Lexus IS vs Volkswagen GTI
Both cars' complete complaint records, side by side.
Read the totals carefully. NHTSA publishes no sales figures, so the car that sold more collects more complaints regardless of quality. The rows worth weighing are the proportions — the share of complaints that involved harm, and which part dominates.
| Measure | Lexus IS | Volkswagen GTI |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints on file | 808 | 1,949 |
| Model years covered | 1999–2025 | 1985–2024 |
| Worst model year | 2006 | 2002 |
| Best model year | 2015 | 1999 |
| Crashes reported | 68 | 63 |
| Fires reported | 9 | 23 |
| Injuries reported | 38 | 76 |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 7 |
| Most complained-about part | Body & Structure | Engine & Cooling |
| Share of complaints involving harm | 14.4% | 8.7% |
Lexus IS by year
What breaks
Body & Structure
148
18.3%
Airbags
114
14.1%
Other & Unspecified
114
14.1%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
95
11.8%
Engine & Cooling
78
9.7%
Electrical System
45
5.6%
Fuel & Propulsion
37
4.6%
Steering
34
4.2%
Volkswagen GTI by year
What breaks
Engine & Cooling
384
19.7%
Transmission & Drivetrain
317
16.3%
Electrical System
223
11.4%
Brakes
160
8.2%
Fuel & Propulsion
147
7.5%
Other & Unspecified
126
6.5%
Airbags
124
6.4%
Stability & Traction Control
81
4.2%