Does the Lexus RX fail the MOT on steering more than it should?
The Lexus RX records 0.59 steering failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 3.54 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−2.95, 95% interval −3.03 to −2.87). It ranks 549 of 640 models on steering (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on steering · check a Lexus RX by registration
What exactly fails on steering?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Lexus RX is “Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated”, recorded 496 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated | 496 | 0.23 |
| Power steering fluid leaking or system malfunctioning | 188 | 0.09 |
| Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 169 | 0.08 |
| Steering linkage retaining or locking device missing or ineffective | 112 | 0.05 |
| A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play | 110 | 0.05 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 214,613 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a Lexus RX gets a steering advisory, how often does it fail next time?
3.7% of Lexus RX MOTs with a steering advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12 months and 5,628 miles later (1,043 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,043 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Lexus RX 2000 · Lexus RX 2001 · Lexus RX 2002 · Lexus RX 2003 · Lexus RX 2004 · Lexus RX 2005 · Lexus RX 2006 · Lexus RX 2007 · Lexus RX 2008 · Lexus RX 2009 · Lexus RX 2010 · Lexus RX 2011 · Lexus RX 2012 · Lexus RX 2013 · Lexus RX 2014 · Lexus RX 2015 · Lexus RX 2016 · Lexus RX 2017 · Lexus RX 2018 · Lexus RX 2019 · Lexus RX 2020 · Lexus RX in Finland · Lexus RX by postcode area · Lexus RX body, chassis and structure failures · Lexus RX brakes failures · Lexus RX vehicle identification failures · Lexus RX lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Lexus RX noise, emissions and leaks failures · Lexus RX road wheels failures · Lexus RX seat belts and airbags failures · Lexus RX suspension failures · Lexus RX tyres failures · Lexus RX visibility failures