Is the Nissan Versa more reliable than the Volkswagen Jetta?

They're very close — both average 76/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.

Which has more recalls, the Nissan Versa or the Volkswagen Jetta?

The Volkswagen Jetta has more recalls (25) compared to the Nissan Versa (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Nissan Versa or the Volkswagen Jetta?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Nissan Versa has a lower complaint rate at 1.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 3.4 for the Volkswagen Jetta. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Which is cheaper to maintain, the Nissan Versa or the Volkswagen Jetta?

Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Nissan Versa is cheaper to maintain at $456/year versus $609/year for the Volkswagen Jetta.

Is the Nissan Versa or Volkswagen Jetta safer?

Both the Nissan Versa and Volkswagen Jetta received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Nissan Versa vs Volkswagen Jetta: Reliability Compared

Nissan Versa

Good

Volkswagen Jetta

Good

Choosing between the Nissan Versa and the Volkswagen Jetta? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. Both models currently share an average reliability score of 76/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Nissan Versa and Volkswagen Jetta Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Volkswagen Jetta is in its seventh generation, having been redesigned in 2018 and receiving a facelift in 2022. This generation is now mature, potentially offering improved reliability as Volkswagen has had time to address initial issues. In contrast, the Nissan Versa is in its third generation, introduced in 2019, with a facelift in 2024. This places the Versa in the later stages of its current cycle, where reliability often stabilizes after early production issues are resolved. Buyers might find the Jetta's seasoned platform offers a more refined experience, while the Versa's recent refresh could provide updated features with established dependability.

Verdict

The Nissan Versa and Volkswagen Jetta are evenly matched with a reliability score of 76/100.

Both the Volkswagen Jetta and Nissan Versa achieve an identical average reliability score of 76/100, but their reliability profiles differ in key areas. The Nissan Versa stands out with a lower owner complaint rate of 1.5 per 10,000 sold compared to the Jetta's 3.4, and it also boasts fewer recalls over a shorter timeframe—11 in five years versus the Jetta's 25 in nine years. Furthermore, independent repair cost estimates favor the Versa, with an annual cost of $456 compared to the Jetta's $609. While both vehicles share similar common issue areas, the Versa's more favorable complaint rate, recall history, and repair costs make it the more reliable choice overall.

Key Differences

1Nissan Versa costs $153 less per year to repair
2Nissan Versa has 14 fewer total recalls
3Nissan Versa has 1.9 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

3Nissan Versa

—

1Volkswagen Jetta

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Nissan Versa vs Volkswagen Jetta: Which Is More Reliable?

Nissan Versa vs Volkswagen Jetta at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Nissan Versa	Volkswagen Jetta
Reliability Score	76/100	76/100
Years Tracked	5	9
Total Recalls	11	25
Complaints per 10k Sold	1.5	3.4
Annual Repair Cost	$456/yr	$609/yr
Repair Frequency	0.4/yr	0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk	10%	10%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2025 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	1 (1 tied)	3 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Nissan Versa and Volkswagen Jetta?

The Volkswagen Jetta exhibits a broader range of issues with significant complaints in both the power train (171 complaints) and electrical system (168 complaints), with crash-linked incidents notably present in both categories. The Jetta also shows a concerning number of crash-linked air bag issues (8 complaints), indicating potential safety risks. In contrast, the Nissan Versa has fewer overall complaints, with the power train being the most reported issue (63 complaints), and a higher proportion of air bag complaints leading to crashes (12 crash-linked incidents). The Versa also faces unique challenges in forward collision avoidance with a significant crash linkage (3 out of 6 complaints), suggesting a specific area of concern not as prevalent in the Jetta.

Nissan Versa vs Volkswagen Jetta common problem areas comparison
Component	Nissan Versa	Volkswagen Jetta
POWER TRAIN	0.4Very Low	0.8Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.2Very Low	0.8Very Low
ENGINE	0.2Very Low	0.4Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.2Very Low	0.4Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	0.3Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	—None
STEERING	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.1Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	—None
WHEELS	—None	—None
SUSPENSION	—None	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	—None
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	—None
SEAT BELTS	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Nissan Versa or Volkswagen Jetta?

For cost-conscious buyers, the Nissan Versa presents a more economical choice compared to the Volkswagen Jetta. Industry estimates show that the Versa's annual repair cost is $456, which is $153 less than the Jetta's $609. Over a span of five years, this translates to a savings of $765. Additionally, the Versa has a slightly higher repair frequency of 0.4 visits per year compared to the Jetta's 0.3 visits, but both vehicles share the same 10% risk of needing major repairs. Despite the increased frequency, the overall lower cost makes the Versa a better value for those mindful of maintenance expenses.

How Does Nissan Versa vs Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Compare by Year?

Nissan Versa vs Volkswagen Jetta year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Nissan Versa	Volkswagen Jetta	Edge
2025	81/1000R / 9C	81/1000R / 11C	Tie
2024	73/1001R / 91C	82/1000R / 26C	Volkswagen Jetta
2021	77/1003R / 29C	74/1004R / 62C	Nissan Versa
2020	74/1002R / 60C	75/1006R / 48C	Volkswagen Jetta
2018	76/1005R / 55C	79/1003R / 27C	Volkswagen Jetta

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Nissan Versa scored 81/100 and the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta scored 82/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Nissan Versa vs the Volkswagen Jetta?

If you prioritize lower running costs and fewer recalls, the Nissan Versa might be the better choice for you. With an estimated annual repair cost of $456 and only 11 total recalls, it offers a more economical and potentially less troublesome ownership experience. Additionally, the Versa has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold (1.5) compared to the Jetta, which could indicate higher owner satisfaction. However, if you prefer a vehicle with slightly less frequent repairs, consider the Volkswagen Jetta. Despite its higher estimated annual repair cost of $609, the Jetta has a lower repair frequency at 0.3 times per year. While both models share similar top issues and major repair risks, your decision might hinge on whether you value fewer trips to the mechanic or lower overall expenses.

Nissan Versa vs Volkswagen Jetta: Common Questions

Is the Nissan Versa more reliable than the Volkswagen Jetta?: They're very close — both average 76/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.
Which has more recalls, the Nissan Versa or the Volkswagen Jetta?: The Volkswagen Jetta has more recalls (25) compared to the Nissan Versa (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Nissan Versa or the Volkswagen Jetta?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Nissan Versa has a lower complaint rate at 1.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 3.4 for the Volkswagen Jetta. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Nissan Versa or the Volkswagen Jetta?: Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Nissan Versa is cheaper to maintain at $456/year versus $609/year for the Volkswagen Jetta.
Is the Nissan Versa or Volkswagen Jetta safer?: Both the Nissan Versa and Volkswagen Jetta received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

More Nissan Versa comparisons

Nissan Versa vs Toyota Corolla reliability Nissan Versa vs Hyundai Elantra reliability Nissan Versa vs Honda Civic reliability Nissan Versa vs KIA Forte reliability Nissan Versa reliability by year Nissan Versa years to avoid

More Volkswagen Jetta comparisons

Volkswagen Jetta vs Mazda 3 reliability Volkswagen Jetta vs Subaru Impreza reliability Volkswagen Jetta vs BMW 2-Series reliability Volkswagen Jetta vs KIA Forte reliability Volkswagen Jetta reliability by year Volkswagen Jetta years to avoid

Decided between Nissan Versa and Volkswagen Jetta? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue