2012 Lexus RX: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Lexus RX?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Lexus RX than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
  Lexus RX

  16.5% All 2012 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 1.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Ball joint dust cover1.9× usual
  Lexus RX

  4.7% All 2012 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Wheel bearings2× usual
  Lexus RX

  2.8% All 2012 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 2012 Lexus RX MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Lexus RX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Suspension
  27% 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.

• Brakes
  19% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  14% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Rust and bodywork
  2% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 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 1.8× as often on the 2012 Lexus RX as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2012 Lexus RX as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2012 Lexus RX as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?