At a Glance
The Lotus Esprit has 12 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the S1-S4 (1976-1996) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 21K 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 Esprit 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 Esprit 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Lotus Esprit owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Lotus Esprit Generations
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Most Common Lotus Esprit MOT Failures
Every reason Lotus Esprit 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 | 8.62% |
| 2 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.87% |
| 3 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.96% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.46% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.45% |
| 6 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.40% |
| 7 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 4.18% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 4.15% |
| 9 | Tyre condition | 3.58% |
| 10 | Exhaust system fault | 3.41% |
| 11 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.95% |
| 12 | Front lamp not working | 2.86% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.64% |
| 14 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.63% |
| 15 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.30% |
| 16 | Headlamp fault | 1.76% |
| 17 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.65% |
| 18 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.62% |
| 19 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.62% |
| 20 | Indicator fault | 1.52% |
| 21 | Parking brake condition | 1.39% |
| 22 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.37% |
| 23 | Rear lamp not working | 1.35% |
| 24 | ABS fault | 1.34% |
| 25 | Fog lamp not working | 1.31% |
| 26 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.28% |
| 27 | Rear suspension fault | 1.12% |
| 28 | Position lamp not working | 1.11% |
| 29 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.02% |
| 30 | Horn not working | 0.98% |
| 31 | Front suspension fault | 0.89% |
| 32 | Track rod end worn | 0.87% |
| 33 | Steering operation fault | 0.86% |
| 34 | Steering rack fault | 0.74% |
| 35 | Electrical switch fault | 0.72% |
| 36 | Steering free play excessive | 0.69% |
| 37 | Driveshaft fault | 0.65% |
| 38 | Brake caliper fault | 0.61% |
| 39 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.59% |
| 40 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.52% |
| 41 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.51% |
| 42 | Steering coupling worn | 0.45% |
| 43 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.39% |
| 44 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.37% |
| 45 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.34% |
| 46 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.34% |
| 47 | Seat belt condition | 0.33% |
| 48 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.29% |
| 49 | Steering column fault | 0.28% |
| 50 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.27% |
| 51 | Brake pedal fault | 0.26% |
| 52 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.25% |
| 53 | Brake lever fault | 0.20% |
| 54 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.20% |
| 55 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.19% |
| 56 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.17% |
| 57 | Steering arm worn | 0.17% |
| 58 | Engine oil leak | 0.16% |
| 59 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.16% |
| 60 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.16% |
| 61 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.15% |
| 62 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.14% |
| 63 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.14% |
| 64 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.13% |
| 65 | Chassis condition | 0.13% |
| 66 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.13% |
| 67 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.12% |
| 68 | Body security fault | 0.11% |
| 69 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.11% |
| 70 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.11% |
| 71 | Driver seat fault | 0.10% |
| 72 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.10% |
| 73 | Steering lock fault | 0.10% |
| 74 | Drag link end worn | 0.09% |
| 75 | Front passenger door fault | 0.09% |
| 76 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 77 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 78 | Brake fluid leak | 0.07% |
| 79 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.07% |
| 80 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 81 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 82 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.05% |
| 83 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 84 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.05% |
| 85 | Brake servo fault | 0.05% |
| 86 | Hazard warning light fault | 0.05% |
| 87 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.05% |
| 88 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.05% |
| 89 | Universal joint worn | 0.05% |
| 90 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.04% |
| 91 | Exhaust leak | 0.04% |
| 92 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.04% |
| 93 | Speedometer fault | 0.04% |
| 94 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.04% |
| 95 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 96 | Power steering pump fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Steering shaft fault | 0.03% |
| 98 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 99 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Brake pedal linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 108 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 109 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 110 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.02% |
| 111 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.02% |
| 112 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 113 | Airbag warning light on | 0.01% |
| 114 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 115 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.01% |
| 116 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 118 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.01% |
| 119 | Brake stationary pin worn | 0.01% |
| 120 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 121 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 122 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | 0.01% |
| 123 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 124 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.01% |
| 125 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 126 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 127 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 128 | Steering box fault | 0.01% |
| 129 | Suspension coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 130 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 131 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 132 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
Showing all 132 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Lotus Esprit MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Lotus Esprit, 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 Esprit problems?
Based on analysis of 21K Lotus Esprit MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 12 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 Esprit generation has the most problems?
The Lotus Esprit S1-S4 (1976-1996) (1976–1996) 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 Esprit?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Lotus Esprit owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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