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Lexus IS Mk2 (XE20) (2005-2012) reliability

Not enough data

Lexus IS Mk2 (XE20) built around 2012: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Lexus IS Mk2 (XE20) models built around 2012 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at a Lexus IS Mk2 (XE20) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

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

2005-2012SaloonPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 1,597 tests of IS models registered 2005-2012.

Mk2 (XE20) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
18215.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
21115.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
14017.1%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
17119.9%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
23721.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
27322.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
21924.2%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
16423.8%

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.

How the IS Mk2 (XE20) compares

At each age below, see how the IS Mk2 (XE20) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 8,883 tests across 7 Lexus models, built around 2012 (13 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateLexus average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
18215.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
21115.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
14017.1%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
17119.9%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
23721.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
27322.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
21924.2%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
16423.8%

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 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.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension 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.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the IS Mk2 (XE20).

  1. 1

    Volkswagen Jetta

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.6%

    More still registered at 10 years: 85%, against 79% for the Lexus IS Mk2 (XE20).

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    1,638 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  2. 2

    Volvo S40

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.8%
    Dangerous
    10.4%

    No clear edge over the Lexus IS Mk2 (XE20) on these figures.

    2,055 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  3. 3

    Chevrolet Cruze

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    30%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.7%
    Dangerous
    6.7%

    No clear edge over the Lexus IS Mk2 (XE20) on these figures.

    1,752 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  4. 4

    SEAT Exeo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.2%
    Dangerous
    7.7%

    No clear edge over the Lexus IS Mk2 (XE20) on these figures.

    1,539 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

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.

How many are still registered

79%of all Lexus IS cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

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

16 recalls in all

4 of the 16 IS Mk2 (XE20) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 3 more

Top concerns

  • Risk of fire
  • Front wiper may become inoperative
  • Brake master cylinder may fail.

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

How IS Mk2 (XE20) cars have aged

How IS Mk2 (XE20) 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.

0%10%20%30%91113151719Age at MOTBuilt around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (176 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 10.7% (168 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (172 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (175 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (163 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 15.1% (86 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 16.1% (87 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 16.3% (86 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (94 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 16.1% (87 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (123 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 9.7% (72 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 11.0% (73 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (65 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (73 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.4% (143 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (127 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (127 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (78 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (72 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (220 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (214 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (195 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (182 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (150 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (288 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (240 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (203 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (177 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (99 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (274 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (229 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (196 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (131 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (109 tests, 2025 data)2006
First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009
All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common issues on Lexus ISes of this age

This list covers every Lexus IS built around 2012, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (XE20) on its own.

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

    20.9%
    Advisory: 69Fail: 4 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.4%
    Advisory: 29Fail: 5 (15% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    10.9%
    Advisory: 28Fail: 3 (10% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    6.6%
    Advisory: 14Fail: 3 (18% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    Windscreen damaged, but the driver can still see clearly

    6.2%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 211 tests

Looking at a Lexus IS Mk2 (XE20) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2012 (13 years old), the Lexus IS Mk2 (XE20) (2005-2012) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 211 13-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 1,597 MOT tests on Lexus ISes first registered between 2005-2012. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.