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The most reliable compact cars

Ranked by the MotorFiable Score of the whole car, out of 10: half comes from its engines and the other half from the rest of the car (gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics…). Only compact cars with solid evidence are included: at least three sources and five documented faults, each backed by its sources.

Of the 90 compact cars with solid evidence, the one with the highest score is the Nissan Leaf II (8.0/10), followed by the MG MG4 (7.3) and the Mazda MX-5 III (7.2). The one with the lowest score is the Peugeot 408 (3.3/10), mainly because of oil-bath timing belt degradation.

How we work

90 cars

Each label is that part's score out of 10. Only parts with documented faults or MOT inspection data are shown.

  1. Rank 1
    Nissan Leaf IICompact · 2018–2025Critical severityCruise control deactivation by the VCM module (campaign, 2017 to 2023 vehicles)(electronics)Engine 8.4Suspension 7.4Brakes 7.9Steering 8.2Electrical 8.6Lights 7.7Electronics 8.6Bodywork 7.2
    8.0 out of 10Overall score
  2. Rank 2
    MG MG4Compact · 2022–todayHigh severityOversensitive driver assistance (sudden braking, lane warning)(security)Engine 8.0Electrical 9.3Electronics 7.5Climate control 9.6Bodywork 9.3Security 7.9
    7.3 out of 10Overall score
  3. Rank 3
    Mazda MX-5 IIICompact · 2005–2015Critical severityBig-end bearing damage in the 2.3 MZR, with isolated cases in the 1.8 and 2.0(MZR gasolina engine)Engine 6.6Suspension 9.2Brakes 8.3Steering 9.6Lights 8.4Bodywork 8.6
    7.2 out of 10Overall score
  4. Rank 4
    Lotus Elise S2Compact · 2001–2011High severityHead gasket failure(Rover K-Series engine)Engine 6.2Gearbox 8.6Suspension 9.3Brakes 9.3Steering 9.1Electrical 9.6Lights 9.2Climate control 9.3Bodywork 8.3
    6.9 out of 10Overall score
  5. Rank 5
    Toyota Corolla XIICompact · 2019–todayMedium severityThe 12V battery drains on the C-HR and Corolla hybrids(1.8 Hybrid engine)Engine 6.8Suspension 8.1Brakes 7.9Steering 7.8Electrical 8.6Lights 7.6Electronics 7.1Bodywork 7.6
    6.9 out of 10Overall score
  6. Rank 6
    BMW Serie 1 F40Compact · 2019–todayCritical severityCampaign for the driver's airbag opening geometry (2020 build)(security)Engine 7.6Suspension 8.1Brakes 7.6Steering 7.6Lights 8.3Electronics 8.6Bodywork 7.6Security 5.4
    6.8 out of 10Overall score
  7. Rank 7
    Cupra LeónCompact · 2020–todayCritical severityDefective front seat belt anchorages (2020-2021)(security)Engine 7.8Suspension 7.6Brakes 7.7Steering 7.6Electrical 7.1Lights 7.5Electronics 8.6Bodywork 7.7Security 6.4
    6.8 out of 10Overall score
  8. Rank 8
    Fiat TipoCompact · 2015–todayCritical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure(1.3 Multijet engine)Engine 6.3Gearbox 8.9Suspension 7.2Brakes 7.9Tyres 8.6Steering 8.5Electrical 8.6Lights 6.5Bodywork 7.5Security 7.9
    6.8 out of 10Overall score
  9. Rank 9
    Kia Cerato ICompact · 2004–2009High severityWear and loss of performance of the variable-geometry turbo(2.0 CRDi (D4EA) engine)Engine 6.8Gearbox 7.1Suspension 9.0Brakes 7.6Steering 7.2Electrical 8.6Lights 7.1Bodywork 7.0
    6.8 out of 10Overall score
  10. Rank 10
    Nissan Leaf ICompact · 2011–2017High severityAccelerated degradation of the air-cooled battery(Nissan Leaf and e-NV200 engine)Engine 6.1Suspension 5.4Brakes 7.6Steering 2.7Lights 7.7Climate control 9.3Bodywork 8.1
    6.8 out of 10Overall score
  11. Rank 11
    Toyota Corolla IXCompact · 2002–2007High severityTurbocharger failure(1.4 D-4D engine)Engine 6.1Suspension 8.8Brakes 7.4Steering 9.3Electrical 8.6Lights 7.2Bodywork 8.9Security 7.9
    6.8 out of 10Overall score
