Used car guide

2018 Lexus IS: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Lexus IS first registered in 2018: we looked at the 4,325 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

4,325MOTs of 2018 cars, done in 2023–2025
91%pass first time (all 2018 cars: 83%)
8,400typical miles a year
24%had tyres flagged

Common 2018 Lexus IS MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Lexus IS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    24% 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.

  • Brakes
    8% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Lights and electrics
    2% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    1% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

  • Suspension
    1% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Lexus IS

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Lexus IS?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Lexus IS compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2021105Tyres 29%
20201,695Tyres 26%
20193,495Tyres 28%
20174,642Tyres 25%
20165,908Tyres 27%
20158,363Tyres 27%
20149,217Tyres 27%
20134,882Tyres 29%
2012904Tyres 31%
2011405Tyres 25%
2010437Tyres 35%
2009506Brakes 29%
2008723Tyres 30%
2007739Tyres 34%
2006627Brakes 37%
2005173Tyres 29%
20043,893Suspension 37%
20033,294Suspension 39%
20022,662Suspension 39%
20012,096Suspension 44%
20001,189Suspension 44%
1999767Suspension 41%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Lexus IS cars first registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score