At a Glance
The Lotus Exige has 2 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the S1 (2000-2011) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 17K 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 Exige 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 Exige 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 Exige owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Lotus Exige Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Lotus Exige MOT Failures
Every reason Lotus Exige 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 | 16.38% |
| 2 | Windscreen washer not working | 7.50% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.18% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.86% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.08% |
| 6 | Indicator fault | 3.97% |
| 7 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.54% |
| 8 | Horn not working | 3.45% |
| 9 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 3.28% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 3.05% |
| 11 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 3.02% |
| 12 | Tyre condition | 2.96% |
| 13 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.85% |
| 14 | Fog lamp not working | 2.36% |
| 15 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.33% |
| 16 | Track rod end worn | 2.33% |
| 17 | Position lamp not working | 2.24% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.84% |
| 19 | Electrical switch fault | 1.78% |
| 20 | Stop lamp not working | 1.75% |
| 21 | Headlamp fault | 1.47% |
| 22 | ABS fault | 1.24% |
| 23 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.12% |
| 24 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.12% |
| 25 | Rear fog lamp not working | 1.06% |
| 26 | Rear lamp not working | 0.83% |
| 27 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.75% |
| 28 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.75% |
| 29 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.72% |
| 30 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.72% |
| 31 | Airbag warning light on | 0.69% |
| 32 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.66% |
| 33 | Rear suspension fault | 0.66% |
| 34 | Exhaust system fault | 0.60% |
| 35 | Steering rack fault | 0.57% |
| 36 | Front passenger door fault | 0.46% |
| 37 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.43% |
| 38 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.32% |
| 39 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.32% |
| 40 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.32% |
| 41 | Front suspension fault | 0.29% |
| 42 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.29% |
| 43 | Brake lever fault | 0.23% |
| 44 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.23% |
| 45 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.23% |
| 46 | Parking brake condition | 0.23% |
| 47 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.23% |
| 48 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.23% |
| 49 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.20% |
| 50 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.20% |
| 51 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.17% |
| 52 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.17% |
| 53 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.17% |
| 54 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.17% |
| 55 | Steering lock fault | 0.14% |
| 56 | Steering operation fault | 0.14% |
| 57 | Driver airbag fault | 0.11% |
| 58 | Driver seat fault | 0.11% |
| 59 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 60 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.11% |
| 61 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.11% |
| 62 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 63 | Brake caliper fault | 0.09% |
| 64 | Brake fluid leak | 0.09% |
| 65 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.09% |
| 66 | Driver door fault | 0.09% |
| 67 | Seat belt condition | 0.09% |
| 68 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.09% |
| 69 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 70 | Driveshaft fault | 0.06% |
| 71 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.06% |
| 72 | Engine oil leak | 0.06% |
| 73 | Passenger seat fault | 0.06% |
| 74 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 75 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 76 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 77 | Additional braking device fault | 0.03% |
| 78 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 80 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 81 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 82 | Brake pedal fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.03% |
| 84 | Brake valve fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 86 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 87 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 89 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 91 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 93 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.03% |
Showing all 93 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Lotus Exige MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Lotus Exige, 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 Exige problems?
Based on analysis of 17K Lotus Exige MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 2 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Catalytic converter efficiency low". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Lotus Exige generation has the most problems?
The Lotus Exige S1 (2000-2011) (2000–2011) 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 Exige?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Lotus Exige owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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