  12. Rank 12
    Hyundai IoniqCompact · 2016–2022Critical severityMain relay of the power relay assembly (overheating and fire risk)(1.6 GDi híbrido (Kappa) engine)Engine 5.7Gearbox 8.9Suspension 8.9Brakes 6.8Tyres 8.9Steering 8.7Electrical 8.6Lights 7.7Bodywork 7.7
    6.7 out of 10Overall score
  13. Rank 13
    Seat León IVCompact · 2020–todayCritical severityRisk of short circuit and fire from an incorrectly sized fuse in the Leon e-Hybrid (2020-2022)(security)Engine 7.7Gearbox 7.3Suspension 7.9Brakes 8.1Steering 7.4Lights 7.8Electronics 8.6Bodywork 7.3Security 6.2
    6.7 out of 10Overall score
  14. Rank 14
    Hyundai Elantra ICompact · 2001–2006Critical severityCorrosion of the front suspension arms (2012 recall)(suspension)Engine 6.8Gearbox 8.6Suspension 7.4Brakes 6.7Steering 7.9Lights 7.2Bodywork 7.1
    6.6 out of 10Overall score
  15. Rank 15
    Mazda 3 IVCompact · 2019–todayHigh severityOil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations(Skyactiv-D engine)Engine 6.6Suspension 7.9Brakes 7.7Steering 7.8Electrical 8.6Lights 7.9Electronics 8.9Climate control 9.3Bodywork 8.3Security 7.1
    6.6 out of 10Overall score
  16. Rank 16
    Mitsubishi LancerCompact · 2007–2019High severityETACS control unit fault: headlights and wipers can stop working(electronics)Engine 6.9Gearbox 8.6Suspension 7.4Brakes 7.3Steering 1.4Electrical 7.9Lights 7.0Electronics 7.9Bodywork 8.2
    6.6 out of 10Overall score
  17. Rank 17
    Renault Mégane IVCompact · 2016–2023Critical severityExcessive oil consumption and engine failure(1.2 TCe engine)Engine 6.2Gearbox 8.1Suspension 7.6Brakes 7.7Steering 7.9Lights 6.0Electronics 9.6Bodywork 7.8
    6.6 out of 10Overall score
  18. Rank 18
    Škoda ScalaCompact · 2019–todayHigh severityDefective seat seam that could affect the side airbag (campaign 74D7)(security)Engine 6.9Suspension 8.0Brakes 7.1Steering 0.0Lights 7.0Electronics 9.3Bodywork 7.6Security 6.8
    6.6 out of 10Overall score
  19. Rank 19
    Volkswagen Golf VIIICompact · 2019–todayCritical severityRisk of short circuit and fire from an incorrectly specified fuse on the plug-in hybrid versions (eHybrid/GTE)(security)Engine 7.6Gearbox 7.1Suspension 7.8Brakes 7.9Steering 7.4Electrical 8.6Lights 7.6Electronics 7.9Bodywork 7.5Security 5.5
    6.6 out of 10Overall score
  20. Rank 20
    Audi A3 IIICompact · 2012–2020Critical severityIsolated failure of the electromechanical power steering module(steering)Engine 6.6Gearbox 6.8Suspension 8.1Brakes 8.1Steering 8.9Electrical 8.6Lights 8.2Bodywork 7.1
    6.5 out of 10Overall score
  21. Rank 21
    Kia XCeedCompact · 2019–todayCritical severityMHSG belt tensioner and crankshaft pulley failure (48V mild hybrid)(1.6 CRDi engine)Engine 5.9Gearbox 7.7Suspension 7.9Brakes 8.6Steering 8.0Lights 8.6Electronics 9.3Bodywork 7.6Security 8.6
    6.5 out of 10Overall score
  22. Rank 22
    Škoda Octavia ICompact · 1996–2004Critical severityBig-end bearing failure(1.9 TDI engine)Engine 5.5Suspension 7.9Brakes 7.9Steering 6.5Electrical 8.9Lights 7.9Bodywork 6.6
    6.5 out of 10Overall score
  23. Rank 23
    Toyota Corolla XCompact · 2007–2013Critical severityExcessive oil consumption from piston wear(1.33 Dual VVT-i engine)Engine 6.4Suspension 9.5Brakes 7.9Steering 9.1Electrical 7.9Lights 7.7Bodywork 8.1Security 7.1
    6.5 out of 10Overall score
  24. Rank 24
    Toyota Prius IVCompact · 2015–2022Medium severityThe 12V battery drains on the C-HR and Corolla hybrids(1.8 Hybrid engine)Engine 5.5Suspension 8.8Brakes 8.3Steering 8.7Electrical 8.9Lights 7.5Bodywork 7.9Security 7.6
    6.5 out of 10Overall score
  25. Rank 25
