Lexus

Lexus Rx (2016)

2,497 real MOT outcomes analysed • 94% first-time pass rate

2016 Lexus Rx

CarHunch analysed 2,497 real MOT records for the 2016 Lexus Rx. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2016 Lexus RX is a genuinely reliable proposition, with a 94% first-time pass rate that sits 14 points above the UK average—this hybrid is built to last, and only 13% have ever picked up a dangerous defect, which is well below concern territory. The median mileage of 44,872 miles is low for an 8-year-old car, suggesting either careful ownership or limited use, and the average of just 0.47 failures per vehicle confirms these are mechanically sound machines. With 4.8 advisories per test, you're looking at minor wear items rather than structural problems, which is entirely normal for this age. If you're considering one, get a full service history and have any outstanding advisories addressed before purchase—you're buying into a fundamentally trustworthy platform.

The 2016 Lexus Rx passes its MOT first time more often than most UK vehicles (94% vs ~80% average) — and when it does fail, it's usually something minor and cheap to fix.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
94%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
13%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.47
Over 6.9 tests on record
Low
Typical mileage
45k
Middle half: 33k–58k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 94% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 4.8 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 2,497 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

A solid choice — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 2,497 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 38.5%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 10.3%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 10.3%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION · Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
Suspension & steering 5.8%
Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement · Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 2,497 Lexus Rx cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2016 Lexus Rx

Based on MOT data from 2,497 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 13% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Hybrid Electric (Clean) (97%) 2,434 94.1% 0.47
Petrol (3%) 63 92.1% 0.59

Colour Breakdown

Based on 18,072 Lexus Rx vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 22.4%
4,047
Silver 21.9%
3,951
Blue 17%
3,068
White 15.5%
2,794
Grey 13.1%
2,367
Red 8%
1,450
Green 1.3%
226
Brown 0.5%
82
Gold 0.4%
81
Beige 0%
6

Mileage Distribution

Most 2016 Lexus Rx vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

44,872
typical
33,282
low mileage
58,395
high mileage

Half of all 2016 Lexus Rx vehicles fall between 33,282 and 58,395 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 33,282 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
33,282–58,395 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 Lexus Rxs sit.
Over 78,833 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2016 Lexus Rx — Still on the Road

Most 2016 Lexus Rxs are still being driven.

Strong survival — 1,996 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 83% of the peak.

2,392 1,996 2019 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

6.9
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.47
Avg failures per vehicle
4.8
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Lexus Rx: All Rx years → Which year to buy? →
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Compare with another model

See how the 2016 Lexus Rx stacks up against a rival.

A solid choice — agree?