Lexus Is220 MOT Failures

An analysis of 124,106 real DVSA MOT tests on the Lexus Is220 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: XE20 (2005–2012).

Where the Lexus Is220 fails its MOT

The single biggest MOT failure point on the Lexus Is220 is transmission shaft flexible coupling deteriorated — this model is 41 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 124,106 MOT tests, 1.1% of all Lexus Is220 tests recorded this as a failure.

Bodywork failures usually mean structural corrosion — not cosmetic rust, but rot that affects the car's structural integrity. Check sills, subframes, and chassis rails carefully, especially on older examples.

Other notable weak points include service brake pedal has insufficient reserve tr... (11x the fleet average), fuel system leaking, or missing or ineffective ... (16x the fleet average), reflector defective or damaged by up to 50% of ... (8.4x the fleet average), and headlight fault (8.3x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Lexus Is220's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.

The failures span 4 categories: Bodywork, Brakes, Lights & Electrics, Tyres. If you're inspecting a Lexus Is220 before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.

How failures change with mileage

The Lexus Is220's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.

Under 60,000 miles

At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.

For the Lexus Is220 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are tyre valve seriously damaged or misaligned (10x the average) and headlight fault (8.3x). brake pipes corroded (6.5x) and brake pipes corroded also appear frequently.

60,000 to 100,000 miles

This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.

For the Lexus Is220 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are transmission shaft flexible coupling deteriorated (41x the average) and service brake pedal has insufficient reserve tr... (11x). tyre not fitted in compliance with the manufact... (9.2x) and reflector defective or damaged by up to 50% of ... (8.4x) also appear frequently.

Over 100,000 miles

High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.

For the Lexus Is220 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are transmission shaft flexible coupling deteriorated (17x the average) and fuel system leaking, or missing or ineffective ... (16x). brake lining or pad missing or incorrectly mounted (13x) and service brake pedal has insufficient reserve tr... (8.4x) also appear frequently.

The shift from tyre valve seriously damaged or misaligned at lower mileages to transmission shaft flexible coupling deteriorated at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.

Known issues beyond the MOT

An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Lexus Is220 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.

Propshaft flexible coupling deterioration (XE20) Major

The flexible coupling (often called a giubo or flex disc) connects the propeller shaft sections on rear-wheel-drive IS220d models. Affects XE20; typical independent garage repair cost is £180–£300.

Fuel system leaks (XE20) Major

High-mileage IS220d models develop fuel leaks from various points in the system, most commonly fuel lines, filter housing seals, and tank connections. Affects XE20; typical independent garage repair cost is £100–£400.

Suspension component corrosion (XE20) Major

IS220d models suffer from corrosion affecting suspension components, particularly lower control arms, subframe mounting points, and anti-roll bar links. Affects XE20; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£800.

DPF regeneration issues (XE20) Major

The IS220d uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that requires periodic high-temperature regeneration to burn off accumulated soot. Affects XE20; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.

For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Lexus Is220 common problems breakdown.

What to check before buying a Lexus Is220

Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Lexus Is220:

Bodywork — check for transmission shaft flexible coupling deteriorated, fuel system leaking, or missing or ineffective .... Brakes — check for service brake pedal has insufficient reserve tr..., brake lining or pad missing or incorrectly mounted. Lights & Electrics — check for reflector defective or damaged by up to 50% of ..., headlight fault, electrical wiring fault.

Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about propshaft flexible coupling deterioration and fuel system leaks. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £180. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.

Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.

MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.