2003 Lexus Is200 — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 7,969 MOT tests analysed for the 2003 Lexus Is200, the most common recorded failure areas were lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes. Its pass rate of 77.5% was above the average for cars of a similar age (74.3%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 25.3% in the 150k+ group versus 11.8% in the 0-30k group.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 12.6% | 1,003 |
| 2 | Suspension | 10.5% | 834 |
| 3 | Brakes | 6.9% | 551 |
| 4 | Tyres | 5.8% | 462 |
| 5 | Visibility | 5.0% | 401 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 4.5% | 355 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 454 |
| 2 | Position lamp | 435 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 423 |
| 4 | Headlamp | 304 |
| 5 | Coil spring | 288 |
| 6 | Catalyst emissions | 277 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 30.3% | 2,414 |
| 2 | Brakes | 27.4% | 2,182 |
| 3 | Tyres | 25.6% | 2,041 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 17.0% | 1,358 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 11.4% | 912 |
| 6 | Other defects | 10.0% | 795 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 34 | 11.8% |
| 30-60k | 577 | 15.6% |
| 60-90k | 1,714 | 19.2% |
| 90-120k | 2,678 | 23.6% |
| 120-150k | 1,827 | 24.5% |
| 150k+ | 1,137 | 25.3% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,153 | 23.6% |
| 2022 | 1,823 | 22.1% |
| 2023 | 1,552 | 22.5% |
| 2024 | 1,304 | 22.3% |
| 2025 | 1,137 | 21.0% |
What to check before buying a 2003 Is200
Before buying a 2003 Lexus Is200, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Lighting & signalling accounted for 12.6% of tests for this year.
- Lighting & signalling (12.6% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (10.5% 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 (6.9% 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 2003 Lexus Is200s pass their MOT?
77.5% of the 7,969 2003 Lexus Is200 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 22.5% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2003 Lexus Is200?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 12.6% of tests, followed by suspension (10.5%).
Does the 2003 Is200 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 11.8% in the 0-30k band to 25.3% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 7,969 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.