Used car guide

2008 Lexus RX: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Lexus RX first registered in 2008: we looked at the 119 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 119 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

119MOTs of 2008 cars, done in 2023–2025
71%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
9,200typical miles a year
46%had suspension flagged

Common 2008 Lexus RX MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Lexus RX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    46% 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.

  • Tyres
    33% 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 electrics
    28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Brakes
    18% 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
    10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Exhaust and emissions
    8% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Lexus RX

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 RX?

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 RX compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
20222,413Tyres 19%
20213,354Tyres 23%
20205,068Tyres 21%
20196,536Tyres 23%
20185,166Tyres 24%
20175,528Tyres 24%
20166,383Tyres 24%
20153,754Tyres 25%
20144,817Tyres 27%
20135,277Tyres 26%
20122,006Tyres 28%
2011322Suspension 34%
2010287Suspension 38%
2009479Suspension 40%
2007155Suspension 57%
20064,376Suspension 49%
20052,105Suspension 51%
20043,555Suspension 49%
20031,570Suspension 45%
2002548Suspension 44%
2001401Suspension 51%
2000–Too few tests

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 RX cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score