At a Glance
The Lotus Elite has 1 identified common problems across 2 generations (1957–1982), with the Second Generation (Type 75) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 3K 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 Elite 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 Elite 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 Elite owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Lotus Elite Generations
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Most Common Lotus Elite MOT Failures
Every reason Lotus Elite 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 | Brake performance below minimum | 12.29% |
| 2 | Indicator fault | 6.64% |
| 3 | Stop lamp not working | 6.64% |
| 4 | Exhaust system fault | 5.93% |
| 5 | Headlamp aim defect | 5.84% |
| 6 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.51% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.23% |
| 8 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.77% |
| 9 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.53% |
| 10 | Steering rack fault | 3.16% |
| 11 | Rear lamp not working | 2.83% |
| 12 | Horn not working | 2.45% |
| 13 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.26% |
| 14 | Front lamp not working | 2.21% |
| 15 | Tyre condition | 2.17% |
| 16 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 1.93% |
| 17 | Parking brake condition | 1.88% |
| 18 | Driveshaft fault | 1.51% |
| 19 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.41% |
| 20 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.27% |
| 21 | Track rod end worn | 1.22% |
| 22 | Position lamp not working | 1.13% |
| 23 | Front suspension fault | 1.04% |
| 24 | Seat belt condition | 1.04% |
| 25 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.94% |
| 26 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 0.89% |
| 27 | Rear suspension fault | 0.80% |
| 28 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.75% |
| 29 | Brake pedal fault | 0.71% |
| 30 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.66% |
| 31 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.61% |
| 32 | Steering free play excessive | 0.52% |
| 33 | Brake fluid leak | 0.47% |
| 34 | Fog lamp not working | 0.47% |
| 35 | Headlamp fault | 0.47% |
| 36 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.47% |
| 37 | Steering arm worn | 0.47% |
| 38 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.42% |
| 39 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.42% |
| 40 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.38% |
| 41 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.38% |
| 42 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.33% |
| 43 | Electrical switch fault | 0.33% |
| 44 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.33% |
| 45 | Steering operation fault | 0.33% |
| 46 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.33% |
| 47 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.33% |
| 48 | Brake caliper fault | 0.28% |
| 49 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.28% |
| 50 | Steering column fault | 0.28% |
| 51 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.28% |
| 52 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.24% |
| 53 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.24% |
| 54 | Chassis condition | 0.24% |
| 55 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.24% |
| 56 | Steering coupling worn | 0.24% |
| 57 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.24% |
| 58 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.19% |
| 59 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.19% |
| 60 | Steering lock fault | 0.19% |
| 61 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.19% |
| 62 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.14% |
| 63 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.14% |
| 64 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.14% |
| 65 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 66 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.09% |
| 67 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.09% |
| 68 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 69 | Spare wheel fault | 0.09% |
| 70 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.09% |
| 71 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 72 | Brake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.05% |
| 74 | Brake valve fault | 0.05% |
| 75 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.05% |
| 76 | Drag link end worn | 0.05% |
| 77 | Driver door fault | 0.05% |
| 78 | Driver seat fault | 0.05% |
| 79 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.05% |
| 80 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 81 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.05% |
| 82 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.05% |
| 83 | Passenger seat fault | 0.05% |
| 84 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 85 | Seat belt anchorage fault | 0.05% |
| 86 | Speedometer fault | 0.05% |
| 87 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 88 | Steering shaft fault | 0.05% |
| 89 | Stub axle worn | 0.05% |
| 90 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 91 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
Showing all 91 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Lotus Elite MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Lotus Elite, 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 Elite problems?
Based on analysis of 3K Lotus Elite MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 1 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst)". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Lotus Elite generation has the most problems?
The Lotus Elite Second Generation (Type 75) (1974–1982) has the highest number of identified common problems (2). 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 Elite?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Lotus Elite owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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