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Lexus RX Mk4 (AL20) (2016-2022) reliability

At a glance

Lexus RX Mk4 (AL20) built around 2018: fails its MOT less often than average

Lexus RX Mk4 (AL20) models built around 2018 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Lexus RX Mk4 (AL20) right now?

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

Key figure

8% of MOT tests on Lexus RX Mk4 (AL20) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Lexus RX Mk4 (AL20) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Lexus RX Mk4 (AL20)
excellent reliability2016-2022SUVHYBRID ELECTRIC

Based on 13,303 tests of RX models registered 2016-2022.

About 1 in 20 hybrid electric RX cars registered in 2022 (4.5%) failed their first MOT.

Based on 2,102 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).

About 1 in 75 RX Mk4 (AL20) MOTs (1.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,815 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 RX Mk4 (AL20) MOTs (2.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 1,815 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk4 (AL20) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
2,3864.3%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
1,7845.1%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
1,7904.9%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,1945.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,8157.6%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,9937.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,3418.3%

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 9 years old.

How the RX Mk4 (AL20) compares

At each age below, see how the RX Mk4 (AL20) 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
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
2,3864.3%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
1,7845.1%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
1,7904.9%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,1945.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,8157.6%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,9937.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,3418.3%

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.

Brake pads

High priority

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

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

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 SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the RX Mk4 (AL20).

  1. 1

    Mitsubishi Eclipse

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.4%

    No clear edge over the Lexus RX Mk4 (AL20) on these figures.

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

    3,969 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Volkswagen T-Roc

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 0.9%, against 1.3% for the Lexus RX Mk4 (AL20).

    9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Skoda Karoq

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4.3%

    No clear edge over the Lexus RX Mk4 (AL20) on these figures.

    8,610 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Audi Q2

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    4.3%

    No clear edge over the Lexus RX Mk4 (AL20) on these figures.

    15,997 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.

Recall context

14 recalls in all

2 of the 14 RX Mk4 (AL20) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 recalls

Top concerns

  • Fuel pump impeller can crack and cause fuel pump to become inoprative
  • Parking assist ECU reprogram on multiple models

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

What has gone wrong on RX Mk4 (AL20) cars built around 2018

The share of hybrid electric cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 159 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
1%
Emissions
1%

Wear items

Tyres
16%
Brakes
5%
Lighting
1%
How RX Mk4 (AL20) cars have aged

How RX Mk4 (AL20) 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.

0%3456789Age at MOTBuilt around 2021, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 4.5% (1,256 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2021, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 5.3% (1,087 tests, 2025 data)2021Built around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 4.3% (1,325 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 5.2% (1,115 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 5.4% (997 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 5.2% (1,981 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 5.4% (1,673 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 6.1% (1,520 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 5.8% (1,438 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 3.8% (1,536 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 5.6% (1,345 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 4.5% (1,166 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 6.0% (1,109 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 7.1% (1,041 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 6.1% (1,472 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 6.0% (1,378 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 5.9% (1,281 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 8.0% (1,230 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 7.9% (1,159 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 7.0% (1,654 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 7.4% (1,559 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 7.7% (1,485 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 6.9% (1,373 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 8.4% (1,341 tests, 2025 data)2016
First registered around 2021First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018
How each part holds up as Mk4 (AL20) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk4 (AL20) 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 car5 years6 years7 years8 years
SuspensionNo figure1%1%1%
Brakes1%2%5%5%
EmissionsNo figureNo figure1%1%
Tyres9%8%16%12%
LightingNo figure2%1%2%
DrivetrainNo figureNo figureNo figure1%
Corrosion0%1%0%0%

Based on hybrid electric cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 141 to 196 cars at each age.

Mk4 (AL20) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Lexus RXes of this age

This list covers every Lexus RX built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 (AL20) 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

    15.9%
    Advisory: 474Fail: 20 (4% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    9.3%
    Advisory: 321Fail: 6 (2% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    8.8%
    Advisory: 217Fail: 29 (12% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    6.3%
    Advisory: 129Fail: 15 (10% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    6.1%
    Advisory: 168Fail: 4 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,815 tests

Looking at a Lexus RX Mk4 (AL20) 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 RX Mk4 (AL20) (2016-2022) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,815 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 13,303 MOT tests on Lexus RXes first registered between 2016-2022. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.