2012 · 12 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2012 Lexus IS MOT pass rate and common faults

304 MOT tests in 2024. 82.6% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

128Well above average
Passed first time82.6%
Failed or needed repairs17.4%
Typical mileage at test74,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 304 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.6%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.3%
    15 marked dangerous
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
    8 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.0%
  5. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.3%
  6. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn1.3%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.3%
  8. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.0%
    4 marked dangerous
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes8.6%
  2. Tyres6.6%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.3%
  4. Lights & electrics3.9%
  5. Emissions & leaks2.6%
  6. Suspension0.7%
  7. Body & chassis0.7%
  8. Wheels0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.8%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.9%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.6%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords4.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Lexus IS?

In 2024, 82.6% of 2012 Lexus IS cars passed their MOT first time, across 304 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Lexus IS?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2012 Lexus IS reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 128, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).