    Opel Astra GCompact · 1998–2004High severityVP44 injection pump and air mass meter failure(2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTI engine)Engine 6.2Suspension 8.0Brakes 7.9Steering 8.2Electrical 7.3Lights 7.5Bodywork 6.6
    6.4 out of 10Overall score
  26. Rank 26
    Honda Civic XCompact · 2017–2021Critical severityEngine failure caused by the wet timing belt(1.0 / 1.5 VTEC Turbo engine)Engine 4.5Suspension 8.4Brakes 8.2Steering 7.7Lights 8.0Electronics 9.3Climate control 8.6Bodywork 8.5
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  27. Rank 27
    Hyundai i30 IIICompact · 2017–todayCritical severityMHSG belt tensioner and crankshaft pulley failure (48V mild hybrid)(1.6 CRDi engine)Engine 6.0Gearbox 7.7Suspension 8.2Brakes 7.8Steering 8.1Electrical 8.6Lights 7.7Bodywork 7.4
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  28. Rank 28
    Mercedes-Benz Clase A W169Compact · 2004–2012Critical severityTakata airbags with a faulty driver's airbag gas generator(security)Engine 6.4Gearbox 8.6Suspension 7.8Brakes 7.7Steering 8.3Lights 8.0Bodywork 8.2Security 6.2
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  29. Rank 29
    Seat León ICompact · 1999–2005Critical severityBig-end bearing failure(1.9 TDI engine)Engine 5.1Gearbox 8.4Suspension 8.1Brakes 6.8Steering 5.2Electrical 8.9Lights 7.6Bodywork 7.5
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  30. Rank 30
    Seat León IIICompact · 2012–2020Medium severityRecurring electronic faults: screen, remote key and warning lights(electronics)Engine 6.5Gearbox 6.4Suspension 8.0Brakes 7.9Steering 9.2Lights 8.5Electronics 7.9Bodywork 7.2
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  31. Rank 31
    Seat Toledo IIICompact · 2004–2009Critical severityPossible dual-mass flywheel damage caused by the clutch pressure line restrictor(gearbox and clutch)Engine 6.6Gearbox 6.4Suspension 8.2Brakes 7.1Steering 6.0Lights 7.7Electronics 9.6Bodywork 8.5
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  32. Rank 32
    Volkswagen Golf IVCompact · 1997–2003Critical severityBig-end bearing failure(1.9 TDI engine)Engine 5.5Gearbox 7.9Suspension 8.3Brakes 6.9Steering 6.6Electrical 8.9Lights 8.1Bodywork 7.3Security 8.6
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  33. Rank 33
    Cupra BornCompact · 2021–todayCritical severityFaulty modules in the high-voltage battery with fire risk(MEB (ID.3, ID.4, ID.7, ID.Buzz, Enyaq, Born, Q4 e-tron) engine)Engine 5.2Electronics 8.9Security 7.9
    6.2 out of 10Overall score
  34. Rank 34
    Honda Civic XICompact · 2022–todayCritical severityElectric power steering (EPS) gearbox short of grease: noises and stiff steering(steering)Engine 7.5Steering 7.1Electrical 7.1Security 7.1
    6.2 out of 10Overall score
  35. Rank 35
    Mazda 3 IIICompact · 2013–2019High severityOil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations(Skyactiv-D engine)Engine 6.0Suspension 6.8Brakes 7.9Steering 8.9Electrical 8.6Lights 8.1Electronics 8.9Bodywork 7.6
    6.2 out of 10Overall score
  36. Rank 36
    Škoda Octavia IIICompact · 2013–2020Critical severityTakata airbag recall over risk of rupture(security)Engine 6.6Gearbox 6.4Suspension 8.1Brakes 7.8Steering 9.2Lights 8.5Bodywork 8.1Security 7.1
    6.2 out of 10Overall score
  37. Rank 37
    Toyota Auris IICompact · 2012–2018Critical severityExcessive oil consumption from piston wear(1.33 Dual VVT-i engine)Engine 6.0Suspension 9.0Brakes 7.6Steering 9.1Electrical 8.6Lights 6.8Electronics 9.3Bodywork 8.6Security 7.1
    6.2 out of 10Overall score
  38. Rank 38
    Volkswagen Golf VIICompact · 2012–2020Critical severityCorrosion of the steering rack bolt(steering)Engine 6.5Gearbox 6.8Suspension 8.3Brakes 7.6Steering 8.2Lights 8.1Climate control 8.6Bodywork 7.8
