2001 Lexus IS · 3,178 MOT tests
2001 Lexus IS reliability
2001 Lexus ISs fail 33.4% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 21 IS years (3,178 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Lexus ISs: 22.6%)
- 33.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Lexus ISs: 22.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 21% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 22
- 116,749
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 22
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,178
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 7.8% of tests fail here (33% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 67% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Lexus IS
Fail rate by area
- Suspension14.3%
- Lights and electrics13.8%
- Tyres7.8%
- Brakes7.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.1%
- Body, chassis and structure4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 3.84%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.52%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.93%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 2.89%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.55%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.3%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.47%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.06%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (9%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.46%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (7.52%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.2%)
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 2001 Lexus IS reliable?
2001 Lexus ISs fail 33.4% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 21 IS years (3,178 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Lexus IS MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (3.84% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.52% of tests), headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (2.93% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Lexus IS have done?
At its MOT aged about 22, a typical 2001 Lexus IS shows 116,749 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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