1999 Lexus Is200 — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 1,995 MOT tests analysed for the 1999 Lexus Is200, the most common recorded failure areas were lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes. Its pass rate of 77.6% was above the average for cars of a similar age (75.5%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 23.8% in the 150k+ group versus 15.1% in the 30-60k group.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 12.3% | 245 |
| 2 | Suspension | 11.1% | 222 |
| 3 | Brakes | 7.1% | 142 |
| 4 | Tyres | 5.4% | 108 |
| 5 | Visibility | 4.5% | 89 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 4.1% | 82 |
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 | 137 |
| 2 | Headlamp aim | 111 |
| 3 | Position lamp | 98 |
| 4 | Catalyst emissions | 83 |
| 5 | Headlamp | 71 |
| 6 | Ball joint | 67 |
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 | 33.9% | 677 |
| 2 | Brakes | 26.8% | 535 |
| 3 | Tyres | 25.5% | 508 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 18.9% | 377 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 11.7% | 234 |
| 6 | Other defects | 11.5% | 229 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30-60k | 106 | 15.1% |
| 60-90k | 322 | 18.9% |
| 90-120k | 492 | 24.0% |
| 120-150k | 532 | 23.1% |
| 150k+ | 537 | 23.8% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 559 | 23.3% |
| 2022 | 505 | 23.8% |
| 2023 | 401 | 22.7% |
| 2024 | 292 | 21.6% |
| 2025 | 238 | 18.1% |
What to check before buying a 1999 Is200
Before buying a 1999 Lexus Is200, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Lighting & signalling accounted for 12.3% of tests for this year.
- Lighting & signalling (12.3% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (11.1% 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 (7.1% 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 1999 Lexus Is200s pass their MOT?
77.6% of the 1,995 1999 Lexus Is200 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 22.4% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 1999 Lexus Is200?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 12.3% of tests, followed by suspension (11.1%).
Does the 1999 Is200 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 15.1% in the 30-60k band to 23.8% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 1,995 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.