    6.2 out of 10Overall score
  39. Rank 39
    Ford Focus IICompact · 2004–2011High severityTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)(1.6 HDi engine)Engine 5.7Gearbox 7.9Suspension 7.2Brakes 8.6Steering 8.6Electrical 7.3Lights 7.1Bodywork 8.1
    6.1 out of 10Overall score
  40. Rank 40
    Kia Ceed IIICompact · 2018–todayCritical severityMHSG belt tensioner and crankshaft pulley failure (48V mild hybrid)(1.6 CRDi engine)Engine 5.9Gearbox 7.7Suspension 8.2Brakes 7.0Steering 7.6Electrical 7.9Lights 7.5Bodywork 8.6Security 8.6
    6.1 out of 10Overall score
  41. Rank 41
    Mazda 3 IICompact · 2009–2013Critical severityTiming chain stretch on the 2.2 MZR-CD(MZR-CD engine)Engine 4.6Suspension 8.1Brakes 8.6Steering 8.8Electrical 9.6Lights 8.4Electronics 8.6Bodywork 8.1
    6.1 out of 10Overall score
  42. Rank 42
    Honda Civic IXCompact · 2011–2017High severityTurbocharger failure(1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC engine)Engine 5.5Suspension 8.2Brakes 8.6Steering 4.8Electrical 8.9Lights 7.1Bodywork 8.8Security 7.1
    6.0 out of 10Overall score
  43. Rank 43
    Lexus CTCompact · 2010–2022Critical severityBrake actuator failure (hard pedal, loss of assistance)(1.8 Hybrid engine)Engine 5.2Suspension 9.6Brakes 8.7Steering 9.6Lights 8.1Bodywork 8.4Security 6.2
    6.0 out of 10Overall score
  44. Rank 44
    Mazda 3 ICompact · 2003–2009High severityTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)(1.6 HDi engine)Engine 4.6Suspension 7.9Brakes 8.8Steering 8.8Electrical 8.6Lights 7.1Electronics 9.6Bodywork 7.3Security 8.9
    6.0 out of 10Overall score
  45. Rank 45
    Volkswagen Golf VCompact · 2003–2008Critical severityBig-end bearing failure(1.9 TDI engine)Engine 5.5Gearbox 7.1Suspension 7.7Brakes 7.0Steering 5.7Electrical 7.4Lights 8.1Climate control 8.9Bodywork 7.7
    6.0 out of 10Overall score
  46. Rank 46
    Volkswagen Jetta VCompact · 2005–2010High severityWear of the high-pressure pump cam follower(VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 engine)Engine 5.9Suspension 6.9Brakes 7.2Steering 8.1Lights 7.8Climate control 7.1Bodywork 4.9
    6.0 out of 10Overall score
  47. Rank 47
    Volvo V40 IICompact · 2012–2019Critical severityAuxiliary belt breakage that takes the timing belt with it (5-cylinder)(D4/D5 engine)Engine 4.5Suspension 8.1Brakes 7.2Steering 9.0Electrical 8.6Lights 8.5Electronics 9.3Climate control 9.6Bodywork 7.5Security 8.6
    6.0 out of 10Overall score
  48. Rank 48
    Alfa Romeo 147Compact · 2000–2010High severityIntake manifold flap failure (swirl effect)(1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD engine)Engine 5.2Gearbox 6.6Suspension 7.6Brakes 7.2Steering 9.0Electrical 8.6Lights 7.4Bodywork 7.7
    5.9 out of 10Overall score
  49. Rank 49
    Mercedes-Benz Clase A W176Compact · 2012–2018Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure(OM651 engine)Engine 5.8Gearbox 8.2Suspension 9.1Brakes 8.0Steering 8.1Electrical 9.3Lights 8.6Bodywork 7.9Security 7.1
    5.9 out of 10Overall score
  50. Rank 50
    Škoda RapidCompact · 2012–2019Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)(1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine)Engine 5.7Suspension 8.7Brakes 8.3Steering 8.7Lights 7.4Bodywork 8.7Security 5.7
    5.9 out of 10Overall score
  51. Rank 51
    Toyota Auris ICompact · 2006–2012Critical severityWarped cylinder head gasket and oil consumption on the 2.2 D-4D(2.0/2.2 D-4D engine)Engine 5.0Gearbox 7.9Suspension 8.4Brakes 7.8Steering 8.6Lights 7.5Bodywork 8.9Security 7.9
    5.9 out of 10Overall score
  52. Rank 52
