Lexus ES Mk7 (XV70) (2018-present) reliability
Lexus ES Mk7 (XV70) built around 2020: about average at the MOT
Lexus ES Mk7 (XV70) models built around 2020 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at a Lexus ES Mk7 (XV70) right now?
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Key figure
7% of MOT tests on Lexus ES Mk7 (XV70) models built around 2020 ended in a fail (retests included), against 9% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Lexus ES Mk7 (XV70) models built around 2020 involves the tyres.
Based on 4,169 tests of ES models registered 2018+.
About 1 in 20 hybrid electric ES cars registered in 2022 (5.3%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 926 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 100 ES Mk7 (XV70) MOTs (0.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2020 (5 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 1,026 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 40 ES Mk7 (XV70) MOTs (2.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2020 (5 years old).
Based on 1,026 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk7 (XV70) fail rate by age
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.
How the ES Mk7 (XV70) compares
At each age below, see how the ES Mk7 (XV70) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 14,439 tests across 7 Lexus models, built around 2020 (5 years old).
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.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the ES Mk7 (XV70).
- 1
BMW 7 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.9%
- Dangerous
- 3.1%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 79.9%
No clear edge over the Lexus ES Mk7 (XV70) on these figures.
6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,242 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 2
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 8.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.6%
- Dangerous
- 3.6%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 74.5%
No clear edge over the Lexus ES Mk7 (XV70) on these figures.
5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,094 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 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.
Recall context
5 recalls in allAll 5 ES Mk7 (XV70) 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.
What has gone wrong on ES Mk7 (XV70) cars built around 2020
The share of hybrid electric cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 85 cars.
How ES Mk7 (XV70) cars have aged
How ES Mk7 (XV70) cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
Mk7 (XV70) variants compared
Most common issues on Lexus ESes of this age
This list covers every Lexus ES built around 2020, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk7 (XV70) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 115.9%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 27.5%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 33.8%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
- 42.5%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 52.4%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
Based on 1,026 tests
Looking at a Lexus ES Mk7 (XV70) right now?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2020 (5 years old), the Lexus ES Mk7 (XV70) (2018-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,026 5-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.