Lotus Exige MOT pass rate and common problems
93.6% of 2,572 Lotus Exige MOT tests pass.
The Exige passes its MOT 93.6% of the time — well above the average across all Lotus models, which sits at 88.1%.
The Lotus Exige passes its MOT 93.6% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Lotus Exige?
This is the average across every Lotus Exige in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Lotus’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate eases gradually with age, from 96.9% at 0–3 years to 90.9% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 96.9% | 128 | 5,348 miles |
| 3–6 years | 95.3% | 448 | 12,142 miles |
| 6–10 years | 94.7% | 683 | 20,467 miles |
| 10–15 years | 94.8% | 425 | 27,628 miles |
| 15+ years | 90.9% | 888 | 42,252 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Lotus Exige
The most common reason the Lotus Exige fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 59.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 59.5% | Not working |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 28.2% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Visibility | 18.6% | Provides insufficient washer liquid |
| Tyres | 17.7% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Brakes | 11.4% | Ferrule excessively corroded |
| Suspension | 10.5% | Fractured or broken |
| Identification of the vehicle | 9.1% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 5.5% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Steering | 3.6% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Body, chassis, structure | 0.9% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
Buying a used Lotus Exige: what to check
These checks follow the Lotus Exige’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Lotus Exige comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 94.8% to 90.9%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 92.9% down to 87.0%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 59.5% of failed Lotus Exige MOTs. 8.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 0.8% at 0–3 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 28.2% of failed Lotus Exige MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 3.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on exhaust, emissions and leaks.
Look under the car for fresh oil or coolant, and listen for blows or rattles from the exhaust. Watch for smoke from the tailpipe when the engine starts and when you accelerate.
3. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 18.6% of failed Lotus Exige MOTs. 2.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 0.8% at 0–3 years.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 17.7% of failed Lotus Exige MOTs. 2.9% of tests at 3–6 years failed on tyres, against 0.8% at 0–3 years.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Brakes
Recorded in 11.4% of failed Lotus Exige MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 1.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Lotus service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Lotus models
- Lotus Elise — 88.2% pass rate
- Lotus Elan — 79.0% pass rate
- Lotus Esprit — 89.4% pass rate
- Lotus Evora — 93.4% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Lotus Exige?
- 93.6% of Lotus Exige MOT tests pass, based on 2,572 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Lotus Exige?
- The most common reason the Lotus Exige fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 59.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Lotus Exige?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Lotus Exige are lights and electrics; exhaust, emissions and leaks; windscreen and wipers. 8.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 0.8% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Lotus Exige?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; exhaust, emissions and leaks; windscreen and wipers; tyres; brakes. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Lotus Exige's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Lotus service history guide for how to check and keep one.