At a Glance
Lotus has 34 identified common problems across 19 models, with the Elan being the most affected model and exhaust the most common problem category. Based on 237K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Lotus common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 237K DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Lotus models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Lotus Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 19 Lotus models.
Elise
Most common: Brakes
Elan
Most common: Brakes
Esprit
Most common: Brakes
Exige
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Evora
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Eclat
Most common: Brakes
Europa
Most common: Brakes
Excel
Most common: Brakes
Elite
Most common: Brakes
Most Common Lotus MOT Failures
Every reason Lotus vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Windscreen washer not working | 7.35% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.45% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 6.37% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.28% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.69% |
| 6 | Stop lamp not working | 4.34% |
| 7 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.10% |
| 8 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 4.05% |
| 9 | Front lamp not working | 3.99% |
| 10 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.88% |
| 11 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 3.42% |
| 12 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 3.22% |
| 13 | Tyre condition | 2.99% |
| 14 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.67% |
| 15 | Exhaust system fault | 2.66% |
| 16 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.50% |
| 17 | Track rod end worn | 2.49% |
| 18 | Indicator fault | 2.14% |
| 19 | Position lamp not working | 1.86% |
| 20 | Horn not working | 1.71% |
| 21 | Rear lamp not working | 1.45% |
| 22 | Fog lamp not working | 1.28% |
| 23 | Driveshaft fault | 1.14% |
| 24 | Headlamp fault | 1.11% |
| 25 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.08% |
| 26 | Parking brake condition | 1.08% |
| 27 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.05% |
| 28 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.86% |
| 29 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.83% |
| 30 | Rear suspension fault | 0.75% |
| 31 | Steering rack fault | 0.73% |
| 32 | Front suspension fault | 0.68% |
| 33 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.67% |
| 34 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.55% |
| 35 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.54% |
| 36 | Electrical switch fault | 0.51% |
| 37 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.50% |
| 38 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.39% |
| 39 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.39% |
| 40 | Seat belt condition | 0.38% |
| 41 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.36% |
| 42 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.35% |
| 43 | ABS fault | 0.33% |
| 44 | Brake pedal fault | 0.31% |
| 45 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.27% |
| 46 | Steering free play excessive | 0.27% |
| 47 | Steering operation fault | 0.25% |
| 48 | Brake caliper fault | 0.25% |
| 49 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.23% |
| 50 | Steering column fault | 0.21% |
| 51 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.20% |
| 52 | Brake fluid leak | 0.20% |
| 53 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.19% |
| 54 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.19% |
| 55 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.18% |
| 56 | Brake lever fault | 0.18% |
| 57 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.17% |
| 58 | Front passenger door fault | 0.17% |
| 59 | Steering coupling worn | 0.16% |
| 60 | Steering arm worn | 0.14% |
| 61 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.14% |
| 62 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.12% |
| 63 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.11% |
| 64 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.11% |
| 65 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.11% |
| 66 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.10% |
| 67 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.10% |
| 68 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.10% |
| 69 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.09% |
| 70 | Steering lock fault | 0.09% |
| 71 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 72 | Airbag warning light on | 0.08% |
| 73 | Chassis condition | 0.08% |
| 74 | Driver seat fault | 0.08% |
| 75 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 76 | Speedometer fault | 0.07% |
| 77 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.07% |
| 78 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 79 | Drag link end worn | 0.07% |
| 80 | Driver door fault | 0.07% |
| 81 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.07% |
| 82 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 83 | Engine oil leak | 0.06% |
| 84 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 85 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 86 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.05% |
| 87 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.05% |
| 88 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.05% |
| 89 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.05% |
| 90 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.04% |
| 91 | Suspension unit fault | 0.04% |
| 92 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.04% |
| 93 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 94 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 95 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.04% |
| 96 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.03% |
| 97 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 98 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 99 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 100 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.03% |
| 101 | Power steering pump fault | 0.03% |
| 102 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 103 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 104 | Dip switch fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Universal joint worn | 0.02% |
| 106 | Hazard warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Steering shaft fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.02% |
| 110 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 111 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 112 | Brake valve fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 114 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 116 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.01% |
| 118 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 119 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 120 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 121 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 122 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 123 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 124 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 126 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 129 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
| 132 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 133 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 134 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 139 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 143 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 147 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 151 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 153 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 154 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 155 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 159 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 161 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 163 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 164 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 166 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 170 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Lotus MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Lotus, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Lotus problems?
Based on analysis of 237K Lotus MOT tests from DVSA data, Lotus has 34 identified common problems across 19 models. The Lotus Elan has the most recorded problems. Exhaust issues are the most common category.
Which Lotus model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Lotus Elan has the highest count with 17 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Lotus models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Lotus?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Lotus owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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