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Lexus GS reliability by build year

Coverage 2005-20202 named generationsSaloonPETROL / HYBRID ELECTRIC

We've only got 334 MOT tests for Lexus GSes built around 2018 (7 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

Not enough data

Lexus GS built around 2018: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Lexus GSes built around 2018 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

What to check before viewing

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

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask 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 checking

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

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.

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 GS's generation

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

Lexus GS generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
Mk4 (L10) (2012-2020)
Excellent
Excellent7.5%likely between 5.1% and 10.8%built around 2018 (7 years old)from 334 MOT tests at this age
Mk3 (S190) (2005-2011)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate16.9%likely between 9.7% and 27.8%built around 2011 (14 years old)from 65 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the GS, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

Lexus GS fail rate by age

This chart combines every Lexus GS 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
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
10011.0%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
3347.5%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
4666.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
5248.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
4729.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
58411.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
64910.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
21214.1%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
6516.9%

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 14 years old.

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old Lexus GSes

These issues come from 7-year-old Lexus GSes, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot enough 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

    14.7%
    Advisory: 73Fail: 3 (4% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    9.3%
    Advisory: 43Fail: 8 (16% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    5.7%
    Advisory: 16Fail: 8 (33% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    3.6%
    Advisory: 14Fail: 1 (7% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    Windscreen damaged, but the driver can still see clearly

    3.0%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 334 MOT tests on 7-year-old Lexus GSes, every generation combined.

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

84%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

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.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

24 recalls in all

7 of the 24 Lexus GS recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 5 more

Top concerns

  • Fuel tank vent tube assembly could develop a crack which could lead to a fuel leak and a risk of a vehicle fire.
  • Risk of fire
  • Fuel pump impeller can crack and cause fuel pump to become inoprative

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

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    BMW M3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.2%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    No clear edge over the Lexus GS on these figures.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,139 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Porsche Panamera

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4%
    Dangerous
    5.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    86.2%

    No clear edge over the Lexus GS on these figures.

    1,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Mercedes-Benz CLS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.5%
    Dangerous
    6.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    83.3%

    No clear edge over the Lexus GS on these figures.

    1,155 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Mercedes-Benz S-Class

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.8%
    Dangerous
    3.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    74.5%

    No clear edge over the Lexus GS on these figures.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,348 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

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.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Lexus GS across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 334 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Lexus GS ever sold: 3,406 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 334 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.