Opel Insignia and Audi A6 Lead 2011 Dekra Defects Report
Opel Insignia posted the lowest defect rate among individual models, while the Audi A6 topped all classes for the third year in Dekra's 2011 reliability study.
Opel Insignia recorded the lowest defect rate among all vehicles assessed in the 2011 Dekra Defects Report, achieving a defects index of 96.1 percent. In the same report, the Audi A6 was named the most reliable car across all mileage ranges, winning the “Best of all classes” category for the third consecutive year with a score of 84.2 percent.
Opel Insignia: Best Individual Results
The Insignia’s 96.1 percent rating placed it at the top of the “Best Individual results” category. This figure reflects the proportion of vehicles tested that were free from significant defects. The Ford Fiesta and Toyota Prius followed closely, scoring 95.8 and 95.6 percent respectively. Dekra’s assessment considered a range of mechanical and safety-related faults, focusing on vehicles between 0 and 50,000 kilometres to ensure comparability across models.
The Insignia’s strong result adds to its reputation for reliability, following its Car of the Year win in 2009. For Opel, the Dekra result provided a boost in a competitive segment where long-term dependability can influence both fleet and private buyers.
Audi A6: Best Across All Classes
Audi’s A6 led the “Best of all classes” ranking, which aggregates results across all mileage bands. Its 84.2 percent score means that a high proportion of A6s remained free from major faults even as mileage increased. This was the third consecutive year the A6 topped this category, underlining consistent build quality over time and distance. The BMW 3 Series (81.7 percent) and Volkswagen Passat (81.1 percent) took second and third place.
For Audi, repeated Dekra recognition supported the A6’s position in the executive saloon market, where reliability is a major selling point for business users and high-mileage private owners.
Defect Rates and Mileage
Dekra’s 2011 report highlighted a strong correlation between mileage and defect rates. In the compact class, 11.9 percent of cars with up to 50,000 kilometres had notable defects. This figure rose to 46.3 percent for vehicles with 100,000 to 150,000 kilometres. The proportion of cars with significant deficiencies increased almost fivefold over the same mileage range.
How Dekra Compiles the Report
Dekra’s defects report is based on technical inspections of used vehicles. The organisation assesses millions of cars in Germany, focusing on faults that affect safety and function rather than minor wear and tear. The “defects index” reflects the percentage of vehicles that pass inspection without significant issues.
- Opel Insignia: 96.1% defect-free (Best Individual results)
- Audi A6: 84.2% defect-free (Best of all classes)
- Ford Fiesta: 95.8% defect-free
- Toyota Prius: 95.6% defect-free
- BMW 3 Series: 81.7% defect-free
- VW Passat: 81.1% defect-free
