2006 · 18 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2006 Lexus IS MOT pass rate and common faults

204 MOT tests in 2024. 66.2% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

118Well above average
Passed first time66.2%
Failed or needed repairs33.8%
Typical mileage at test127,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 204 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.4%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.9%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.4%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.9%
  5. Position lamp: not working2.9%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.9%
    8 marked dangerous
  7. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.9%
  8. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.9%
  9. Headlamp aim: too high2.0%
  10. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics23.5%
  2. Brakes23.5%
  3. Emissions & leaks11.3%
  4. Tyres6.4%
  5. Suspension5.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.4%
  7. Body & chassis4.9%
  8. Wheels1.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm23.0%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.8%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.3%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All IS years2007 IS →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Lexus IS?

In 2024, 66.2% of 2006 Lexus IS cars passed their MOT first time, across 204 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 Lexus IS?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2006 Lexus IS reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 118, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).