The NCT record
Lexus IS220
Saloon. Measured from 2,428 NCT tests in Ireland.
Reliability · measured from test data
Reliability: Well above average
One of the most reliable cars for its age. A strong choice.
NCT pass rate: 64% (Above average for its age)
64 in 100 pass the NCT first time at ten years old. Mechanical faults: 0.34× the average car of the same age.
Version research
Known problems for this version
Based on published reliability sources and recall notices, not NCT data. Answer what you know and the verdict gets firmer.
Checking published reliability sources…
How it holds up with age
More than half still pass first time up to 12 years old — a 2014 or newer is the oldest we would suggest.
| Year | Age | Passes first time | Average car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | 80% | 76% |
| 2020 | 6 | 85% | 75% |
| 2019 | 7 | 73% | 67% |
| 2018 | 8 | 80% | 64% |
| 2017 | 9 | 70% | 57% |
| 2016 | 10 | 69% | 53% |
| 2015 | 11 | 58% | 50% |
| 2014 | 12 | 58% | 46% |
| 2013 | 13 | 48% | 42% |
| 2012 | 14 | 46% | 38% |
| 2011 | 15 | 37% | 36% |
| 2010 | 16 | 37% | 35% |
What tends to fail on it
Braking equipment
pad and disc wear, corroded brake lines, handbrake travel
€100–400 for pads and discs — up to €680 at worst.
Brake performance
braking imbalance side to side, sticking calipers, fluid condition
€100–400 for pads, or a seized caliper — up to €680 at worst.
Chassis & body
sills, subframe, suspension mounts, wheel arches for rot
€400–800 for welding corroded structure — up to €2,000 at worst.
Safety equipment
seatbelts, airbag warning light, horn, mirrors, wipers
€50–250 for seatbelts, horn, mirrors, wipers — up to €400 at worst.
What the repairs cost
€70–105 in NCT-related repairs is typical for a car this age. It is a figure for comparing models, not a quote.
Irish garage prices for the common jobs are on the repair costs page.
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Other saloon options
- BToyota Corolla(Above average)
- CVolkswagen Passat(About average)
- CToyota Avensis(About average)
- CAudi A4(About average)
- DFord Mondeo(Below average)
- CBMW 520(About average)
Other Lexus models
- BLexus IS200(Above average)
- BLexus IS300(Above average)
- ALexus CT200H(Well above average)
- ALexus RX450(Well above average)
- ALexus IS250(Well above average)
- ALexus NX300H(Well above average)
See every model we have measured
Where these figures come from
Test and failure figures: National Car Test statistics published by the Road Safety Authority and the National Car Testing Service, 12.5 million tests, 2015 and 2017–2025. Repair prices: Irish garage quotes and The AA Ireland servicing guides, reviewed September 2026 — see our repair cost guide. Motor tax bands: motortax.ie.
Based on published NCT results and typical Irish repair prices for this model and age. It reflects the condition of cars presented for test, not manufacturer build quality, and cannot tell you about a specific vehicle's history. Repair figures are estimates, not quotes.