2003 Lexus RX · 2,248 MOT tests
2003 Lexus RX reliability
2003 Lexus RXs fail 32.8% of first MOT tests, 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 18 RX years (2,248 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Lexus RXs: 19.2%)
- 32.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Lexus RXs: 19.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 27% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 120,647
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,248
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 31% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Strong point: steering, 72% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Lexus RX
Fail rate by area
- Brakes12.4%
- Lights and electrics12.1%
- Suspension10.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5%
- Body, chassis and structure4.9%
- Tyres4.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 4.45%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Position lamp not working 3.6%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.45%
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 2.36%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 2.27%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 1.91%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (17.39%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (15.93%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.26%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (11.61%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.07%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.96%)
Other years
Every Lexus RX year
The full picture: Lexus RX reliability. Before you pay for any Lexus RX, 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 2003 Lexus RX reliable?
2003 Lexus RXs fail 32.8% of first MOT tests, 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 18 RX years (2,248 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Lexus RX MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (4.45% of tests), position lamp not working (3.6% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.45% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Lexus RX have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Lexus RX shows 120,647 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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