Lexus RX300 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 RX300 | Volkswagen GTI |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints on file | 849 | 1,949 |
| Model years covered | 1998–2003 | 1985–2024 |
| Worst model year | 1999 | 2002 |
| Best model year | 2003 | 1999 |
| Crashes reported | 89 | 63 |
| Fires reported | 16 | 23 |
| Injuries reported | 51 | 76 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 7 |
| Most complained-about part | Transmission & Drivetrain | Engine & Cooling |
| Share of complaints involving harm | 18.4% | 8.7% |
Lexus RX300 by year
What breaks
Transmission & Drivetrain
441
51.9%
Engine & Cooling
92
10.8%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
66
7.8%
Airbags
37
4.4%
Brakes
36
4.2%
Electrical System
28
3.3%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
17
2.0%
Seat Belts
16
1.9%
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%