2010 Lexus IS: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 Lexus ISs, from 145 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 145 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 2010 Lexus IS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres30% 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.
- Brakes30% 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.
- Suspension21% 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.
- Lights and electrics20% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions8% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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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% |
| 2009 | 153 | Brakes 28% |
| 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 2010 Lexus ISs registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score