FaultScore

Mercedes Benz R500 vs Volkswagen FOX

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 Mercedes Benz R500 Volkswagen FOX
Complaints on file 42 105
Model years covered 2006–2008 1987–1993
Worst model year
Best model year
Crashes reported 2 2
Fires reported 7 3
Injuries reported 4 1
Deaths reported 0 0
Most complained-about part Transmission & Drivetrain Engine & Cooling
Share of complaints involving harm 31% 5.7%

Mercedes Benz R500 by year

06 07 08
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks

Transmission & Drivetrain 6 14.3%
Steering 6 14.3%
Suspension 6 14.3%
Electrical System 5 11.9%
Seats 4 9.5%
Brakes 3 7.1%
Airbags 2 4.8%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 2 4.8%

Volkswagen FOX by year

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

What breaks

Engine & Cooling 29 27.6%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 22 21.0%
Transmission & Drivetrain 9 8.6%
Electrical System 9 8.6%
Fuel & Propulsion 9 8.6%
Seat Belts 7 6.7%
Body & Structure 6 5.7%
Doors, Latches & Locks 4 3.8%