2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Lexus RX300 MOT pass rate and common faults

122 MOT tests in 2024. 62.3% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time62.3%
Failed or needed repairs37.7%
Typical mileage at test120,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 122 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.7%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.9%
  3. Headlamp: has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced4.1%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.1%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.3%
  6. Decelerometer (sp): efficiency below requirements3.3%
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.3%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.5%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics22.1%
  2. Emissions & leaks18.0%
  3. Suspension15.6%
  4. Brakes15.6%
  5. Body & chassis8.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.9%
  7. Tyres4.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.6%
  3. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened13.9%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn12.3%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.7%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All RX300 years2002 RX300 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Lexus RX300?

In 2024, 62.3% of 2001 Lexus RX300 cars passed their MOT first time, across 122 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Lexus RX300?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; headlamp: has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Lexus RX300 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).