Lexus IS: what fails at MOT
23,000 MOT tests on the Lexus IS in 2024, counted. 13.1% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
12.6% of Lexus IS tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 23.4%, so the IS does better than most cars its age.
It fails most often on tyres (4.3% of tests), lights and electrics (2.9% of tests) and brakes (1.7% of tests).
By year of registration
Older cars fail more, whatever the model. So each year is shown beside the figure for all cars first used that year.
| First used | Tests | Failed first time | All cars that year | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 786 | 8.5% | 11.5% | 29,300 21,000 to 46,100 |
| 2019 | 1,552 | 9.3% | 13.4% | 42,700 29,000 to 64,200 |
| 2018 | 2,126 | 8.1% | 15.6% | 49,000 36,200 to 70,700 |
| 2017 | 2,328 | 11.3% | 18.2% | 53,600 38,200 to 76,800 |
| 2016 | 2,693 | 12.8% | 21.3% | 66,700 47,600 to 96,800 |
| 2015 | 3,833 | 12.3% | 24.4% | 76,200 53,600 to 106,000 |
| 2014 | 4,254 | 14.2% | 27.7% | 87,300 62,700 to 119,700 |
| 2013 | 2,614 | 14.1% | 30.6% | 88,700 66,300 to 116,100 |
| 2012 | 421 | 17.8% | 33.4% | 74,400 51,300 to 96,700 |
| 2008 | 381 | 19.4% | 41.5% | 103,200 87,100 to 128,500 |
| 2007 | 402 | 30.1% | 41.5% | 119,100 100,600 to 145,700 |
Green is at least three points better than other cars that year, red at least three points worse. Typical mileage is the middle reading at the test, with the range the middle half of cars fell in.
Where it fails
The share of Lexus IS tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | IS | Cars its age |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 4.3% | 4.2% |
| Lights and electrics Less than most | 2.9% | 5.6% |
| Brakes Less than most | 1.7% | 3.6% |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen Less than most | 1.6% | 2.6% |
| Suspension Less than most | 0.5% | 4.6% |
| Exhaust and emissions Less than most | 0.3% | 1.6% |
The parts that fail most
- Tyre2.9%
- Headlamp aim1.3%
- Tyre tread1.1%
- Wipers1.0%
- Headlamp1.0%
- Tyre pressure warning system0.6%
- Brake pads0.6%
- Washers0.6%
- Footbrake0.4%
- Side light0.3%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Tyre: has ply or cords exposed1.4%
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm1.0%
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.0%
- Tyre: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.9%
- Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.8%
- Tyre pressure warning system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.6%
- Headlamp aim: too high0.6%
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.5%
- Headlamp aim: too low0.5%
- Headlamp: not working on main beam0.4%
What testers warn about
Advisories are things that passed this time but are wearing. They are the best guide to next year's bills.
- Tyre tread: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge11.4%
- Tyre: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing3.7%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened3.6%
- Brake pads: wearing thin2.1%
- Brake discs: worn, but not excessively2.0%
- Tyre: has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9%
- Brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material1.0%
- Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt1.0%
What these figures can't tell you
An MOT is a safety and emissions test. These figures show how often the model fails that test. They say nothing about engines, gearboxes or electronics that break between tests, and how a car has been looked after matters more than its badge. The car you are looking at has its own MOT record, and that is the one to read.
Ask before you travel
- “How much tread is left on each tyre, and how old are they?”
- “Do all the lights work, including the number plate lights and brake lights?”
- “When were the brake pads and discs last changed?”
- “Do the wipers and washers work properly, and is the windscreen chipped or cracked?”
Check a Lexus IS's own MOT record
Looking at a IS? Type its registration to see every test that car has had, what it failed on and what it was warned about, free.
Where this comes from
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2024, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The counting is Hindsight's own.
First-attempt MOT tests of cars first used 2004 to 2021. A test counts as failed if it failed or only passed after a repair during the test. Retests are left out. Built on 13 November 2026.