Lexus RX common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Lexus RX?

We haven’t found widely reported faults for the Lexus RX 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 RX 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints

  up to 2.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

  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.

• Sub-frame

  up to 2.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

  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.

• Corroded fuel pipes

  up to 6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Brake pads

  up to 2× usual

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

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Mirrors

  up to 4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2003 and 2004.

  Rough price £30–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both door mirrors adjust and the glass isn't cracked.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints

  up to 3.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2005 and 2006.

  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.

Lexus RX MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2013 Lexus RX did best (86% passed first time, 19 points above all 2013 cars) and the 2022 did worst (96%, 7 points above all 2022 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 RX

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

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the Lexus RX as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the Lexus RX as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the Lexus RX as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?