2015 Lexus RX 3.5L Hybrid electric · MM15 LFZ

The Lexus RX’s most recent MOT on 27 January 2026 at 166,505 miles passed without defects, marking a clean outcome after a turbulent May 2025 test. The trend here is volatile rather than stable: the car failed just three months earlier on 16 May 2025 at 156,378 miles , with a cluster of serious advisories—exposed tyre cords, worn suspension bushes (both front and rear), and binding rear brakes—suggesting deferred maintenance. That the January 2026 test cleared these issues implies either corrective work was carried out or the tester overlooked persistent problems. However, the prior failure raises red flags about whether the vehicle’s wear was addressed properly or if the issues recurred and were only temporarily resolved. The absence of defects in the two preceding passes (May 2024 and May 2023) creates a false sense of reliability, given the sudden deterioration in 2025. The mileage accumulation— 15,137 miles per year —is aggressive for a vehicle of this age, particularly when contrasted with the 10,066-mile gap between May 2024 (133,072 miles) and May 2025 (156,378 miles) . This suggests either heavy usage or a period of neglect before the May 2025 failure. The rapid mileage climb in late 2024 and early 2025 aligns with the suspension and brake wear flagged in the subsequent test, reinforcing that high mileage without corresponding maintenance accelerates component degradation. The clean tests in 2023 and 2024 may have lulled owners into complacency, but the 2025 failure underscores that critical items—like brake pads, suspension bushes, and tyres—were allowed to deteriorate beyond safe limits. A buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of the rear suspension trailing arm and front suspension bushes , as these were flagged as excessively worn in May 2025 and may still compromise handling. The rear brake pads were at 1.1mm —dangerously close to the legal limit—and should be checked for uneven wear or corrosion, which could indicate binding calipers. The exposed tyre cords on all four front tyres in 2025 demand immediate replacement, but the current tyres (not tested in January 2026) must be scrutinised for age and remaining tread depth. The LED headlamp cleaning device and rear outer position lamps were also faulty in 2025, though these are minor compared to structural concerns. Structural integrity checks—particularly around the suspension mountings and brake hardware —are essential, as deferred maintenance on these systems can lead to costly failures. The January 2026 pass does not guarantee the vehicle’s reliability moving forward. The May 2025 failure reveals a pattern of deferred upkeep, and without evidence of comprehensive repairs—such as renewed suspension bushes, brake overhaul, or tyre replacement—the risk of recurring defects remains high. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly advised to verify that the issues identified in 2025 have been fully resolved.