MOT Risk Index.co.uk

Does the Lotus Elise fail the MOT on visibility more than it should?

The Lotus Elise records 5.31 visibility failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 11.70 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−6.39, 95% interval −6.78 to −6.00). It ranks 720 of 746 models on visibility (1 = most failures above expected).

Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on visibility · check a Lotus Elise by registration

What exactly fails on visibility?

The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Lotus Elise is “Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view”, recorded 524 times in 2019–2024.

Lotus Elise: most frequent visibility defect wordings, 2019–2024 (30+ items each)
DVSA defect wordingItemsPer 100 tests
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view5241.74
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen4871.61
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen2830.94
Wiper blade defective2000.66
Wiper not operating or missing380.13

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 30,192 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Other pages for this model

Lotus Elise 1998 · Lotus Elise 1999 · Lotus Elise 2000 · Lotus Elise 2001 · Lotus Elise 2002 · Lotus Elise 2003 · Lotus Elise 2004 · Lotus Elise 2005 · Lotus Elise by postcode area · Lotus Elise body, chassis and structure failures · Lotus Elise brakes failures · Lotus Elise vehicle identification failures · Lotus Elise lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Lotus Elise noise, emissions and leaks failures · Lotus Elise road wheels failures · Lotus Elise steering failures · Lotus Elise suspension failures · Lotus Elise tyres failures