Lotus Elise MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 5,150 MOT tests on the Lotus Elise carried out in 2023. 15% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 9 in 10 Elises passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1997 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2005 models did best (89% passed, +32.5 points against the average for 18-year-old cars), while 2020 models fared worst (90%, +2.6 points). Tested cars had covered 48,180 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 6.4% of tests (noticeably below the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 2.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 5,150
- First-time pass rate
- 85%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +13.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 48,180
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Elise?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Elise MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 72 | 90% | 88% | +2.6 points | 6,847 |
| 2019 | 103 | 93% | 86% | +7.0 points | 8,602 |
| 2018 | 70 | 89% | 84% | +4.3 points | 13,568 |
| 2017 | 87 | 95% | 82% | +13.7 points | 13,948 |
| 2016 | 94 | 95% | 79% | +16.0 points | 20,155 |
| 2015 | 101 | 94% | 75% | +18.6 points | 22,628 |
| 2014 | 85 | 91% | 72% | +18.9 points | 31,652 |
| 2013 | 51 | 82% | 68% | +14.1 points | 29,869 |
| 2011 | 61 | 79% | 63% | +15.7 points | 36,574 |
| 2010 | 115 | 87% | 60% | +26.5 points | 35,878 |
| 2009 | 102 | 90% | 59% | +31.2 points | 38,640 |
| 2008 | 187 | 86% | 57% | +28.7 points | 41,966 |
| 2007 | 230 | 86% | 57% | +28.7 points | 44,988 |
| 2006 | 228 | 84% | 56% | +27.6 points | 46,678 |
| 2005 | 249 | 89% | 56% | +32.5 points | 49,254 |
| 2004 | 245 | 84% | 56% | +28.1 points | 54,017 |
| 2003 | 291 | 86% | 57% | +29.3 points | 55,489 |
| 2002 | 410 | 84% | 58% | +26.2 points | 51,858 |
| 2001 | 266 | 85% | 59% | +25.9 points | 51,411 |
| 2000 | 515 | 85% | 61% | +24.1 points | 52,161 |
| 1999 | 665 | 82% | 62% | +19.0 points | 59,600 |
| 1998 | 626 | 81% | 64% | +17.4 points | 60,615 |
| 1997 | 225 | 83% | 64% | +18.2 points | 56,265 |
Why the Lotus Elise fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Elise | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 6.4% | 11.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.4% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 3.7% | 4.8% |
| Suspension | 2.1% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 2.1% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 1.1% | 6.3% |
| Number plates and VIN | 1.0% | 0.4% |
| Steering | 0.8% | 1.8% |
| Body and structure | 0.6% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.1% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working2.9%
- 2Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.5%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively1.3%
- 4too high1.2%
- 5carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.2%
- 6not working1.2%
- 7provides insufficient washer liquid1.1%
- 8carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits0.9%
- 9too low0.9%
- 10carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits0.7%
Common Elise MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Elise, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 5.4% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 4.4% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 3.1% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 3.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 2.5% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.5% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 2.5% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 1.9% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 1.7% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 1.5% |
Tips to help your Elise pass
Based on where Elises most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 6.4% of Elise tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Visibility · 3.7% of Elise tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Elise ULEZ compliant? See the Lotus Elise ULEZ check, or view all Lotus models.
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 5,150 first MOT tests of the Lotus Elise carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 5,150 first MOT tests of the Lotus Elise.
What is the Lotus Elise MOT failure rate?
In our data, 15% of 5,150 first MOT attempts on the Lotus Elise ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Lotus Elise fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (6.4% of tests), noise, emissions and leaks (4.4% of tests), visibility (3.7% of tests).
Which Elise year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2005 cars performed best: 89% passed first time, +32.5 points against the average for 18-year-old cars. The weakest was 2020, at 90% (+2.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Lotus Elise covered at its MOT?
The average was 48,180 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 6,847 miles and 1997 cars 56,265.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Lotus Elise?
"in such a condition that it is seriously weakened" was recorded on 5.4% of tests, in the brakes area. 2.1% of Elises failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Elise's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 5,150 Elises in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 79% to 95% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readDashboard warning lights and the MOT: which ones mean a fail?An engine, ABS or airbag light that stays on is a major defect at the MOT, even if the car drives perfectly. Which lights testers check, and what to do first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any Elise's MOT history
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