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Lexus IS Mk3 (XE30) (2013-present) reliability

At a glance

Lexus IS Mk3 (XE30) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Lexus IS Mk3 (XE30) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Lexus IS Mk3 (XE30) right now?

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

Key figure

9% of MOT tests on Lexus IS Mk3 (XE30) models 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 IS Mk3 (XE30) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Lexus IS Mk3 (XE30)
excellent reliability2013-presentSaloonHYBRID ELECTRIC / PETROL

Based on 15,891 tests of IS models registered 2013+.

About 1 in 75 IS Mk3 (XE30) MOTs (1.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,615 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 25 IS Mk3 (XE30) MOTs (3.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 1,615 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (XE30) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
2727.3%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
9018.8%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
1,4668.7%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,6159.0%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,88311.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,74712.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
3,12213.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
3,11414.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
77113.1%

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 11 years old.

How the IS Mk3 (XE30) compares

At each age below, see how the IS Mk3 (XE30) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 12,401 tests across 8 Lexus models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateLexus average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
2727.3%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
9018.8%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
1,4668.7%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,6159.0%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,88311.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,74712.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
3,12213.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
3,11414.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
77113.1%

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 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.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the IS Mk3 (XE30).

  1. 1

    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%

    More still registered at 10 years: 86%, against 79% for the Lexus IS Mk3 (XE30).

    1,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    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 IS Mk3 (XE30) on these figures.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,139 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 IS Mk3 (XE30) 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 IS Mk3 (XE30) 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.

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

2 of the 16 IS Mk3 (XE30) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 1 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.
  • 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.

What has gone wrong on IS Mk3 (XE30) cars built around 2018

The share of hybrid electric cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 101 cars.

Wear items

Tyres
23%
Brakes
8%
Lighting
3%
How IS Mk3 (XE30) cars have aged

How IS Mk3 (XE30) 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%357911Age at MOTBuilt around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 10.0% (472 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 9.1% (406 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 8.1% (369 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 10.0% (962 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (875 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 8.4% (763 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 10.2% (757 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 8.0% (1,122 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 8.6% (1,020 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 8.6% (949 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 8.7% (893 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 9.2% (891 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 9.3% (1,134 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.7% (1,103 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 9.9% (1,046 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 9.7% (990 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 9.6% (957 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (1,538 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 9.4% (1,387 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (1,366 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (1,353 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (1,292 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.8% (2,038 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 11.2% (1,915 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 10.8% (1,836 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 11.9% (1,788 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (1,730 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (2,316 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (2,268 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (2,184 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 14.9% (2,144 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (2,032 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (938 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 11.7% (844 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (842 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 13.0% (794 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (771 tests, 2025 data)2013
First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017
How each part holds up as Mk3 (XE30) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk3 (XE30) cars age

The share of hybrid electric cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car6 years7 years8 years
SuspensionNo figureNo figure3%
Brakes2%8%6%
Tyres19%23%25%
Lighting2%3%7%
Corrosion0%1%0%

Based on hybrid electric cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 101 to 126 cars at each age.

Mk3 (XE30) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Lexus ISes of this age

This list covers every Lexus IS built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (XE30) 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

    16.7%
    Advisory: 416Fail: 20 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    8.2%
    Advisory: 167Fail: 48 (22% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    5.8%
    Advisory: 137Fail: 2 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    4.7%
    Advisory: 68Fail: 32 (32% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, but not excessively

    3.0%
    Advisory: 58Fail: 1 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,615 tests

Looking at a Lexus IS Mk3 (XE30) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Lexus IS Mk3 (XE30) (2013-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,615 7-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 15,891 MOT tests on Lexus ISes first registered from 2013. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.