2011 Lexus IS petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Lexus IS first registered in 2011 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 335 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 335 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2011 Lexus IS petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2011 Lexus IS petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres24% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes21% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics15% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension10% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions4% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Lexus IS petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Lexus IS?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Lexus IS compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2021 | 105 | Tyres 29% |
| 2020 | 1,695 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 3,493 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 4,320 | Tyres 25% |
| 2017 | 4,631 | Tyres 25% |
| 2016 | 5,903 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 8,347 | Tyres 27% |
| 2014 | 9,212 | Tyres 27% |
| 2013 | 4,877 | Tyres 29% |
| 2012 | 884 | Tyres 31% |
| 2010 | 436 | Tyres 35% |
| 2009 | 506 | Brakes 29% |
| 2008 | 723 | Tyres 30% |
| 2007 | 739 | Tyres 34% |
| 2006 | 627 | Brakes 37% |
| 2005 | 170 | Tyres 28% |
| 2004 | 3,890 | Suspension 37% |
| 2003 | 3,292 | Suspension 39% |
| 2002 | 2,659 | Suspension 39% |
| 2001 | 2,096 | Suspension 44% |
| 2000 | 1,188 | Suspension 44% |
| 1999 | 764 | Suspension 41% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Lexus IS cars first registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score