FaultScore

Lexus LS430 vs Mercedes Benz E Class

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 LS430 Mercedes Benz E Class
Complaints on file 169 412
Model years covered 2001–2005 1993–2008
Worst model year 2001 2003
Best model year 2004 1996
Crashes reported 43 14
Fires reported 4 12
Injuries reported 50 8
Deaths reported 1 0
Most complained-about part Body & Structure Electrical System
Share of complaints involving harm 58% 8.3%

Lexus LS430 by year

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks

Body & Structure 36 21.3%
Doors, Latches & Locks 16 9.5%
Brakes 14 8.3%
Airbags 12 7.1%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 7 4.1%
Steering 6 3.6%
Equipment & Accessories 6 3.6%

Mercedes Benz E Class by year

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks

Suspension 57 13.8%
Brakes 34 8.3%
Transmission & Drivetrain 20 4.9%
Body & Structure 18 4.4%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 17 4.1%