Last updated: 2026-05-15
Buick vs Volkswagen: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Buick
1 models tracked
Volkswagen
7 models tracked
Comparing Buick and Volkswagen on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Buick currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 65/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Volkswagen?
| Metric | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 65/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 10 | 42 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 234 | 796 |
Buick vs Volkswagen: The Verdict
Buick has a commanding reliability lead over Volkswagen, and it shows across multiple metrics. We scored 8 models between the two makes: Buick at 75/100 and Volkswagen at 65/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
Where Buick and Volkswagen Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 69/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 60/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 71/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Buick's advantage in recall impact (+19 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Buick vs Volkswagen: Strengths and Weaknesses
Buick
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Volkswagen
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($645/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 29 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Buick vs Volkswagen Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Volkswagen | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 4 models) | 75/100 | 59/100 | Buick |
Buick wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Buick vs Volkswagen
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 21%39 | 29%1,367 |
| POWER TRAIN | 19%35 | 12%542 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%28 | 12%549 |
| ENGINE | 13%24 | 11%512 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 18%34 | 9%444 |
| AIR BAGS | — | 9%423 |
| STEERING | 3%6 | 4%187 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | — | 4%178 |
| SEAT BELTS | 3%6 | 0%17 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2%4 | 0%12 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Buick vs Volkswagen Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Buick owners reported 9 crash-related, 1 fire-related, and 6 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Volkswagen owners reported 169 crash-related, 29 fire-related, and 157 injury-related complaints. Buick has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Buick
9
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
6
Injury reports
Volkswagen
169
Crash reports
29
Fire reports
157
Injury reports
Every Buick and Volkswagen Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Buick Models
Volkswagen Models
Buick vs Volkswagen Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Buick's reliability is improving — recent model years average 77/100, up from earlier years. Volkswagen's reliability is improving — recent model years average 69/100.
Interestingly, both Buick and Volkswagen show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Buick | Volkswagen | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 77/100(1) | 71/100(6) | Buick |
| 2024 | 77/100(1) | 67/100(6) | Buick |
| 2023 | 79/100(1) | 67/100(6) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(1) | 59/100(6) | Buick |
| 2021 | 75/100(1) | 61/100(5) | Buick |
| 2020 | 68/100(1) | 69/100(4) | Volkswagen |
| 2019 | 75/100(1) | 62/100(5) | Buick |
| 2018 | 75/100(1) | 64/100(5) | Buick |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Buick vs Volkswagen: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Buick and Volkswagen. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Buick or Volkswagen?
The numbers make a strong case for Buick — this is one of the larger make-level gaps in our database.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Volkswagen Jetta leads both lineups with a score of 76/100.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Buick vs Volkswagen: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Volkswagen?
Which make has more recalls, Buick or Volkswagen?
What are the most reliable models from Buick and Volkswagen?
What are the most common problems with Buick and Volkswagen vehicles?
How many Buick and Volkswagen models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Buick or Volkswagen?
Are Buick and Volkswagen getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Buick or Volkswagen?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Buick or Volkswagen?
Comparing Buick vs Volkswagen? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Make Comparisons
More Buick comparisons
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.