German Cars are Least Reliable Says Study

German cars are among the least reliable and some luxury vehicles are particularly bad, says a survey conducted by The Consumers’ Association.

The research, which inquired into the reliability of 34,277 vehicles registered in the UK found that the reliability of Audi, BMW and Volkswagen cars was “bad.” In contrast, Japanese and Korean cars came top of this field. The sporty Audi TT was described as the worst car for the second consecutive year. 21 per cent of the 43 TT owners questioned experienced a break down last year. Cars classified as “excellent” for reliability include Honda, Hyundai, Lexus, Mazda, Toyota and Suzuki. Big name brands including Land Rover, Peugeot, Renault, Rover, Vauxhall and Volkswagen were all described as “average” to “bad.”

“German cars have always been expensive, but our survey reveals a worrying drop in reliability that makes them look distinctly over-priced. Audi, BMW and VW may be the choice of more badge-conscious buyers, but owners of Japanese cars are far less likely to spend time on the hard shoulder or face hefty garage bills,” said which editor, Malcolm Coles.

In response a Volkswagen spokesman criticized the study’s small sample size and an Audi representative said that the reported ignition problem was an exception rather than the rule and that the fault only temporarily affected engines.