Consumer Reports only include models with at least 100 respondents, i.e. models that don't sell in meaningful numbers don't get included.

 

Got it.

So 7 out of the 11 Lexus models were reported. Just a guess but maybe the CT, RC, GX and LX were omitted

 

GX being the most reliable model in its class decade long.

You sounds just like a noob, really disappointed me this time.

 

except the numbers are percentages not numbers of problems.

 

guess you missed ydooby's post:

The GX may be reliable but it does not sell in significant numbers

 

Well, it might be believable. I know a few owners who get the CR survey, they usually let their 9 year old children fill out the surveys. CR is a big joke, they still wait till all others have reviewed new cars on embargo day, and then a few weeks or months later they carefully create their review around what has already been published.

The problem with CR is that the data can be manipulated and massaged in a lot of ways.

 

If you think that CR's road-test people are simply a bunch of lackeys waiting to parrot or massage what other reviewers come up with, think again. Most of them are professionals, with degrees in automotive engineering.

 

The 2.0T may be used in both brands, but I think the Supercharged V6 and NA V8 are exclusive to Audi. Those are used in the S4, S5, S6, RS5, A8, etc. Also, I've read the nav system in VWs isn't that great. It is in Audis, so they must also be different.

 

NX more likely, I dont think they consider first year models.

 

it is not so hard to understand... 0% is average number of complaints for complete survey.

So if average is 100, and Prius c does 80% better then average, then it has 20 problems per 100 vehicles while for instance Tesla has 145 problems with 100 vehicles.

They count the problems and present them as % instead of actual numbers.

Results are normalized into % so it is easier to understand the difference between cars and brands.

 

Yes... but Audi doesnt score well in most of these surveys either, except for CR lately. Maybe they "normalize" results different, ie decide what is more important problem. I think VDS prioritizes more important issues vs something that falls under navigation usability.


In any case, drop of Porsche is also seen in JDP's VDS:

 

someone pulled this from CR site... not looking good for Tesla with different MY either... best MY had 70, far worse than anyone else. I can imagine that with new models coming, this can only go worse.

 

I think that it's interesting that Consumer Reports review is now being taken as solid evidence of Lexus' top dog standings when, a little more than a month ago, Club Lexus was calling them a "boring Consumer website" that "makes up lies to drive views". That was when they called the new Lexus NX one of the worst cars in 2015 after a glowing first drive review, remember?

In the interest of full disclosure, I do have one of the first Tesla Model S sedans as well as several Lexus models reaching back to my 1993 SC400. Since then, my family has owned and loved our HS, RX350, IS250, and GS350. My dad will only drive a Lexus and with good reason.

Let's not forget that no less than 3 months ago, Consumer Reports gave the Model S the highest ever score that it has ever given out. The only two explanations for such a now divergent point of view is either (1) you didn't know what you were talking about to start with, or (2) you are lying about one of the two estimations. Consumer Reports is heavily weighted towards reliability (is there even a "style" rating and, if so, does it even count?) and I have a hard time believing that a "poor reliability" car can score the highest score ever.

Although my sample size with the Model S is, of course, 1, I haven't had any reliability problems with it whatsoever. Granted, it has only been 2-3 years for the Model S, but I have not been to the service center for any issues besides the yearly check. There is only one fluid (windshield wiper) and brake wear is seriously nonexistent (at 99% after 2 years). My screen has never frozen on me or become dysfunctional to the point where a 10 second reset will not address the problem and even this has happened perhaps once every 6 months. If anything, the interface improves with time as the car updates its own software.

As for the rattles, shakes, and evidence of a poorly built car, I can't help but think back to when the Model S first came out and complaints were arising from a fair number of consumers about the fact that the road noise on the Model S was so harsh and loud. Turns out that the road noise was really no more than other cars, but that it was more evident due to the lack of engine noise. For me, after I drove it for a little while, even the perception of road noise was gone.

I can't deny that I wish that my Model S had more of the more "basic" technologies that are incorporated in other brands and models in its price class. They have since fixed a lot of these, but it makes me a little jealous when I drop mine off for its yearly check and the new models have an array of sensors and LTE connectivity that mine does not.

In a sense, Tesla is almost the antithesis of Toyota/Lexus in that Tesla is continuously pushing the envelope of technology, at times succeeding wildly and at other failing miserably. With Auto Pilot now out, they are pushing the limits of automobiles even farther and I'm a little scared of what will happen. As far as the Model X goes, I'm afraid that it is probably overly hyped and, for me, a little too "gadgety" with those crazy doors and other features.

Please keep in mind that I am not downplaying Lexus' awesomeness in reliability and cars. We love what we have and I am no exception. I'm just saying that I have never taken Consumer Reports that seriously when it comes to automotive reviews with my faith waning even more in the last few years. If I'm looking for a camera or a toaster, I might go to CR, but probably not even for that.

 

Strange ratings outcome. But if accurate, that's great for Audi. Always held that brand in high regard, but it was more related to their restrained, modern styling.
Acura is really the surprise here. With most models mimicking Honda models, I don't quite see how they could possibly be that low. Maybe it's the drivers not understanding modern technology? I haven't heard of any friends having problems with their Acuras.

 

Thanks for sharing this chart. I wonder why Lexus has only one model included, while Tesla has two, presumably with the super rare Tesla Roadster included. Also Audi doesn't fare so well in this chart either, while their CR reliability rating has been clearly above average for the past three years.