Lexus IS reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Lexus IS is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 189 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 28 of 442, and 14.1% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is condition (2.1% of tests).
Ranked 28 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 14,705 Lexus ISes aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 14.1% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Lexus IS is 47% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
14.1%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
9,900
Typical age at test: 8 years
Lexus IS MOT failure rate by age
Most common Lexus IS MOT faults
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed2.1% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4% of tests
- Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.3% of tests
- Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.9% of tests
What the Lexus IS fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 6.5% | About average |
| Lights and electrics | 4.4% | ▼ 53% less often |
| Brakes | 2.6% | ▼ 57% less often |
| Visibility | 2.5% | ▼ 41% less often |
| Suspension | 0.7% | ▼ 91% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.5% | ▼ 83% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.4% | ▼ 86% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▼ 29% less often |
| Steering | 0.2% | ▼ 91% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.1% | ▼ 87% less often |
What MPG does the Lexus IS do?
Official economy for the Lexus IS ranges from 24.4 to 61.4mpg across the 47 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2020). A typical petrol version manages 30.4mpg and a typical diesel 50.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Lexus IS?
Any Lexus IS first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Lexus IS registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £200 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carLexus IS specs and running costs
Official figures for 47 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2020.
Fuel types
Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol
Official economy
24.4–61.4 mpg
CO2
104–270 g/km
Power
223 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 17" (RWD) IS Comfort Pack223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 48.7 mpg | 133g | £200 |
| IS 17" (RWD) IS Comfort Pack [Sunroof]223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 47.8 mpg | 133g | £200 |
| IS 17" (RWD) IS Premium Pack 17223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 47.8 mpg | 133g | £200 |
| IS 17" IS223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 47 mpg | 137g | £200 |
| IS 18" (RWD) F SPORT223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 44.8 mpg | 143g | £200 |
| IS 18" (RWD) F SPORT i-Blue Limited Edition223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 44.8 mpg | 143g | £200 |
| IS 18" (RWD) F SPORT i-Blue Limited Edition Premium Pack223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 44.8 mpg | 143g | £200 |
| IS 18" (RWD) F SPORT Premium Pack223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 44.8 mpg | 143g | £200 |
| IS 18" (RWD) F SPORT Premium Pack [Sunroof]223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 44.8 mpg | 143g | £200 |
| IS 18" (RWD) F SPORT Takumi Pack223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 44.8 mpg | 144g | £200 |
| IS 18" (RWD) IS Premium Pack223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 45.5 mpg | 141g | £200 |
| IS 18" (RWD) IS Premium Pack [Sunroof]223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 45.5 mpg | 142g | £200 |
| IS 18" (RWD) IS Sport Pack223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 45.5 mpg | 142g | £200 |
| IS 18" (RWD) IS Sport Pack [Sunroof]223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 44.8 mpg | 142g | £200 |
| IS 18" (RWD) Takumi223 PS · E-CVT · listed 2020 | Hybrid | 44.8 mpg | 142g | £200 |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 47 versions.
What a Lexus IS costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 30.4mpg…
- diesel, typical official 50.4mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Lexus ISBuying a used Lexus IS?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Lexus models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Lexus IS reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Lexus IS is 47% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 189 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Lexus IS?
The most common MOT fault is “Condition: has ply or cords exposed”, found in 2.1% of tests.
›What MPG does the Lexus IS do?
Official economy for the Lexus IS ranges from 24.4 to 61.4mpg across the 47 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2020). A typical petrol version manages 30.4mpg and a typical diesel 50.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Lexus IS?
Any Lexus IS first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Lexus IS registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £200 to £790 a year.
›How many Lexus ISes fail their MOT?
14.1% of Lexus ISes aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Lexus IS combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.