Most Reliable Lexus Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 157,583 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Lexus models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
157,583 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Lexus model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Lexus UX
94.3% pass rate
Best Single Year
RX 450H LUXURY CVT 2013 Hybrid Electric
87.5% pass rate
Lexus vs National Average
83.3% vs 71.5%
+11.8% above average
Proven Durability Champion
RX400H 2009
+20.5% at 13+ years
Lexus has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 157,583 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Lexus models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Lexus model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Lexus Compares to Rivals
Lexus ranks #18 out of 75 manufacturers with a 83.3% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus | 83.3% | #18 | 157,583 |
| Infiniti | 82.2% | #20 | 10,232 |
| Bmw | 78.5% | #22 | 1,808,787 |
| Jaguar | 78.2% | #23 | 336,140 |
| Audi | 77.9% | #25 | 1,663,207 |
| Mercedes-Benz | 76.9% | #27 | 1,662,304 |
| Volvo | 73.2% | #35 | 556,785 |
The verdict: Lexus leads its competitors with a 83.3% pass rate. However, newer Lexus models significantly outperform this average.
Best Lexus Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Lexus's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UX | 94.3% | +22.8% | 7,580 | 2019-2021 |
| ES | 93.5% | +22.0% | 2,159 | 2019-2021 |
| RX | 92.0% | +20.4% | 15,280 | 2012-2020 |
| NX | 91.1% | +19.6% | 24,707 | 2014-2021 |
| GS | 89.5% | +18.0% | 3,008 | 2012-2018 |
| RC | 88.2% | +16.7% | 2,211 | 2015-2020 |
| IS | 87.8% | +16.3% | 14,324 | 2012-2020 |
| CT | 85.2% | +13.7% | 30,544 | 2011-2020 |
| LS430 | 78.8% | +7.2% | 1,026 | 2001-2005 |
| RX450H | 76.7% | +5.2% | 6,852 | 2006-2012 |
Top performer
The UX dramatically outperforms other Lexuss with an 94.3% pass rate, putting it among the most reliable cars in the database.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Lexus Models Age Best?
These Lexus models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX400H | 2009 | Hybrid Electric | +20.5% | 13+ years | 77.8% |
| RX450H | 2010 | Hybrid Electric | +19.6% | 13+ years | 76.9% |
| IS250 | 2010 | Petrol | +19.2% | 13+ years | 76.5% |
| IS250 | 2009 | Petrol | +19.1% | 13+ years | 76.4% |
| IS250 | 2011 | Petrol | +18.6% | 11-12 years | 81.4% |
| RX450H | 2009 | Hybrid Electric | +18.2% | 13+ years | 75.5% |
| CT | 2011 | Petrol | +18.1% | 11-12 years | 80.9% |
| IS250 | 2008 | Petrol | +17.2% | 13+ years | 74.5% |
| CT | 2012 | Hybrid Electric | +16.9% | 11-12 years | 79.7% |
| RX450H | 2012 | Hybrid Electric | +16.9% | 11-12 years | 79.7% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Proven durability champion
The RX400H 2009 outperforms the average 13+ years-old car by 20 percentage points, with 1,066 MOT tests proving its reliability.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Lexus models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - these vehicles have not been tested at older ages. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX | 2017 | Hybrid Electric | +12.7% | 5-6 years | 93.9% |
| RX | 2016 | Hybrid Electric | +11.3% | 5-6 years | 92.5% |
| NX | 2018 | Hybrid Electric | +9.3% | 5-6 years | 90.5% |
| RX | 2018 | Hybrid Electric | +8.9% | 3-4 years | 94.7% |
| NX | 2017 | Hybrid Electric | +8.7% | 5-6 years | 89.9% |
| RX | 2019 | Hybrid Electric | +8.6% | 3-4 years | 94.4% |
| CT | 2016 | Hybrid Electric | +8.3% | 5-6 years | 89.5% |
| IS | 2017 | Hybrid Electric | +8.1% | 5-6 years | 89.3% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Lexus CT: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The CT has 30,544 tests in our database with an overall 85.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 94.2% | +6.5% | 1,286 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 90.9% | +4.7% | 1,938 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 89.8% | +5.5% | 2,732 |
| 2017 | Hybrid Electric | 88.7% | +7.0% | 2,979 |
| 2016 | Hybrid Electric | 88.9% | +10.2% | 2,979 |
| 2015 | Hybrid Electric | 86.0% | +10.5% | 3,507 |
| 2014 | Hybrid Electric | 85.9% | +14.2% | 3,797 |
| 2013 | Hybrid Electric | 80.3% | +12.0% | 3,637 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 81.1% | +15.5% | 413 |
| 2012 | Electric | 79.8% | +14.2% | 322 |
| 2012 | Hybrid Electric | 79.8% | +14.2% | 2,687 |
| 2012 | Other | 79.6% | +14.0% | 618 |
CT verdict: The 2020 hybrid electric model achieves an excellent 94.2% pass rate.