    Toyota GR Supra A90Compact · 2019–2026Critical severityLoss of braking assistance from the vacuum pump(brakes)Engine 6.2Brakes 7.1Steering 8.6Electrical 7.9
    5.9 out of 10Overall score
  53. Rank 53
    BMW Serie 1 F20Compact · 2011–2019Critical severityRear timing chain stretch and breakage(BMW N47 engine)Engine 5.0Gearbox 8.1Suspension 8.6Brakes 8.2Steering 8.5Electrical 7.9Lights 7.5Bodywork 8.9
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  54. Rank 54
    Citroën C4 ICompact · 2004–2010High severityTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)(1.6 HDi engine)Engine 5.3Gearbox 7.8Suspension 8.1Brakes 7.2Steering 6.1Electrical 8.2Lights 6.8Electronics 8.6Bodywork 7.8
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  55. Rank 55
    Honda Civic VIIICompact · 2006–2011Critical severityRecall for faulty driver's airbag inflator(security)Engine 6.1Gearbox 7.1Suspension 7.8Brakes 7.4Steering 6.1Lights 6.9Bodywork 7.9Security 7.1
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  56. Rank 56
    Kia Ceed IICompact · 2012–2018Critical severityTiming chain stretch(1.6 CRDi engine)Engine 5.4Gearbox 7.0Suspension 8.9Brakes 7.9Steering 5.8Electrical 9.3Lights 8.1Bodywork 7.9
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  57. Rank 57
    Peugeot 307Compact · 2001–2008High severityTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)(1.6 HDi engine)Engine 5.6Gearbox 7.9Suspension 8.5Brakes 7.3Steering 7.2Lights 7.4Bodywork 7.9Security 8.6
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  58. Rank 58
    Renault Mégane IIICompact · 2008–2016Critical severityWear and seizure of the big-end bearings(1.5 dCi engine)Engine 5.2Gearbox 7.5Suspension 7.8Brakes 7.4Steering 6.9Lights 6.3Bodywork 8.4Security 8.6
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  59. Rank 59
    Škoda Octavia IICompact · 2004–2013Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)(1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine)Engine 4.9Gearbox 7.3Suspension 7.2Brakes 7.3Steering 8.5Electrical 9.3Lights 7.1Climate control 9.3Bodywork 8.8
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  60. Rank 60
    Ford Focus IIICompact · 2011–2018High severityJuddering, hesitation and slipping of the dry clutch (DPS6)(PowerShift gearbox)Engine 5.3Gearbox 6.4Suspension 6.5Brakes 7.2Steering 9.2Electrical 9.3Lights 6.7Bodywork 7.7
    5.7 out of 10Overall score
  61. Rank 61
    Opel Astra HCompact · 2004–2009Critical severityIncorrect assembly of the front axle steering joint (2005-2006)(steering)Engine 5.8Gearbox 7.9Suspension 7.3Brakes 8.2Steering 7.9Electrical 7.1Lights 7.9Bodywork 6.3Security 7.1
    5.7 out of 10Overall score
  62. Rank 62
    Opel Astra JCompact · 2009–2015High severityGear lever shudder and risk of M32 manual gearbox failure(gearbox and clutch)Engine 5.8Gearbox 6.8Suspension 8.1Brakes 7.3Steering 9.5Electrical 7.1Lights 8.5Bodywork 7.7
    5.7 out of 10Overall score
  63. Rank 63
    Renault Mégane IICompact · 2002–2009Critical severitySeizure and wear of the big-end bearings(1.9 dCi engine)Engine 5.0Gearbox 7.8Suspension 7.2Brakes 8.0Steering 7.3Electrical 7.9Lights 7.1Electronics 7.9Climate control 9.3Bodywork 8.8
    5.7 out of 10Overall score
  64. Rank 64
    Volkswagen Golf VICompact · 2008–2012Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)(1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine)Engine 4.8Gearbox 6.7Suspension 6.9Brakes 7.4Steering 8.6Electrical 9.3Lights 8.1Climate control 9.3Bodywork 8.5
    5.7 out of 10Overall score
  65. Rank 65
