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Lexus ES reliability by build year

Coverage 2018-present1 named generationSaloonHYBRID ELECTRIC

We've only got 1,316 MOT tests for Lexus ESes built around 2021 (4 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Lexus ES built around 2021: about average at the MOT

Lexus ESes built around 2021 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Check a Lexus ES by number plate

Key figure

6% of MOT tests on Lexus ESes built around 2021 ended in a fail (retests included), against 7% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Lexus ESes built around 2021 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Lexus ES's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Visibility

Worth checking

Inspect the visibility carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your ES's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

ES Mk7 (XV70)

Mk7 (XV70) (2018-present)

Excellent
HYBRID ELECTRIC

7.4% fail rate, built around 2020 (5 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 8 MOTs, 12.8%)

From 1,026 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Lexus ES.

See every build year for the Lexus ES

By age

Lexus ES fail rate by age

This chart combines every Lexus ES ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
1,3105.8%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
1,3166.0%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
1,0267.4%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
5175.4%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 5 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 4-year-old Lexus ESes

These issues come from 4-year-old Lexus ESes, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    13.8%
    Advisory: 271Fail: 13 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.8%
    Advisory: 91Fail: 21 (19% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    3.1%
    Advisory: 39Fail: 10 (20% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Minor

    Wiper blade defective

    1.8%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Major

    Wiper does not clear the windscreen properly

    1.6%
    Advisory: 16Fail: 11 (41% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,316 MOT tests on 4-year-old Lexus ESes, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 4-year-old Lexus ESes notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelNot much data
  1. Tyres + Windscreen & wipers36%
  2. Other + Tyres27%
  3. Brakes + Tyres22%
  4. Registration plates + Tyres12%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 78 MOT tests on Lexus ES cars built around 2021 (4 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Lexus ES.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

5 recalls in all

All 5 Lexus ES recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 5 recalls

Top concerns

  • The emergency calling system may not be enabled
  • Fuel pump impeller can crack and cause fuel pump to become inoprative
  • Brake booster pump may stop working

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    Tesla Model 3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.1%
    Dangerous
    7.1%

    No clear edge over the Lexus ES on these figures.

    34,169 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

  2. 2

    Porsche Taycan

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.3%
    Dangerous
    4.5%

    No clear edge over the Lexus ES on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,120 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

  3. 3

    Audi A4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    85%

    No clear edge over the Lexus ES on these figures.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    9,101 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

  4. 4

    Audi A6

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    3.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.1%

    No clear edge over the Lexus ES on these figures.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,762 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2021 (4 years old), the Lexus ES across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,316 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Lexus ES ever sold: 4,169 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2021 (4 years old): 1,316 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.