Lexus IS
Registered from 2005 to 2020.
About this model
The Lexus IS is a compact executive car sold by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota, since 1998. The IS was originally sold under the Toyota Altezza nameplate in Japan from 1998 until 2005. The IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model positioned below the ES in the Lexus lineup. It was the smallest car in the Lexus lineup until the introduction of the CT in 2011.
From the Wikipedia article Lexus IS, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What fails its inspection
Great Britain's MOT record for the 2014 2.5 hybrid. 295 of 3,194 tests failed, 9%.
Better than 91% of 2014 cars. The typical one fails 17%, across 870 models with enough tests behind them to say.
| Where | Share of failures | Failed tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres and wheels | 62% | 183 |
| Lights and electrics | 27% | 80 |
| Brakes | 16% | 48 |
| Visibility | 9% | 27 |
| Suspension | 6% | 17 |
| Body and structure | 1% | 3 |
The defects inspectors cite
- A tyre seriously damaged
- A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED
- A tyre cords visible or damaged
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- A tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative
- The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
Where it stands out against its peers
- Tyres and wheels: failed more often than 97% of 2014 cars — 62% of its 295 failed tests, where an ordinary 2014 car has 32%.
Same model year only, at least 30 peer cars, zeros included. Every car has a worst part; this shows which, and how far from ordinary it is. A high share means more to check, not a verdict.
NHTSA's investigations are American; no European regulator publishes an equivalent record, so this section has nothing to draw on for a European car. There is no European equivalent of the service-bulletin register either.
Before you buy one
Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.
- Tyres and wheels — 62% of its failures
- A tyre seriously damaged
- A tyre cords visible or damaged
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- Brakes — 16% of its failures
- A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
- Suspension — 6% of its failures
- Lights and electrics — 27% of its failures
- A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED
- Visibility — 9% of its failures
- Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
When it starts failing
At 200k+ miles this one fails 7% of its inspections, against the 24% an ordinary car of the same age fails.
| Odometer | Failure rate | Rate | Its age | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20–40k miles | 7% | 11% | 231 | |
| 40–60k miles | 7% | 15% | 618 | |
| 60–80k miles | 9% | 19% | 677 | |
| 80–100k miles | 10% | 21% | 599 | |
| 100–120k miles | 15% | 23% | 378 | |
| 120–140k miles | 10% | 23% | 197 | |
| 140–160k miles | 11% | 23% | 159 | |
| 160–180k miles | 7% | 23% | 117 | |
| 180–200k miles | 8% | 23% | 66 | |
| 200k+ miles | 7% | 24% | 137 |
3,179 British inspections, grouped by the odometer reading recorded at the test.
Half of these have more than 80k miles on them. That is how far people drive this car, not how long it lasts.
Recalls
Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.
A12/01862/22
Due to the improper design of the flange attaching the vent tube to the fuel tank, a stress-related crack could develop on the outer surface of the flange and expand over time. increasing the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/1696/14
The gasket seated between the fuel pressure sensor and the duel pipe could become degraded. During vehicle operation, fuel could leak past the gasket. In the presence of an ignition source, this could increase the risk of a vehicle fire.
Recall of the product from end users