    Volkswagen ID.3Compact · 2020–todayCritical severityFaulty modules in the high-voltage battery with fire risk(MEB (ID.3, ID.4, ID.7, ID.Buzz, Enyaq, Born, Q4 e-tron) engine)Engine 5.2Suspension 8.3Brakes 8.5Steering 7.8Lights 6.2Electronics 8.9Climate control 8.9Bodywork 7.6Security 7.1
    5.7 out of 10Overall score
  66. Rank 66
    Fiat StiloCompact · 2001–2007High severityIntake manifold flap failure (swirl effect)(1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD engine)Engine 5.2Suspension 7.5Brakes 7.6Tyres 8.6Steering 8.5Lights 7.2Electronics 7.1Bodywork 8.0
    5.6 out of 10Overall score
  67. Rank 67
    Volvo S40 IICompact · 2004–2012High severityTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)(1.6 HDi engine)Engine 4.7Gearbox 6.8Suspension 7.2Brakes 8.1Steering 8.6Electrical 7.9Lights 7.7Bodywork 8.2
    5.6 out of 10Overall score
  68. Rank 68
    Volvo V50Compact · 2004–2012High severityTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)(1.6 HDi engine)Engine 4.7Gearbox 6.8Suspension 6.0Brakes 8.0Steering 8.6Electrical 7.9Lights 7.2Bodywork 8.7
    5.6 out of 10Overall score
  69. Rank 69
    Hyundai i30 IICompact · 2012–2017Critical severityTiming chain stretch(1.6 CRDi engine)Engine 5.4Gearbox 7.7Suspension 8.6Brakes 7.2Steering 1.2Lights 7.7Bodywork 7.7Security 7.1
    5.5 out of 10Overall score
  70. Rank 70
    Peugeot 308 ICompact · 2007–2013High severityTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)(1.6 HDi engine)Engine 4.0Gearbox 7.9Suspension 8.9Brakes 7.9Steering 8.1Electrical 8.6Lights 7.2Bodywork 8.3
    5.5 out of 10Overall score
  71. Rank 71
    Seat León IICompact · 2005–2012Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)(1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine)Engine 4.9Gearbox 7.3Suspension 6.8Brakes 7.2Steering 6.9Electrical 8.7Lights 7.7Electronics 7.1Bodywork 8.0Security 7.9
    5.5 out of 10Overall score
  72. Rank 72
    Ford Focus IVCompact · 2018–2025Critical severityDegradation of the timing belt running in oil(1.0 EcoBoost engine)Engine 4.8Suspension 8.1Brakes 7.8Steering 8.0Electrical 7.9Lights 7.6Electronics 6.8Bodywork 8.2Security 7.1
    5.4 out of 10Overall score
  73. Rank 73
    Renault FluenceCompact · 2009–2016Critical severityWheel bolts under-tightened on cars built in 2015(tyres)Engine 5.6Gearbox 8.1Suspension 7.1Tyres 7.1Electronics 9.3Bodywork 8.9
    5.4 out of 10Overall score
  74. Rank 74
    Alfa Romeo GiuliettaCompact · 2010–2020High severitySaturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerations(1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II engine)Engine 5.0Gearbox 7.9Suspension 8.3Brakes 7.3Steering 9.2Lights 7.9Bodywork 0.9Security 5.7
    5.3 out of 10Overall score
  75. Rank 75
    Audi A3 IICompact · 2003–2012Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)(1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine)Engine 4.9Gearbox 6.3Suspension 6.5Brakes 7.6Steering 8.4Electrical 9.3Lights 8.0Bodywork 8.4Security 7.1
    5.3 out of 10Overall score
  76. Rank 76
    Peugeot 308 IICompact · 2013–2021Critical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 3.4Gearbox 8.1Suspension 7.9Brakes 7.3Steering 7.9Lights 6.3Electronics 9.3Climate control 8.6Bodywork 8.4
    5.1 out of 10Overall score
  77. Rank 77
    Kia Ceed ICompact · 2006–2012Critical severityTiming chain stretch(1.6 CRDi engine)Engine 4.1Gearbox 7.9Suspension 8.4Brakes 7.1Steering 8.2Lights 6.5Electronics 9.3Bodywork 7.8
    5.0 out of 10Overall score
  78. Rank 78
    Seat Toledo IVCompact · 2012–2019Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)(1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine)Engine 4.9Gearbox 7.0Suspension 8.7Brakes 8.5Steering 8.5Lights 7.2Bodywork 8.0Security 5.0
    5.0 out of 10Overall score
  79. Rank 79