Lexus NX: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The NX has 24,707 tests in our database with an overall 91.1% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Hybrid Electric | 95.0% | +4.2% | 121 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 94.2% | +6.5% | 4,255 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 93.5% | +7.3% | 4,584 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 91.5% | +7.2% | 4,461 |
| 2017 | Hybrid Electric | 89.9% | +8.2% | 3,759 |
| 2016 | Hybrid Electric | 88.2% | +9.6% | 3,643 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 88.8% | +13.3% | 107 |
| 2015 | Hybrid Electric | 88.5% | +13.1% | 2,967 |
| 2014 | Hybrid Electric | 87.3% | +15.6% | 810 |
NX verdict: The 2021 hybrid electric model achieves an excellent 95.0% pass rate.
Lexus RX: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The RX has 15,280 tests in our database with an overall 92.0% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 96.0% | +8.3% | 1,826 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 94.4% | +8.2% | 2,317 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 95.2% | +10.9% | 1,842 |
| 2017 | Hybrid Electric | 93.9% | +12.2% | 1,928 |
| 2016 | Hybrid Electric | 92.2% | +13.5% | 2,193 |
| 2015 | Hybrid Electric | 88.3% | +12.8% | 1,271 |
| 2014 | Hybrid Electric | 88.0% | +16.3% | 1,597 |
| 2013 | Hybrid Electric | 86.9% | +18.6% | 1,767 |
| 2012 | Hybrid Electric | 85.9% | +20.3% | 539 |
RX verdict: The 2020 hybrid electric model achieves an excellent 96.0% pass rate.
Lexus IS: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The IS has 14,324 tests in our database with an overall 87.8% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 88.7% | +1.0% | 591 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 89.0% | +2.8% | 1,229 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 90.1% | +5.8% | 1,453 |
| 2017 | Hybrid Electric | 89.3% | +7.6% | 1,521 |
| 2016 | Hybrid Electric | 88.2% | +9.6% | 1,939 |
| 2015 | Hybrid Electric | 88.1% | +12.6% | 2,697 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 87.2% | +11.7% | 117 |
| 2014 | Hybrid Electric | 86.8% | +15.1% | 2,879 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 86.0% | +14.3% | 214 |
| 2013 | Hybrid Electric | 85.0% | +16.7% | 1,446 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 80.2% | +14.6% | 238 |
IS verdict:
Lexus Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Lexus's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric | 87.3% | +15.8% | 111,626 |
| Other | 79.2% | +7.7% | 1,323 |
| Electric | 78.0% | +6.5% | 873 |
| Petrol | 72.2% | +0.6% | 29,430 |
| Diesel | 69.3% | -2.2% | 5,803 |
The hybrid advantage: Lexus hybrids pass MOTs 15% more often than petrols and 18% more often than diesels.
Lexus Models to Avoid
Not all Lexuss are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS | 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 88.7% | 591 |
| IS | 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 89.0% (+2.6% vs same-age) | 1,229 |
| CT | 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 90.9% (+4.4% vs same-age) | 1,938 |
| IS200 | 2001 | Petrol | 63.4% (+3.5% vs same-age) | 806 |
| ES | 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 92.9% | 1,080 |
| CT | 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 89.8% (+4.7% vs same-age) | 2,732 |
| IS | 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 90.1% (+5.0% vs same-age) | 1,453 |
| IS200 | 2002 | Petrol | 63.5% (+3.7% vs same-age) | 1,004 |
| CT | 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 94.2% | 1,286 |
| NX | 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 94.2% (+5.7% vs same-age) | 4,255 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2018-2020 hybrid electric ISs, 2018-2020 hybrid electric CTs, 2001-2002 petrol IS200s are the models that drag down Lexus's average. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Lexuss?
When Lexuss fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 9,065 |
| 2. Tyres | 7,333 |
| 3. Brakes | 5,685 |
| 4. Visibility | 4,427 |
| 5. Suspension | 4,139 |
| 6. Noise, emissions and leaks | 1,841 |
| 7. Body, chassis, structure | 1,466 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Lexus owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- Limited data for recent models
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- RX400H 2008-2009: +18% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- RX450H 2009-2012: +18% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- IS250 2007-2011: +18% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- CT 2011-2012: +17% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Lexus Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- No major proven reliability concerns
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 157,583 tests on Lexus vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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