Lexus IS common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Lexus IS?

We haven’t found widely reported faults for the Lexus IS in the UK buying guides we use yet. That doesn’t mean it has none, so check the car carefully and look at the MOT weak spots below.

Common Lexus IS MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Rust around sub-frame mountings

  up to 4.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Anti-roll bar

  up to 4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2002 and 2003.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Suspension arm

  up to 2.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2000 and 2001.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Headlights

  up to 2.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1999 and 2000.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Shock absorbers

  up to 1.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2000 and 2001.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Lexus IS MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2009 Lexus IS did best (79% passed first time, 20 points above all 2009 cars) and the 2020 did worst (91%, 4 points above all 2020 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Lexus IS

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

1. Any recent work on the rust around sub-frame mountings? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the Lexus IS as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the Lexus IS as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the Lexus IS as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?