Lexus ISes built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Key figure
9% of MOT tests on Lexus ISes built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 10% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Lexus ISes built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Before you view it
The Lexus IS's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.
Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
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
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 IS's generation
Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.
9.0% fail rate, built around 2018 (7 years old)
Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)
15.6% fail rate, built around 2012 (13 years old)
Likely between 11.4% and 21.2%
Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 27.7%)
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 IS.
See every build year for the Lexus ISSide-by-side
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.
| Generation | Rating | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Mk3 (XE30) (2013-present) | Excellent | 9.0%built around 2018 (7 years old)from 1,615 MOT tests at this age |
| Mk2 (XE20) (2005-2012) | Excellent | 15.6%likely between 11.4% and 21.2%built around 2012 (13 years old)from 211 MOT tests at this age |
Each row is one generation of the IS, 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.
By age
This chart combines every Lexus IS ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.
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 18 years old.
Where it ranks
Three ways to compare the same cars, built around 2018 (7 years old). The fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests, and 1st has the lowest fail rate. Only models with at least 500 MOT tests at this age are ranked. How we count fail rates
Against other Lexus models
2nd of 4
2nd lowest fail rate of 4 Lexus models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.
In the middle thirdAgainst other saloons
3rd of 29
3rd lowest fail rate of 29 saloons with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.
In the lowest thirdAgainst the UK average
9.0%
The share of this model's MOT tests at this age that ended in a fail.
Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)All generations of this model
These issues come from 7-year-old Lexus ISes, every generation combined.
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
Brake disc worn, but not excessively
Based on 1,615 MOT tests on 7-year-old Lexus ISes, every generation combined.
All generations of this model
The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Lexus ISes notes problems with more than one part of the car.
Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.
Across 193 MOT tests on Lexus IS cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.
Still registered
How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.
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).
6 of the 16 Lexus IS recalls cover cars built in these years.
Top concerns
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
Like-for-like
Same body type, tested at the same age
More still registered at 10 years: 86%, against 79% for the Lexus IS.
1,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Same body type, tested at the same age
No clear edge over the Lexus IS on these figures.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,139 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Same body type, tested at the same age
No clear edge over the Lexus IS on these figures.
1,155 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Same body type, tested at the same age
No clear edge over the Lexus IS on these figures.
5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
2,348 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Common questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Lexus IS across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. It has the 2nd lowest fail rate of 4 Lexus models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 1,615 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.
