Lexus reliability and common MOT problems by model
Lexus shows a 10.9% combined MOT failure rate across 165,828 tests in MOTIntel data. Ux has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 3.3%. Is200 deserves extra checking at 22.1%.
Statistics are built from DVSA MOT tests carried out in calendar year 2023, plus official recall records and MOT fault wording data. Report index generated 2026-05-09.
Lexus combined failure rate: 10.9% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #7 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest). Raw rates reflect each make's fleet age mix — newer fleets naturally fail less.
Ux (3.3%), Rx (4.8%), Nx (5.3%), Is (8.1%), Ct (8.9%)
Is200 (22.1%), Rx300 (21.6%), Is220 (19.6%), Rx400h (17.5%), Is250 (16.7%)
Most reliable Lexus models in MOT data
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexus Ux | 3.3% | 7,858 tests | 7,212 vehicles |
| 2 | Lexus Rx | 4.8% | 14,080 tests | 12,985 vehicles |
| 3 | Lexus Nx | 5.3% | 26,192 tests | 23,618 vehicles |
| 4 | Lexus Is | 8.1% | 14,376 tests | 12,174 vehicles |
| 5 | Lexus Ct | 8.9% | 33,456 tests | 29,101 vehicles |
Lexus models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexus Is200 | 22.1% | 8,395 tests | 6,585 vehicles |
| 2 | Lexus Rx300 | 21.6% | 5,000 tests | 3,930 vehicles |
| 3 | Lexus Is220 | 19.6% | 6,819 tests | 5,380 vehicles |
| 4 | Lexus Rx400h | 17.5% | 9,205 tests | 7,484 vehicles |
| 5 | Lexus Is250 | 16.7% | 11,785 tests | 9,654 vehicles |
Common Lexus MOT problem areas
| # | Problem area | MOT notes | Models affected | What to check | High-rate examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corrosion and structure | 18,766 MOT notes | 11 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | Lexus Is200, Lexus Rx300, Lexus Is220 |
| 2 | Lights and electrical | 11,235 MOT notes | 11 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | Lexus Is200, Lexus Rx300, Lexus Is220 |
| 3 | Suspension and steering | 8,421 MOT notes | 11 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | Lexus Rx400h, Lexus Rx300, Lexus Is200 |
| 4 | Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors | 8,413 MOT notes | 11 models | Check the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, chips, cracks, and whether the driver's view is clear. | Lexus Is200, Lexus Is220, Lexus Rx300 |
| 5 | Emissions, engine, and exhaust | 6,158 MOT notes | 10 models | Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. | Lexus Rx300, Lexus Is200, Lexus Rx400h |
| 6 | Tyres and wheels | 2,551 MOT notes | 11 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | Lexus Rx400h, Lexus Rx450h, Lexus Nx |
All Lexus model reports
| Model | MOT tests | Vehicles | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ct | 33,456 | 29,101 | 8.9% |
| Nx | 26,192 | 23,618 | 5.3% |
| Is | 14,376 | 12,174 | 8.1% |
| Rx | 14,080 | 12,985 | 4.8% |
| Is250 | 11,785 | 9,654 | 16.7% |
| Rx400h | 9,205 | 7,484 | 17.5% |
| Is200 | 8,395 | 6,585 | 22.1% |
| Rx450h | 8,185 | 6,799 | 14.8% |
| Ux | 7,858 | 7,212 | 3.3% |
| Is220 | 6,819 | 5,380 | 19.6% |
| Rx300 | 5,000 | 3,930 | 21.6% |
| Gs limited data | 3,797 | 3,317 | 7.6% |
| Gs300 limited data | 3,481 | 2,820 | 19.0% |
| Rc limited data | 2,534 | 2,227 | 8.7% |
| Es limited data | 2,313 | 2,011 | 4.6% |
| Sc430 limited data | 2,130 | 1,753 | 17.3% |
| Gs450h limited data | 1,558 | 1,286 | 15.5% |
| Ls430 limited data | 1,322 | 1,126 | 14.4% |
| Ls400 limited data | 1,188 | 967 | 18.4% |
| Rx 450h Luxury Cvt limited data | 1,120 | 1,006 | 8.8% |
| Rx350 limited data | 1,034 | 817 | 19.8% |
Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.