Model reliability

Lotus Exige reliability

The Lotus Exige fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 12.3% of 611 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

6 to 10 years old

6.6% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 422 MOT tests of Lotus Exiges this age. A small sample, so take it as a rough guide: a few cars either way can move these figures.

Over 10 years old

12.3% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 611 MOT tests of Lotus Exiges this age. A small sample, so take it as a rough guide: a few cars either way can move these figures.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 2× as oftenElectrical equipment1.6% vs 0.8%

Safety recalls

5 DVSA recalls for the Lotus Exige

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2014/06615 Nov 2014Built 2004–2011Risk of fire

The oil cooler pipes may detach from their fittings and deposit oil in the engine compartment on the road/tyres which can lead to increased risk of fire and loss of vehicle control. Only the pipes with the smooth bore ferrules are affected.

Fix: Elise Exige and 211: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and repair or replace the oil cooler hoses. Evora: it is proposed that the oil cooler hose assemblies will be replaced with hoses that incorporate the current production released end fittings in accordance with Lotus workshop procedures.

Recalled models: EXIGE · 1,258 vehicles

R/2005/1868 Feb 2006Built 2004–2005Gear lever may break

It has been found that there is a small risk that the gear lever may break if subjected to high handling force.

Fix: Recall the likely to be affected vehicles and where necessary replace the gear lever and associated parts.

Recalled models: EXIGE · 764 vehicles

R/2002/07422 Jul 2002Built 2000–2002Engine management

In the event of a severe engine misfire the catalytic convertor could overheat which may subsequently result in a fire risk.

Fix: Reprogramme the ECU to incorporate a misfire detection system which will take remedial action in the event of a severe misfire.

Recalled models: EXIGE · 468 vehicles

R/2002/09422 Jul 2002Built 2000–2002Brake pipe chafing

Brake pipe routed along by battery on right hand drive models with air conditioning may rub into battery causing an acid spill. This could result in damage to the brake pipe and a loss of braking efficiency.

Fix: Examine the brake pipe and battery casing for damage and reposition brake pipe. Renew brake pipe and/or battery if necessary.

Recalled models: EXIGE · 468 vehicles

R/2001/0149 Feb 2001Built 1999–2001Fuel may leak when filling and cornering

The hose connecting a spigot on the filler neck to the fuel tank top surface has been found to be of an incorrect material specification. The suspect hoses have a reduced resistance to tearing and rupturing forces exacerbated by careless or incorrect fitting.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace fuel filler breather hose with modified type.

Recalled models: EXIGE · 1,509 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Lotus Exige before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Lotus Exige reliability

5 DVSA recalls for the Lotus Exige

Checking a Lotus Exige before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.