    Volkswagen Jetta VICompact · 2010–2018Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)(1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine)Engine 4.3Gearbox 9.3Suspension 6.4Brakes 6.9Steering 8.9Electrical 7.1Lights 7.8Bodywork 7.4
    5.0 out of 10Overall score
  80. Rank 80
    BMW Serie 1 E87Compact · 2004–2011Critical severityRear timing chain stretch and breakage(BMW N47 engine)Engine 4.0Suspension 8.4Brakes 8.1Steering 7.5Electrical 7.9Lights 8.0Bodywork 8.4Security 7.1
    4.9 out of 10Overall score
  81. Rank 81
    Hyundai i30 ICompact · 2007–2012Critical severityTiming chain stretch(1.6 CRDi engine)Engine 4.1Gearbox 8.6Suspension 8.4Brakes 7.1Steering 5.8Electrical 7.5Lights 6.7Climate control 9.3Bodywork 8.9
    4.9 out of 10Overall score
  82. Rank 82
    Peugeot 308 IIICompact · 2021–todayCritical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 4.2Gearbox 6.0Electronics 8.9Bodywork 8.6
    4.8 out of 10Overall score
  83. Rank 83
    Volvo V40 ICompact · 1996–2004Critical severitySeizure and wear of the big-end bearings(1.9 dCi engine)Engine 3.3Suspension 6.6Brakes 7.4Steering 2.1Lights 7.0Climate control 8.6Bodywork 8.4Security 7.9
    4.8 out of 10Overall score
  84. Rank 84
    Citroën C4 IICompact · 2010–2018Critical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 3.1Suspension 8.4Brakes 8.0Steering 7.9Lights 7.2Electronics 8.9Bodywork 8.7Security 7.1
    4.7 out of 10Overall score
  85. Rank 85
    Citroën C4 XCompact · 2022–todayCritical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 4.5Suspension 7.1Brakes 7.1Electrical 7.1Electronics 7.9
    4.7 out of 10Overall score
  86. Rank 86
    Opel Astra LCompact · 2021–todayCritical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 4.2Gearbox 6.8Electronics 8.6Bodywork 8.6Security 7.1
    4.6 out of 10Overall score
  87. Rank 87
    Citroën C4 IIICompact · 2020–todayCritical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 3.6Gearbox 8.1Suspension 7.2Brakes 6.9Steering 7.8Electrical 7.1Lights 6.8Electronics 8.9Bodywork 7.6
    4.5 out of 10Overall score
  88. Rank 88
    Volvo S40 ICompact · 1996–2004Critical severitySeizure and wear of the big-end bearings(1.9 dCi engine)Engine 3.3Suspension 7.2Brakes 6.8Steering 3.3Lights 6.7Climate control 8.6Bodywork 8.5Security 7.9
    4.5 out of 10Overall score
  89. Rank 89
    Citroën C4 CactusCompact · 2014–2020Critical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 2.1Gearbox 8.6Suspension 8.3Brakes 6.9Steering 8.9Lights 5.5Bodywork 7.3
    3.8 out of 10Overall score
  90. Rank 90
    Peugeot 408Compact · 2022–todayCritical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 1.8Gearbox 6.8Suspension 7.1Electrical 8.6Electronics 7.9
    3.3 out of 10Overall score

The least reliable compact cars

The three with the lowest scores and the fault that weighs most in each.

  1. Peugeot 408 · 3.3/10Oil-bath timing belt degradation (1.2 PureTech engine)
  2. Citroën C4 Cactus · 3.8/10Oil-bath timing belt degradation (1.2 PureTech engine)
  3. Citroën C4 III · 4.5/10Oil-bath timing belt degradation (1.2 PureTech engine)

How it is calculated

The score combines the risk index of its engines and that of the rest of the car, calculated from the most serious documented faults (severity times frequency). Faults that the manufacturer fixes free of charge under a recall carry less weight. A high score does not guarantee that a particular car will not fail: it means we have found fewer serious, frequent documented faults. More recent models have been on the road for fewer years and may have fewer documented faults: preferably compare cars from the same period. Full methodology