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Lexus NX years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

30,825 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 2015–2022 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

All 8 Lexus NX years have MOT pass rates above the average for vehicles first used in the same year.

The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.

90.3%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 90.0% to 90.6%.

In 2025, 90.3% of the 30,825 initial MOT tests on Lexus NX cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 81.7%. That is 8.7 points above the same-age average.

In our tables of the highest MOT pass rates by age: joint 1st of 160 cars first used in 2022; joint 1st of 145 cars first used in 2020; joint 2nd of 173 cars first used in 2018; joint 1st of 167 cars first used in 2015.

Check a specific NX

Its own MOT history, free.

Lexus NX MOT pass rate by year

Year is when the car was first used. Older vehicles fail more often, so each year is compared with all vehicles first used that year.

YearChartTestsmedian milesPassed first timeAgainst all vehicles that year
2022age 33,22322,90095.5%±0.8+7.0 ptsall: 88.5%
2021age 44,34928,90092.3%±0.9+5.1 ptsall: 87.2%
2020age 53,98135,20091.6%±1.0+5.6 ptsall: 86.0%
2019age 64,39541,50089.8%±1.0+6.3 ptsall: 83.5%
2018age 74,28650,10090.1%±1.0+9.2 ptsall: 80.9%
2017age 83,79357,00089.2%±1.1+11.0 ptsall: 78.2%
2016age 93,70263,90087.9%±1.1+13.0 ptsall: 74.9%
2015age 103,09674,20085.8%±1.3+13.9 ptsall: 71.9%

Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.

When a car's mileage doesn't add up

Common NX problems at the MOT

Share of the 2,983 failed tests with a fault in each area, all years together. A test can count in more than one area, so these add up to more than 100%.

MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.

What to check when viewing a NX

Based on the areas where Lexus NX MOT tests fail most often. These are general checks anyone can do, not a mechanical inspection.

  1. Tyres

    In 34.4% of failed NX tests

    • Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
    • Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
    • Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.

  2. Windscreen, wipers, mirrors

    In 30.0% of failed NX tests

    • Look for chips and cracks in the windscreen, especially in front of the driver.
    • Run the wipers and washers. The blades should clear the screen without smearing.
    • Check both door mirrors and the rear-view mirror are intact and adjust.

Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.

Check a NX's MOT history

After an MOT advisory

Lexus NX cars that passed their 2024 MOT first time with an advisory, and what their next MOT found, against similar cars that passed with nothing noted in that area. All first-use years together.

Tyres

Of Lexus NX cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 4.8% failed on tyres, against 2.9% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 4,229 and 15,726 cars.

  • With a tyre advisory4.8%
  • Similar cars, nothing noted2.9%

Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 9.6% of those with a tyre advisory and 9.4% of the others.

Brakes

Of Lexus NX cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 4.8% failed on brakes, against 1.4% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 1,631 and 18,243 cars.

  • With a brake advisory4.8%
  • Similar cars, nothing noted1.4%

Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 9.4% of those with a brake advisory and 9.5% of the others.

Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.

How we worked this outAll models compared, with the data

Lexus NX questions

Which Lexus NX years have lower MOT pass rates?

Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2015–2022. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.

Is the Lexus NX reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 90.3% of initial MOT tests on Lexus NX cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 81.7%. That is 8.7 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.

What are the most common Lexus NX problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are tyres (in 34.4% of failed tests) and windscreen, wipers, mirrors (in 30.0% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Lexus NX?

At their 2025 MOT tests, Lexus NX cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 74,200 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific NX's MOT history?

Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.

Check a car's MOT history for free

What MOT data can't tell you about any Lexus NX

Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.

Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't show

Other Lexus models

Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.

Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by age

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Lexus NX cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count