2017 Lotus Elise — MOT failures & pass rate
447 MOT tests on the 2017 Lotus Elise are in this dataset, and 95.1% of them passed. All cars of a similar age fail 12.7% of the time, so this is 7.8pp better than the group it competes with. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, visibility and tyres.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (3.4%) and visibility (1.6%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, washers and registration plates — headlamp aim alone was recorded 17 times.
The trend is worsening — 4.6% of tests failed in 2021 against 7.8% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 3.4% | 15 |
| 2 | Visibility | 1.6% | 7 |
| 3 | Tyres | 0.7% | 3 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 0.7% | 3 |
| 5 | Other defects | 0.4% | 2 |
| 6 | Suspension | 0.4% | 2 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 17 |
| 2 | Washers | 6 |
| 3 | Registration plates | 3 |
| 4 | Tread depth | 3 |
| 5 | Catalyst emissions | 3 |
| 6 | Shock absorbers | 2 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 6.7% | 30 |
| 2 | Brakes | 3.1% | 14 |
| 3 | Other defects | 1.3% | 6 |
| 4 | Visibility | 1.1% | 5 |
| 5 | Suspension | 1.1% | 5 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 0.7% | 3 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 421 | 4.5% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 87 | 4.6% |
| 2022 | 91 | 3.3% |
| 2023 | 88 | 2.3% |
| 2024 | 91 | 6.6% |
| 2025 | 90 | 7.8% |
What to check before buying a 2017 Elise
On a 2017 Elise, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 3.4% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (3.4% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Visibility (1.6% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
- Tyres (0.7% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2017 Lotus Elises pass their MOT?
95.1% of the 447 2017 Lotus Elise MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 4.9% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2017 Lotus Elise?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 3.4% of tests, followed by visibility (1.6%).
Methodology & source. Based on 447 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.