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Lotus Exige Common Problems, Faults & Repair Costs (2026)

Based on official DVSA MOT test data. View the most common MOT failure categories, pass rates, and estimated repair costs for the Lotus Exige (2004–2021).

MOT Pass Rate

83.0%1.0% above national avg (82%)

Reliability rating: Good — based on approx. 1,500 tests

Dangerous Defects

1.40%

Moderate risk

Retest Rate

11.5%

of failed tests need a retest

Top MOT Failure Categories

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

Est. repair: £40–£200

13.8%
2

Suspension

Est. repair: £120–£450

12.0%
3

Brakes

Est. repair: £100–£350

10.5%
4

Tyres

Est. repair: £50–£120 per tyre

10.2%
5

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

Est. repair: £40–£200

6.8%

Where Faults Occur

31.0%

Front

26.0%

Rear

20.0%

Offside

Mileage Benchmarks

At 3 years

4,000 mi

At 5 years

8,000 mi

At 10 years

14,000 mi

Significantly higher or lower mileage than these benchmarks may indicate unusual usage patterns. Check the full MOT history for mileage consistency.

Is a Lotus Exige a Good Buy?

The Lotus Exige demonstrates above-average reliability based on MOT test data, with a 83.0% pass rate. This places it 1.0% above the national average, suggesting lower ongoing maintenance costs compared to many competitors.

While no car is without faults, lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues are the most common concern, affecting approximately 13.8% of failed tests. These tend to be relatively affordable to fix at £30–£150.

Lotus Exige MOT Check & History

View detailed MOT pass rates by year, mileage benchmarks, and full test history data for the Lotus Exige.

View Lotus Exige MOT Data

Check a Specific Lotus Exige

Enter a registration number to view the full MOT history for any Lotus Exige.

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Other Lotus Models

Lotus Elise

82.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Lotus Evora

83.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Lotus Emira

87.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Lotus Eletre

90.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

View all Lotus models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MOT faults on a Lotus Exige?
The top MOT failure on the Lotus Exige is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, accounting for approximately 13.8% of all failures. Other common issues include suspension and brakes.
What is the Lotus Exige MOT pass rate?
The Lotus Exige has an estimated MOT pass rate of 83.0%, which is 1.0% above the national average of 82%. This rates the Lotus Exige as "Good" for MOT reliability.
Is the Lotus Exige reliable?
Based on DVSA MOT data, the Lotus Exige has a good reliability record with a 83.0% pass rate. It has a dangerous defect rate of 1.40% and a retest rate of 11.5%.
How much does it cost to fix common Lotus Exige MOT failures?
Typical repair costs for Lotus Exige MOT failures range from £30–£200 for lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues to £120–£450 for suspension problems. Prices are estimates based on typical UK independent garage rates.
What mileage should a Lotus Exige have?
Based on MOT test data, the average Lotus Exige covers approximately 4,000 mi by 3 years, 8,000 mi by 5 years, and 14,000 mi by 10 years. Significantly higher or lower mileage may warrant closer inspection.
Should I buy a used Lotus Exige?
The Lotus Exige is generally a solid choice based on MOT data. Check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before purchasing, paying particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues and mileage consistency.
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