Lexus Rx400h (2005)
2005 Lexus Rx400h
CarHunch analysed 1,157 real MOT records for the 2005 Lexus Rx400h. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2005 RX400H passes its MOT at 81.2%, marginally above the UK average of 80%, so reliability is broadly on par with the typical car—but a serious concern emerges in the dangerous defect rate, where 40.4% of these vehicles have recorded at least one safety-critical failure across their lifetime, well above the typical threshold. This is a red flag for buyers and suggests mechanical or electrical issues have plagued this generation beyond normal wear.
At nearly 99,000 miles on average, these RX400Hs show moderate mileage for their age, yet each vehicle still accumulates 3.72 failures and a striking 27.3 advisories per test, indicating that minor issues are endemic even when cars technically pass. Before committing to one, have a pre-purchase inspection focus specifically on the hybrid battery system, suspension components, and any history of electrical faults—40% dangerous-defect prevalence is too high to ignore.
What to check before buying a 2005 Lexus Rx400h
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 40.4% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Lexus Rx400h
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric (Clean) (34%) | 396 | 81.2% | 3.99 |
| Electric (24%) | 273 | 81.5% | 3.56 |
| Petrol (23%) | 261 | 81.9% | 3.36 |
| Other (19%) | 215 | 80.2% | 3.91 |
| Diesel (0%) | 5 | 84.4% | 3.2 |
| Fuel Cells (0%) | 4 | 87.8% | 2.25 |
| CNG (0%) | 3 | 83.1% | 3.33 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2005 Lexus Rx400h vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2005 Lexus Rx400h vehicles fall between 76,740 and 117,916 miles.
2005 Lexus Rx400h — Still on the Road
580 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 55% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2005 Lexus Rx400h
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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57.2%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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56.2%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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45.5%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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45.1%
Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement
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44.2%
Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement
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43.8%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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39.7%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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35.9%
Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2005. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Lexus Rx400h?
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