Lotus Common MOT Problems (2026)
Every Lotus model ranked by MOT fail rate, with the most common issues identified for each. Based on 18,505 real MOT tests.
Average Lotus MOT pass rate: 90%
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See the specific issues found on your car, plus health score and running cost estimates.
90%
Avg pass rate
10%
Avg fail rate
9
Models tested
Lotus Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates across all tested years
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Common Issues | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lotus Elan | 21% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 2 | Lotus Esprit | 12% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 3 | Lotus Europa | 11% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 4 | Lotus Elise | 8% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 5 | Lotus Evora S | 8% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion |
Most Reliable Lotus Models
Lowest average fail rates; the Lotus models least likely to have MOT problems
| # | Model | Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lotus Elise Sport 240 | 96% | |
| 2 | Lotus Evora | 94% | |
| 3 | Lotus Exige | 93% | |
| 4 | Lotus Evora 4 V6 | 92% | |
| 5 | Lotus Elise | 91% |
All Lotus Models by Fail Rate
Every Lotus model and year combination, sorted by fail rate (highest first)
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elan | 1993 | 56% | 37% | |
| Elan | 1991 | 77% | 22% | |
| Elan | 1992 | 77% | 22% | |
| Elan | 1990 | 81% | 19% | |
| Esprit | 1994 | 81% | 19% | |
| Elise | 1997 | 83% | 16% | |
| Elan | 1995 | 83% | 16% | |
| Elan | 1994 | 85% | 15% | |
| Esprit | 1999 | 83% | 15% | |
| Elise | 1998 | 85% | 14% | |
| Elise | 2000 | 85% | 14% | |
| Elan | 1996 | 86% | 14% | |
| Evora | 2010 | 86% | 14% | |
| Esprit | 1997 | 87% | 13% | |
| Exige | 2004 | 87% | 13% | |
| Esprit | 1990 | 88% | 12% | |
| Evora S | 2009 | 88% | 12% | |
| Elise | 2004 | 88% | 11% | |
| Elise | 2006 | 89% | 11% | |
| Elise | 2010 | 88% | 11% | |
| Esprit | 1998 | 89% | 11% | |
| Exige | 2008 | 89% | 11% | |
| Europa | 2007 | 89% | 11% | |
| Elise | 1999 | 88% | 10% | |
| Elise | 2002 | 90% | 10% | |
| Elise | 2003 | 90% | 10% | |
| Elise | 2018 | 90% | 10% | |
| Esprit | 1996 | 85% | 10% | |
| Elise | 2011 | 90% | 10% | |
| Elise | 1996 | 90% | 10% | |
| Elise | 2008 | 91% | 9% | |
| Exige | 2006 | 88% | 9% | |
| Evora S | 2011 | 91% | 9% | |
| Evora S | 2015 | 91% | 9% | |
| Elise | 2001 | 91% | 8% | |
| Elise | 2007 | 91% | 8% | |
| Elise | 2014 | 92% | 8% | |
| Exige | 2007 | 92% | 8% | |
| Exige | 2005 | 92% | 8% | |
| Elise | 2005 | 92% | 7% | |
| Exige | 2014 | 93% | 7% | |
| Elise | 2016 | 93% | 7% | |
| Esprit | 1995 | 91% | 7% | |
| Evora S | 2014 | 93% | 7% | |
| Exige | 2015 | 94% | 6% | |
| Evora S | 2010 | 94% | 6% | |
| Elise | 2009 | 92% | 6% | |
| Elise | 2017 | 94% | 6% | |
| Exige | 2010 | 94% | 6% | |
| Evora | 2018 | 94% | 6% |
Showing top 50 of 71 model/year combinations. View all Lotus models
Lotus MOT FAQ
What are the most common MOT problems on Lotus cars?
The most common MOT problems on Lotus cars vary by model and age, but typically include lighting defects, suspension wear, brake component deterioration, and tyre condition issues. Older Lotus diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. The Elan has the highest average fail rate at 21%.
Which Lotus model is the most reliable?
The most reliable Lotus model in our data is the Elise Sport 240 with an average MOT pass rate of 96%. View all Lotus models for full reliability data.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Lotus?
The average MOT pass rate for Lotus is 90%, based on 18,505 MOT tests across 9 models. This means about 10% of Lotus cars fail their MOT on the first attempt.
Check a Specific Lotus
Enter any reg plate to see the individual MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.