Lexus IS

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 9 model years from 21,274 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

91%

Total Tests

21,274

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (94%)

Years Covered

About the Lexus IS

The Lexus IS was MOT tested 21,274 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 9 model years (2013 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 91%. That's comfortably above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list other fuel and petrol and hybrid versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94% from 921 tests. The 2013 model has the lowest at 87%. The 7 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Lexus ISs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2013) averages 98,514 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 38,425 miles.

Compared to the Lexus brand average of 87%, the IS performs 4 points better, making it one of the more reliable options in the Lexus range.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Hybrid, 2494cc)

£1,958

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,563

Per month£214/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Lexus IS?

vs average of all models+9% (82% avg)

vs Lexus brand average+4% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread7 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Lexus IS by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	89%	79	38,425 mi
2020	94%	921	37,054 mi
2019	93%	1,774	50,064 mi
2018	93%	2,446	58,160 mi
2017	93%	2,610	62,169 mi
2016	91%	3,226	79,473 mi
2015	91%	4,519	87,488 mi
2014	90%	4,968	97,650 mi
2013	87%	731	98,514 mi

Questions about the Lexus IS

Is the Lexus IS reliable?

Across its 9 model years in our data (2013 to 2021), the Lexus IS averages a 91% MOT pass rate, from 21,274 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 94%.

Which year Lexus IS has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Lexus IS has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 87%, a 7 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.