Lexus IS MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 40,017 MOT tests on the Lexus IS carried out in 2023. 23% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 IS models passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1999 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2013 models did best (86% passed, +17.3 points against the average for 10-year-old cars), while 1999 models fared worst (63%, +0.5 points). Tested cars had covered 93,978 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 9.8% of tests (slightly below the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 3.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 40,017
- First-time pass rate
- 77%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +5.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 93,978
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular IS?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
IS MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 595 | 89% | 88% | +0.9 points | 28,815 |
| 2019 | 1,236 | 89% | 86% | +2.6 points | 41,333 |
| 2018 | 1,460 | 90% | 84% | +5.9 points | 48,002 |
| 2017 | 1,579 | 89% | 82% | +7.7 points | 55,050 |
| 2016 | 2,049 | 88% | 79% | +9.4 points | 69,025 |
| 2015 | 2,853 | 88% | 75% | +12.6 points | 79,314 |
| 2014 | 3,206 | 86% | 72% | +14.7 points | 90,087 |
| 2013 | 1,681 | 86% | 68% | +17.3 points | 88,663 |
| 2012 | 898 | 82% | 66% | +16.3 points | 73,622 |
| 2011 | 1,517 | 78% | 63% | +15.4 points | 87,106 |
| 2010 | 2,370 | 77% | 60% | +16.2 points | 95,076 |
| 2009 | 2,642 | 74% | 59% | +15.2 points | 103,188 |
| 2008 | 3,037 | 72% | 57% | +15.1 points | 109,543 |
| 2007 | 3,946 | 71% | 57% | +13.6 points | 115,602 |
| 2006 | 3,201 | 69% | 56% | +12.9 points | 117,289 |
| 2005 | 1,718 | 66% | 56% | +10.2 points | 109,528 |
| 2004 | 1,621 | 65% | 56% | +9.1 points | 105,552 |
| 2003 | 1,462 | 66% | 57% | +9.0 points | 110,733 |
| 2002 | 1,238 | 64% | 58% | +6.2 points | 115,768 |
| 2001 | 891 | 64% | 59% | +4.9 points | 117,966 |
| 2000 | 484 | 66% | 61% | +5.8 points | 121,310 |
| 1999 | 324 | 63% | 62% | +0.5 points | 125,177 |
Why the Lexus IS fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | IS | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 9.8% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 6.9% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 6.2% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 3.8% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 3.6% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.4% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 1.7% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.7% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.5% | 0.4% |
| Steering | 0.4% | 1.8% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working3.8%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively1.9%
- 4projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.9%
- 5less than 1.5 mm thick1.8%
- 6has ply or cords exposed1.8%
- 7not working on dipped beam1.5%
- 8has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
- 9too low1.2%
- 10inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.1%
Common IS MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used IS, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 15.8% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 7.7% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.9% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.1% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 4.4% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 3.8% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 3.5% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 3.3% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.2% |
| has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced | Lights and electrics | 2.9% |
Tips to help your IS pass
Based on where IS models most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 9.8% of IS tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 6.2% of IS tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the IS ULEZ compliant? See the Lexus IS ULEZ check, or view all Lexus models.
Other Lexus models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 40,017 first MOT tests of the Lexus IS carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 40,017 first MOT tests of the Lexus IS.
What is the Lexus IS MOT failure rate?
In our data, 23% of 40,017 first MOT attempts on the Lexus IS ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Lexus IS fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (9.8% of tests), tyres (6.9% of tests), brakes (6.2% of tests).
Which IS year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2013 cars performed best: 86% passed first time, +17.3 points against the average for 10-year-old cars. The weakest was 1999, at 63% (+0.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Lexus IS covered at its MOT?
The average was 93,978 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 28,815 miles and 1999 cars 125,177.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Lexus IS?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 15.8% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.9% of IS models failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific IS's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 40,017 IS models in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 63% to 90% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any IS's MOT history
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