At a Glance
The Lotus Elise has 7 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the S1 (1996-2001) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 123K 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 Elise 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 Elise 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 Elise Generations
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Most Common Lotus Elise MOT Failures
Every reason Lotus Elise 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 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.03% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.12% |
| 3 | Windscreen washer not working | 7.11% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.52% |
| 5 | Front lamp not working | 5.46% |
| 6 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 5.07% |
| 7 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 4.53% |
| 8 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.44% |
| 9 | Headlamp aim defect | 4.08% |
| 10 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.68% |
| 11 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.68% |
| 12 | Track rod end worn | 3.65% |
| 13 | Stop lamp not working | 3.56% |
| 14 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.90% |
| 15 | Position lamp not working | 2.37% |
| 16 | Tyre condition | 2.28% |
| 17 | Indicator fault | 2.13% |
| 18 | Horn not working | 1.92% |
| 19 | Exhaust system fault | 1.92% |
| 20 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.84% |
| 21 | Fog lamp not working | 1.50% |
| 22 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.17% |
| 23 | Rear lamp not working | 1.11% |
| 24 | Headlamp fault | 1.11% |
| 25 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.10% |
| 26 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.86% |
| 27 | Rear suspension fault | 0.83% |
| 28 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.73% |
| 29 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.65% |
| 30 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.65% |
| 31 | Electrical switch fault | 0.49% |
| 32 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.43% |
| 33 | Parking brake condition | 0.42% |
| 34 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.41% |
| 35 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.33% |
| 36 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.31% |
| 37 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.29% |
| 38 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.27% |
| 39 | Steering rack fault | 0.27% |
| 40 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.27% |
| 41 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.24% |
| 42 | ABS fault | 0.22% |
| 43 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.21% |
| 44 | Steering free play excessive | 0.18% |
| 45 | Brake caliper fault | 0.18% |
| 46 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.18% |
| 47 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.17% |
| 48 | Front passenger door fault | 0.15% |
| 49 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.12% |
| 50 | Brake lever fault | 0.12% |
| 51 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.12% |
| 52 | Brake fluid leak | 0.11% |
| 53 | Steering arm worn | 0.11% |
| 54 | Seat belt condition | 0.10% |
| 55 | Front suspension fault | 0.09% |
| 56 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.08% |
| 57 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.08% |
| 58 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 59 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.08% |
| 60 | Driveshaft fault | 0.07% |
| 61 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.07% |
| 62 | Suspension unit fault | 0.07% |
| 63 | Steering operation fault | 0.07% |
| 64 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.06% |
| 65 | Speedometer fault | 0.06% |
| 66 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.06% |
| 67 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 68 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 69 | Driver door fault | 0.06% |
| 70 | Brake pedal fault | 0.06% |
| 71 | Drag link end worn | 0.06% |
| 72 | Steering column fault | 0.06% |
| 73 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 74 | Driver seat fault | 0.06% |
| 75 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 76 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 77 | Airbag warning light on | 0.05% |
| 78 | Steering lock fault | 0.05% |
| 79 | Steering coupling worn | 0.05% |
| 80 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 81 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.04% |
| 83 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 85 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 86 | Dip switch fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.03% |
| 88 | Chassis condition | 0.02% |
| 89 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 91 | Hazard warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 93 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 94 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 96 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 97 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 99 | Steering shaft fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 103 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 105 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 106 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 107 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 108 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 110 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 112 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Engine oil leak | <0.01% |
| 117 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 119 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 120 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 122 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 125 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 126 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 130 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 133 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 135 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 136 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 137 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 138 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 139 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 139 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Lotus Elise MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Lotus Elise, 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 Elise problems?
Based on analysis of 123K Lotus Elise MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 7 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Catalytic converter efficiency low". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Lotus Elise generation has the most problems?
The Lotus Elise S1 (1996-2001) (1996–2001) 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 Elise?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Lotus Elise owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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