At a Glance
The Lotus Elan has 17 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the M100 (1989-1995) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 48K 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 Elan 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 Elan 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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Browse Lotus Elan Generations
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Most Common Lotus Elan MOT Failures
Every reason Lotus Elan 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 | 9.33% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 7.93% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.97% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.85% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 5.75% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 4.31% |
| 7 | Driveshaft fault | 3.85% |
| 8 | Tyre condition | 3.66% |
| 9 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.35% |
| 10 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.33% |
| 11 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.19% |
| 12 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.83% |
| 13 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.80% |
| 14 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.45% |
| 15 | Front lamp not working | 2.31% |
| 16 | Parking brake condition | 2.24% |
| 17 | Rear lamp not working | 1.79% |
| 18 | Front suspension fault | 1.60% |
| 19 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.43% |
| 20 | Indicator fault | 1.32% |
| 21 | Steering rack fault | 1.31% |
| 22 | Track rod end worn | 1.26% |
| 23 | Fog lamp not working | 1.15% |
| 24 | Horn not working | 1.13% |
| 25 | Position lamp not working | 1.11% |
| 26 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.03% |
| 27 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.88% |
| 28 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.88% |
| 29 | Seat belt condition | 0.86% |
| 30 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.81% |
| 31 | Headlamp fault | 0.73% |
| 32 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.64% |
| 33 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.63% |
| 34 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.59% |
| 35 | Brake pedal fault | 0.58% |
| 36 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.57% |
| 37 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.42% |
| 38 | Steering column fault | 0.41% |
| 39 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.39% |
| 40 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.38% |
| 41 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.36% |
| 42 | Steering operation fault | 0.35% |
| 43 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.32% |
| 44 | Rear suspension fault | 0.32% |
| 45 | Brake fluid leak | 0.31% |
| 46 | Brake lever fault | 0.31% |
| 47 | Steering free play excessive | 0.26% |
| 48 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.25% |
| 49 | Steering coupling worn | 0.23% |
| 50 | Electrical switch fault | 0.22% |
| 51 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.21% |
| 52 | Brake caliper fault | 0.21% |
| 53 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.20% |
| 54 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.18% |
| 55 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.16% |
| 56 | Steering arm worn | 0.16% |
| 57 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.16% |
| 58 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 59 | Chassis condition | 0.14% |
| 60 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.14% |
| 61 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.14% |
| 62 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.13% |
| 63 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.12% |
| 64 | Steering lock fault | 0.12% |
| 65 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.12% |
| 66 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.11% |
| 67 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.10% |
| 68 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.10% |
| 69 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.10% |
| 70 | Engine oil leak | 0.10% |
| 71 | Speedometer fault | 0.10% |
| 72 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 73 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.09% |
| 74 | Drag link end worn | 0.09% |
| 75 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.09% |
| 76 | Driver seat fault | 0.08% |
| 77 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.08% |
| 78 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.08% |
| 79 | Front passenger door fault | 0.07% |
| 80 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.07% |
| 81 | Propshaft fault | 0.07% |
| 82 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.07% |
| 83 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.06% |
| 84 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.06% |
| 85 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 86 | Driver door fault | 0.05% |
| 87 | Steering shaft fault | 0.05% |
| 88 | Universal joint worn | 0.05% |
| 89 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 90 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.04% |
| 91 | Exhaust leak | 0.04% |
| 92 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 93 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.04% |
| 94 | Brake valve fault | 0.04% |
| 95 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 96 | CV joint worn | 0.03% |
| 97 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 98 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 99 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 100 | Dip switch fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Hazard warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 102 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Suspension coupling worn | 0.03% |
| 105 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 106 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 107 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.02% |
| 109 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 111 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 112 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.02% |
| 113 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 114 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 116 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 117 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 118 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 119 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.01% |
| 120 | Body security fault | 0.01% |
| 121 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 122 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 123 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 124 | Seat belt anchorage fault | 0.01% |
| 125 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 126 | Steering box fault | 0.01% |
| 127 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 128 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.01% |
| 129 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.01% |
| 130 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 134 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 135 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 138 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 138 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Lotus Elan MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Lotus Elan, 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 Elan problems?
Based on analysis of 48K Lotus Elan MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 17 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Lotus Elan generation has the most problems?
The Lotus Elan M100 (1989-1995) (1989–1995) has the highest number of identified common problems (21). 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 Elan?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Lotus Elan owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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