Lexus RX MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 36,849 MOT tests on the Lexus RX carried out in 2023. 19% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 RX models passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2001 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2013 models did best (87% passed, +18.7 points against the average for 10-year-old cars), while 2001 models fared worst (59%, −0.1 points). Tested cars had covered 91,315 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 7.3% of tests (slightly below the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 4.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 36,849
- First-time pass rate
- 81%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +9.5 points
- Average mileage at test
- 91,315
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular RX?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
RX 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 57 | 96% | 91% | +5.6 points | 24,705 |
| 2020 | 1,836 | 96% | 88% | +8.3 points | 23,488 |
| 2019 | 2,326 | 94% | 86% | +8.2 points | 31,114 |
| 2018 | 1,854 | 95% | 84% | +10.9 points | 38,988 |
| 2017 | 1,946 | 94% | 82% | +12.3 points | 47,872 |
| 2016 | 2,271 | 92% | 79% | +13.4 points | 56,195 |
| 2015 | 1,305 | 88% | 75% | +12.8 points | 64,668 |
| 2014 | 1,653 | 88% | 72% | +16.2 points | 73,876 |
| 2013 | 1,840 | 87% | 68% | +18.7 points | 83,002 |
| 2012 | 1,753 | 83% | 66% | +17.8 points | 91,229 |
| 2011 | 1,804 | 78% | 63% | +15.3 points | 102,095 |
| 2010 | 2,538 | 75% | 60% | +14.9 points | 110,545 |
| 2009 | 2,453 | 77% | 59% | +17.8 points | 116,449 |
| 2008 | 2,616 | 73% | 57% | +15.8 points | 124,316 |
| 2007 | 3,125 | 71% | 57% | +14.0 points | 131,219 |
| 2006 | 2,640 | 71% | 56% | +14.6 points | 131,363 |
| 2005 | 2,267 | 67% | 56% | +11.1 points | 129,894 |
| 2004 | 1,446 | 69% | 56% | +13.4 points | 119,489 |
| 2003 | 660 | 68% | 57% | +11.5 points | 121,007 |
| 2002 | 241 | 61% | 58% | +3.1 points | 124,544 |
| 2001 | 176 | 59% | 59% | −0.1 points | 125,381 |
Why the Lexus RX fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | RX | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 7.3% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 5.4% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 5.1% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 4.2% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 2.7% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.4% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 1.3% | 3.5% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.5% | 0.4% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.3% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working4.0%
- 2ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.7%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
- 5less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
- 6efficiency below requirements1.4%
- 7has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
- 8pin or bush excessively worn1.0%
- 9inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.0%
- 10has ply or cords exposed0.9%
Common RX MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used RX, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 15.9% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.5% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 4.1% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 3.4% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.2% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 2.9% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.7% |
Tips to help your RX pass
Based on where RX models most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 7.3% of RX 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 · 5.1% of RX 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 RX ULEZ compliant? See the Lexus RX ULEZ check, or view all Lexus models.
Other Lexus models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 36,849 first MOT tests of the Lexus RX 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 36,849 first MOT tests of the Lexus RX.
What is the Lexus RX MOT failure rate?
In our data, 19% of 36,849 first MOT attempts on the Lexus RX ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Lexus RX fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (7.3% of tests), suspension (5.4% of tests), brakes (5.1% of tests).
Which RX year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2013 cars performed best: 87% passed first time, +18.7 points against the average for 10-year-old cars. The weakest was 2001, at 59% (−0.1 points).
How many miles had a typical Lexus RX covered at its MOT?
The average was 91,315 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 24,705 miles and 2001 cars 125,381.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Lexus RX?
"pin or bush excessively worn" was recorded on 15.9% of tests, in the suspension area. 5.4% of RX models failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific RX's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 36,849 RX models in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 59% to 96% 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 · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.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
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