2009 Lexus IS: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Lexus ISs, from 153 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 153 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2009 Lexus IS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes28% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres23% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics22% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension20% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks4% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 554 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | 1,154 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 1,467 | Tyres 25% |
| 2017 | 1,555 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 1,952 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 2,772 | Tyres 28% |
| 2014 | 3,001 | Tyres 29% |
| 2013 | 1,607 | Tyres 30% |
| 2012 | 298 | Tyres 37% |
| 2011 | 135 | Tyres 21% |
| 2010 | 145 | Tyres 30% |
| 2008 | 222 | Tyres 29% |
| 2007 | 203 | Lights and electrics 33% |
| 2006 | 163 | Brakes 37% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Lexus ISs registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score