2012 Lexus CT 1.8L Hybrid electric · WM12 HLA

This Lexus CT passed its most recent MOT on 22 May 2026 with only a nail embedded in the offside rear tyre noted. However, the test immediately before that, on 21 May 2026, revealed a more serious defect: the nearside rear tyre had suffered structural failure with a tear caused by separation or partial breakdown of the tyre carcass. The vehicle was retested and passed within a day, suggesting the tyre was replaced, but this pattern of rear tyre damage within such a short timeframe raises a question about what caused the initial failure and whether the underlying issue has been properly addressed. The steering rack has been flagged twice in the MOT record. In May 2024, slight free play was detected at the steering wheel, which is a wear indicator in the steering system. This defect appeared in both a failed test and the subsequent pass, meaning it was either not fully corrected or remained within acceptable tolerances on retest. Two years on, there is no mention of steering play in the 2025 or 2026 tests, which could suggest the issue has stabilised or been remedied, but the lack of explicit clearance in recent records means you cannot be certain the play has been eliminated. The undertray fitted during the 2025 MOT prevented full inspection of the underside. This is a practical concern because it means potential corrosion, fluid leaks, or suspension wear may not have been fully assessed at that test. Combined with the vehicle's low mileage of around 4,311 miles per year, extended periods of standing are likely.