Lexus Rx300
From 5,788 MOT tests. Average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
Newer Rx300s fare better: 2006 models pass at 76.3% vs 73.6% for 2003.
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn and parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement. The top issue, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, caused 208 failures in 2024. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 208 |
| a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 168 |
| parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement | 156 |
| a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 142 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 141 |
| engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction | 131 |
| a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm | 118 |
| a suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 113 |
| a suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 110 |
| headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective | 90 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 24.6% of Rx300 failures could actually strand you: fractured springs, engine faults, exhaust problems. Another 32.1% are safety issues where the car still drives but shouldn't, such as worn brakes, corroded brake pipes, and steering wear. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £133.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 76.3% | parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement, engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction |
| 2005 | 77.3% | the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement |
| 2004 | 74.4% | the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn |
| 2003 | 73.6% | a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements |
2 earlier years
| 2002 | 65% | the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements |
| 2001 | 71% | the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired |
Typical mileage
Half of all Rx300s tested had between 105,281 and 146,935 miles on the clock. A significant number are high-mileage vehicles.
At 124,218 median miles, the Rx300 has 0.02 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Lexus models
Common questions
What is the Lexus Rx300 MOT pass rate?
The Lexus Rx300 has a 74.6% MOT pass rate based on 5,788 real MOT tests. This is around the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Lexus Rx300?
The most common MOT failure on the Lexus Rx300 is the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, which caused 208 failures. Other common issues include a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn.
What is the typical mileage of a Lexus Rx300 at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Lexus Rx300 is 124,218 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 105,281 and 146,935 miles.
Buying a used Rx300?
Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.
The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.
With a 74.6% pass rate and an average repair bill of £133 when things go wrong, budget accordingly.
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MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.