Lexus earned the honor as the highest-ranking nameplate in the automotive industry in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) with 73 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).

Lexus has ranked highest in the IQS study in 14 of the last 23 years, beginning with the brand’s first model year in 1990.

Lexus LS Places First for the Fifth Straight Year

Lexus also captured three segment awards in this year’s study, more than any other premium brand. These awards include:

• The ES 350 for Entry Premium car
• The RX for Midsize Premium Crossover SUV; and
• The LS for Large Premium Car

The ES 350 ranks highest in its segment for a second consecutive year while the LS earned the distinction of highest-performing model in its segment with just 50 problems per 100.

This is the fifth year in a row that the LS had placed first in its segment and the 12th time in 15 years that the LS has been at the top of its segment.

Production Facilities Earn Top Honors

In addition, two Lexus production facilities also took home Plant Assembly Line Quality Awards:

• The Cambridge South, Ontario, Canada plant (RX line) was honored with the Gold Plant Assembly Line Quality Award
• The Kyushu 2, Japan plant (IS line, ES 350, RX line) earned a Silver Plant Assembly Line Quality Award.

Lexus Segment Honors Chart

• Lexus LS (Large Premium Car) - 50 problems per 100 vehicles
• Lexus ES 350 (Entry Premium Car) - 69 problems per 100 vehicles
• Lexus RX (Mid-size Premium Crossover SUV) - 67 problems per 100 vehicles

The 2012 U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 74,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2012 model-year cars, trucks and multi-activity vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate identification of problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2012.