1998 Lexus Gs300 — MOT failures & pass rate

Across 956 MOT tests analysed for the 1998 Lexus Gs300, the most common recorded failure areas were lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes. Its pass rate of 79.9% was above the average for cars of a similar age (76.0%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 22.6% in the 150k+ group versus 15.1% in the 60-90k group.

Pass rate

956

MOT tests analysed

20.1%

Fail rate

better than

vs cars of similar age

24.6

Avg age at test (yrs)

How it compares

Fail rate for this model-year against the segment and national averages for cars of a similar age.

Top failure categories

Most common MOT failure areas — 1998 Lexus Gs300
#	Category	% of tests affected	Tests
1	Lighting & signalling	11.9%	114
2	Suspension	9.6%	92
3	Brakes	9.1%	87
4	Tyres	4.1%	39
5	Visibility	3.4%	32
6	Body, structure & corrosion	3.2%	31

Percentage of tests with at least one failure recorded in each category.

Most common specific failures

The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.

Most frequently recorded failure items — 1998 Lexus Gs300
#	Failure item	Times recorded
1	Headlamp aim	46
2	Headlamp	43
3	Ball joint	42
4	Component mounting prescribed areas	32
5	Stop lamp	30
6	Catalyst emissions	30

Top advisory categories

Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.

Most common MOT advisories — 1998 Lexus Gs300
#	Category	% of tests with advisory	Tests
1	Suspension	33.2%	317
2	Tyres	25.4%	243
3	Emissions & environmental	24.5%	234
4	Brakes	20.8%	199
5	Body, structure & corrosion	16.6%	159
6	Lighting & signalling	15.0%	143

Failure rate by mileage

Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.

MOT fail rate by recorded mileage band.

Fail rate by recorded mileage — 1998 Gs300
Mileage band	Tests	Fail rate
60-90k	146	15.1%
90-120k	248	20.2%
120-150k	260	20.4%
150k+	261	22.6%

Failure rate by age

How this model-year's MOT fail rate climbs as the cars get older.

Trend over time

Fail rate by dataset year — 1998 Gs300
Dataset year	Tests	Fail rate
2021	291	24.1%
2022	226	20.3%
2023	170	17.1%
2024	153	15.0%
2025	116	20.7%

What to check before buying a 1998 Gs300

Before buying a 1998 Lexus Gs300, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Lighting & signalling accounted for 11.9% of tests for this year.

Lighting & signalling (11.9% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
Suspension (9.6% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
Brakes (9.1% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.

Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.

Frequently asked questions

How many 1998 Lexus Gs300s pass their MOT?

79.9% of the 956 1998 Lexus Gs300 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 20.1% fail rate.

What is the most common MOT failure on a 1998 Lexus Gs300?

Lighting & signalling, recorded in 11.9% of tests, followed by suspension (9.6%).

Does the 1998 Gs300 get worse with mileage?

Its MOT fail rate rises from 15.1% in the 60-90k band to 22.6% in the 150k+ band.

Methodology & source. Based on 956 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.