2012 Lexus IS · 3,023 MOT tests
2012 Lexus IS reliability
2012 Lexus ISs fail 17.3% of first MOT tests, 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 21 IS years (3,023 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Lexus ISs: 22.6%)
- 17.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Lexus ISs: 22.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 45% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 69,844
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,023
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 54% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Strong point: suspension, 89% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Lexus IS
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6%
- Brakes5.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.4%
- Lights and electrics3.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.6%
- Suspension1.2%
- Body, chassis and structure0.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.35%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.12%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.75%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.32%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.22%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 1.19%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.45%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.14%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.52%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.29%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (3.31%) · Brake discs showing some wear (3.04%)
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 2012 Lexus IS reliable?
2012 Lexus ISs fail 17.3% of first MOT tests, 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 21 IS years (3,023 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Lexus IS MOT?
Most often wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.35% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.12% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.75% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Lexus IS have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Lexus IS shows 69,844 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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