LEXUS IS Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 500 MOT tests from 42 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every LEXUS IS has the same fault.

LEXUS IS's have a extremely good reliability rating of 783/999. The score was calculated from the average of every LEXUS IS that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the LEXUS IS.

Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
N/A	N/A	844/999Excellent	73,892 miles	842 vehicles
N/A	N/A	808/999Excellent	76,017 miles	1,015 vehicles
N/A	N/A	770/999Very good	76,171 miles	2,011 vehicles
N/A	N/A	755/999Very good	76,092 miles	1,598 vehicles
N/A	N/A	739/999Very good	77,316 miles	883 vehicles

How reliable is the LEXUS IS?

Based on 500 MOT tests from 42 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

MOT tests

500

Pass rate

85.2%

Median mileage

80,573 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every LEXUS IS has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 704 out of 999.

Common LEXUS IS MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 91 advisory comments and 12 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))

Brake wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 31 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads, discs, the parking brake, or brake fluid that needed attention at inspection.

What to inspect

Ask for recent brake work and look at pad thickness, disc condition, and whether the parking brake holds.

Example MOT wording: REAR BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (1.1.13 (A) (II))

Registration plate condition

VehicleScore MOT data includes 19 advisory comments and 4 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a number plate that was deteriorated, insecure, or did not meet the plate rules.

What to inspect

Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

Example MOT wording: REAR REGISTRATION PLATE DETERIORATED BUT NOT LIKELY TO BE MISREAD (0.1 (B))

Windscreen damage

VehicleScore MOT data includes 7 advisory comments and 4 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record chips, cracks, or other windscreen damage in the driver’s view.

What to inspect

Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.

Example MOT wording: WINDSCREEN HAS DAMAGE TO AN AREA LESS THAN A 40MM CIRCLE OUTSIDE ZONE 'A' (8.3.1D)

Lighting faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 10 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lamp, bulb, or indicator that was not working or was aimed incorrectly.

What to inspect

Switch on every lamp and indicator, including the number-plate lamps.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE HEADLAMP NOT WORKING ON DIPPED BEAM (4.1.1 (A) (II))

LEXUS IS MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Year	Vehicles	MOT tests	Pass rate	Recurring issues seen
2015	9	102	86.3%	Tyre wear, Brake wear
2014	7	82	84.1%	Tyre wear, Brake wear
2013	10	123	83.7%	Tyre wear, Registration plate condition

What to check when buying a used LEXUS IS

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Brake wear. Ask for recent brake work and look at pad thickness, disc condition, and whether the parking brake holds.
Registration plate condition. Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.
Windscreen damage. Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.
Lighting faults. Switch on every lamp and indicator, including the number-plate lamps.

Buying a LEXUS IS?

Common problems tell you what can affect LEXUS ISs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

Browse Other LEXUS Models

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