At a Glance
The Lotus Eclat has 11 identified common problems across 1 generation (1975–1982), with the First Generation being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 6K 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 our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Lotus Eclat common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Lotus Eclat generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Lotus Eclat owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Lotus Eclat Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Lotus Eclat MOT Failures
Every reason Lotus Eclat 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 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 7.47% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 6.95% |
| 3 | Stop lamp not working | 6.69% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.01% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.94% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.29% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 3.98% |
| 8 | Front lamp not working | 3.79% |
| 9 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.43% |
| 10 | Rear lamp not working | 3.07% |
| 11 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.84% |
| 12 | Exhaust system fault | 2.77% |
| 13 | Indicator fault | 2.68% |
| 14 | Ball joint dust cover split | 2.12% |
| 15 | Track rod end worn | 2.06% |
| 16 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.83% |
| 17 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.76% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.73% |
| 19 | Position lamp not working | 1.66% |
| 20 | Headlamp fault | 1.50% |
| 21 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.17% |
| 22 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.17% |
| 23 | Steering rack fault | 1.17% |
| 24 | Driveshaft fault | 1.08% |
| 25 | Seat belt condition | 1.04% |
| 26 | Horn not working | 0.98% |
| 27 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.98% |
| 28 | Electrical switch fault | 0.95% |
| 29 | Front suspension fault | 0.95% |
| 30 | Brake pedal fault | 0.85% |
| 31 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.78% |
| 32 | Rear suspension fault | 0.75% |
| 33 | Parking brake condition | 0.72% |
| 34 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.69% |
| 35 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.69% |
| 36 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.69% |
| 37 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.59% |
| 38 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.55% |
| 39 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.55% |
| 40 | Brake fluid leak | 0.49% |
| 41 | Steering free play excessive | 0.49% |
| 42 | Front passenger door fault | 0.42% |
| 43 | Steering coupling worn | 0.42% |
| 44 | Brake caliper fault | 0.36% |
| 45 | Steering arm worn | 0.33% |
| 46 | Steering column fault | 0.33% |
| 47 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.29% |
| 48 | Power steering pump fault | 0.29% |
| 49 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.29% |
| 50 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.29% |
| 51 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.26% |
| 52 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.23% |
| 53 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.23% |
| 54 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.23% |
| 55 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.23% |
| 56 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.23% |
| 57 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.20% |
| 58 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.20% |
| 59 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.20% |
| 60 | Steering lock fault | 0.20% |
| 61 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.20% |
| 62 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.16% |
| 63 | Driver seat fault | 0.16% |
| 64 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.16% |
| 65 | Power steering ram fault | 0.16% |
| 66 | Speedometer fault | 0.16% |
| 67 | Driver door fault | 0.13% |
| 68 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.13% |
| 69 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 70 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.13% |
| 71 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.10% |
| 72 | Brake lever fault | 0.10% |
| 73 | Chassis condition | 0.10% |
| 74 | Drag link end worn | 0.10% |
| 75 | Engine oil leak | 0.10% |
| 76 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.10% |
| 77 | Fog lamp not working | 0.10% |
| 78 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.10% |
| 79 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.10% |
| 80 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.10% |
| 81 | Steering operation fault | 0.10% |
| 82 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.10% |
| 83 | Body security fault | 0.07% |
| 84 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.07% |
| 85 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.07% |
| 86 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.07% |
| 87 | Exhaust leak | 0.07% |
| 88 | Universal joint worn | 0.07% |
| 89 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 90 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 91 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.03% |
| 93 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 95 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Brake servo fault | 0.03% |
| 98 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.03% |
| 99 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.03% |
| 100 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.03% |
| 102 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 105 | Steering drive system fault | 0.03% |
| 106 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.03% |
| 107 | Stub axle worn | 0.03% |
| 108 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 109 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 110 | Transmission oil leak | 0.03% |
| 111 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.03% |
Showing all 111 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Lotus Eclat MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Lotus Eclat, 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 Eclat problems?
Based on analysis of 6K Lotus Eclat MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 11 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst)". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Lotus Eclat generation has the most problems?
The Lotus Eclat First Generation (1975–1982) has the highest number of identified common problems (12). Click the generation card above for the 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 Eclat?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Lotus Eclat owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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