1999 Lexus IS · 1,309 MOT tests
1999 Lexus IS reliability
1999 Lexus ISs fail 34.2% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 21 IS years (1,309 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 1999 Lexus IS?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Lexus ISs: 22.6%)
- 34.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Lexus ISs: 22.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 124,459
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,309
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1999 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 6.9% of tests fail here (41% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 69% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1999 Lexus IS
Fail rate by area
- Suspension14.1%
- Lights and electrics13.8%
- Brakes8.3%
- Tyres6.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.8%
- Body, chassis and structure4.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.44%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Position lamp not working 3.36%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.29%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.06%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.83%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.76%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.61%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.33%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (7.26%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.34%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.19%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.04%)
Other years
Every Lexus IS year
The full picture: Lexus IS reliability. Before you pay for any Lexus IS, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1999 Lexus IS reliable?
1999 Lexus ISs fail 34.2% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 21 IS years (1,309 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1999 Lexus IS MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.44% of tests), position lamp not working (3.36% of tests), headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (2.29% of tests).
How many miles should a 1999 Lexus IS have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1999 Lexus IS shows 124,459 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
Check a 1999 Lexus IS free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.