At a Glance
The Lotus Excel has 9 identified common problems across 1 generation (1982–1992), with the First Generation being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 4K 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 Excel 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 Excel 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 Excel owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Lotus Excel Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Lotus Excel MOT Failures
Every reason Lotus Excel 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 hydraulic component worn | 8.36% |
| 2 | Headlamp aim defect | 7.04% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.88% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.14% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.88% |
| 6 | Stop lamp not working | 5.66% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 5.66% |
| 8 | Front lamp not working | 3.71% |
| 9 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 3.39% |
| 10 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.65% |
| 11 | Track rod end worn | 2.65% |
| 12 | Rear lamp not working | 2.54% |
| 13 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.49% |
| 14 | Position lamp not working | 2.44% |
| 15 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.91% |
| 16 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.85% |
| 17 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.80% |
| 18 | Headlamp fault | 1.75% |
| 19 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 1.64% |
| 20 | Brake pedal fault | 1.38% |
| 21 | Rear fog lamp not working | 1.38% |
| 22 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.32% |
| 23 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 1.27% |
| 24 | Exhaust system fault | 1.27% |
| 25 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.16% |
| 26 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.11% |
| 27 | Front suspension fault | 0.90% |
| 28 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.90% |
| 29 | Electrical switch fault | 0.85% |
| 30 | Front passenger door fault | 0.74% |
| 31 | Seat belt condition | 0.64% |
| 32 | Brake caliper fault | 0.58% |
| 33 | Steering column fault | 0.58% |
| 34 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.53% |
| 35 | Rear suspension fault | 0.53% |
| 36 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.48% |
| 37 | Steering coupling worn | 0.48% |
| 38 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.42% |
| 39 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.42% |
| 40 | Driveshaft fault | 0.42% |
| 41 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.42% |
| 42 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.42% |
| 43 | Steering rack fault | 0.42% |
| 44 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.37% |
| 45 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.32% |
| 46 | Brake fluid leak | 0.32% |
| 47 | Driver door fault | 0.32% |
| 48 | Parking brake condition | 0.32% |
| 49 | Power steering pump fault | 0.32% |
| 50 | Steering free play excessive | 0.32% |
| 51 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.32% |
| 52 | Chassis condition | 0.26% |
| 53 | Horn not working | 0.26% |
| 54 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.26% |
| 55 | Steering operation fault | 0.26% |
| 56 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.16% |
| 57 | Fog lamp not working | 0.16% |
| 58 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.16% |
| 59 | Indicator fault | 0.16% |
| 60 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.16% |
| 61 | Speedometer fault | 0.16% |
| 62 | Steering arm worn | 0.16% |
| 63 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.16% |
| 64 | Universal joint worn | 0.16% |
| 65 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.11% |
| 66 | Driver seat fault | 0.11% |
| 67 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.11% |
| 68 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.11% |
| 69 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.11% |
| 70 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.11% |
| 71 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 72 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 73 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 74 | Brake servo fault | 0.05% |
| 75 | Brake valve fault | 0.05% |
| 76 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 77 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.05% |
| 78 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.05% |
| 79 | Engine oil leak | 0.05% |
| 80 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 81 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.05% |
| 82 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.05% |
| 83 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.05% |
| 84 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.05% |
| 85 | Power steering ram fault | 0.05% |
| 86 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 87 | Steering lock fault | 0.05% |
| 88 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 89 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 90 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 91 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 92 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.05% |
| 93 | Windscreen washer not working | 0.05% |
Showing all 93 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Lotus Excel MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Lotus Excel, 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 Excel problems?
Based on analysis of 4K Lotus Excel MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 9 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Steering rack fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Lotus Excel generation has the most problems?
The Lotus Excel First Generation (1982–1992) has the highest number of identified common problems (10). 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 Excel?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Lotus Excel owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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