MOT failure data · 2025
Lexus IS MOT problems
Across every Lexus IS that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was condition has ply or cords exposed, on 12.16% of failure items. The broadest problem area was tyres at 46.11%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common Lexus IS MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Condition has ply or cords exposed | Tyres | 12.16% |
| 2 | Condition has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 10.64% |
| 3 | Tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 8.27% |
| 4 | Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative | Tyres | 5.68% |
| 5 | Headlamp not working on dipped beam | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 5.37% |
| 6 | Wipers does not clear the windscreen effectively | Visibility | 5.23% |
| 7 | Condition has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 3.31% |
| 8 | Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 3.18% |
| 9 | Headlamp not working on main beam | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 2.95% |
| 10 | Condition has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 2.95% |
Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.
What this means if you are buying one
Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a Lexus IS, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.
The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used Lexus IS buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific Lexus IS?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other Lexus models
- Lexus NX MOT problems
- Lexus CT MOT problems
- Lexus RX MOT problems
- Lexus IS250 MOT problems
- Lexus RX450H MOT problems
- Lexus RX400H MOT problems
Lexus IS MOT FAQs
What does a Lexus IS most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on Lexus IS cars failing their 2025 MOT was "condition has ply or cords exposed", appearing on 12.16% of failure items.
Does this mean my Lexus IS will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every Lexus IS that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The Lexus IS passed 89.99% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific Lexus IS's MOT history?
Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.
See also: Lexus IS MOT pass rate · used Lexus IS buying guide · free MOT history check
Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.