Lexus

Lexus Rx400h (2006)

2,108 real MOT outcomes analysed • 82% first-time pass rate

2006 Lexus Rx400h

CarHunch analysed 2,108 real MOT records for the 2006 Lexus Rx400h. 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 2006 RX400h passes its MOT at 82%, marginally above the UK average of 80%, but this masks a serious concern: 39% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, well above acceptable levels and a genuine red flag for potential buyers considering safety-critical failures. Pass rates are consistent across the hybrid, petrol, and electric variants (all around 81–83%), so powertrain choice doesn't meaningfully affect reliability.

At nearly 97,000 miles on average, these vehicles are showing their age, yet they're racking up 3.45 failures and 25.6 advisories per test on average—suggesting wear-related repairs are becoming routine. Before buying, request a full MOT history and get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the hybrid battery, suspension, and braking system, where the high dangerous defect rate suggests most problems cluster.

The 2006 Lexus Rx400h has a decent first-time pass rate (82%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 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
82%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
39%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
3.45
Over 18 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
93k
Middle half: 75k–114k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 25.6 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 2,108 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.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 2,108 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 57.2%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Front 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.
Suspension & steering 45.1%
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 · Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Brake wear 39.7%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · 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 35.9%
Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened · Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay · Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread · …

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2006.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 2,108 Lexus Rx400h cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2006 Lexus Rx400h

Based on MOT data from 2,108 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 39% 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) (38%) 805 81.8% 3.63
Petrol (22%) 460 82.5% 3.13
Electric (21%) 437 81% 3.57
Other (18%) 380 82.6% 3.37

Colour Breakdown

Based on 9,628 Lexus Rx400h vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Silver 32.2%
3,105
Black 24.7%
2,377
Grey 21.8%
2,096
Blue 16.9%
1,623
Beige 2.3%
224
Red 0.7%
69
White 0.5%
51
Bronze 0.5%
50
Gold 0.2%
17
Green 0.2%
16

Mileage Distribution

Most 2006 Lexus Rx400h 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.

92,521
typical
74,527
low mileage
113,581
high mileage

Half of all 2006 Lexus Rx400h vehicles fall between 74,527 and 113,581 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 74,527 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.
74,527–113,581 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2006 Lexus Rx400hs sit.
Over 153,334 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2006 Lexus Rx400h — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 64% of 2006 Lexus Rx400hs are still active.

1,228 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 64% of the peak remain.

1,920 1,228 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* 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

18
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.45
Avg failures per vehicle
25.6
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Lexus Rx400h: All Rx400h years → Which year to buy? →
2005 2007 2008 2009

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Compare with another model

See how the 2006 Lexus Rx400h stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing