 4+ | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| Orlando had to go to the workshop twice out of order. Because of a cracked drive shaft sleeve and because the tailgate no longer opened. The final disassembly also revealed that the six-speed automatic had suffered badly. | ||||||
| Chevrolet recalls for other models | ||||||
| 80 | BMW 218i Active Tourer | 39 | 4 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| At 36,331 kilometres, the workshop discovered a defective crankshaft bearing. BMW has been using a stronger bearing since 2015. Our endurance tester from early production received a replacement engine after nine months, which did not run smoothly either. Twice, the three-cylinder engine fell into emergency mode after starting. The result of the final examination at the end of the test: Too little refrigerant in the air conditioning system or a damp charge air hose may be peanuts, but the faded clutch pressure plate already shows heavy wear. | ||||||
| BMW recalls for other models | ||||||
| 81 | Audi Q3 2.0 TDI quattro | 42 | 4- | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| At kilometre 27,077, the Q3 goes into emergency mode several times – lambda sensor defective. At kilometre 51,935, the cooler of the exhaust gas recirculation system is defective. The xenon bulbs of both headlights have to be replaced, and finally, the gearbox has to be replaced. | ||||||
| Audi recalls for other models | ||||||
| 82 | Subaru XV 2.0D Exclusive | 44 | 4- | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| A prematurely worn clutch, melting on two pistons, plus edge corrosion on chassis parts, defects on the driver’s seat and loose panelling that led to annoying noises. | ||||||
| Subaru recalls for other models | ||||||
| 83 | Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost | 52 | 5 | Recalls | Owners’ review | Source |
| Engine damage shortly before the end of the test – the cause was a loosened retaining bolt from the timing belt tensioner. Before that, there were problems with the steering and loss of coolant twice. | ||||||
| Ford recalls for other models | ||||||
Where now?
Currently 5139 Recalls