FaultScore

Mercedes Benz SLK vs Lexus GX470

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 SLK Lexus GX470
Complaints on file 96 239
Model years covered 1998–2009 2003–2009
Worst model year 2002 2003
Best model year 2003 2006
Crashes reported 2 33
Fires reported 0 1
Injuries reported 3 14
Deaths reported 0 0
Most complained-about part Windows, Mirrors & Wipers Body & Structure
Share of complaints involving harm 5.2% 20.1%

Mercedes Benz SLK by year

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

What breaks

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 18 18.8%
Electrical System 13 13.5%
Lights 12 12.5%
Transmission & Drivetrain 9 9.4%
Engine & Cooling 7 7.3%
Brakes 7 7.3%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 7 7.3%
Stability & Traction Control 7 7.3%

Lexus GX470 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 37 15.5%
Airbags 36 15.1%
Transmission & Drivetrain 24 10.0%
Brakes 23 9.6%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 21 8.8%
Other & Unspecified 19 7.9%
Suspension 15 6.3%
Engine & Cooling 14 5.9%