MOT History from tests of petrol LOTUS ESPRITs year 1988

Review the list of common LOTUS ESPRIT failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your LOTUS then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:72.50%

(The average a petrol LOTUS ESPRIT year 1988 passes without issue)

Based on:1,851 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	161
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	61
Rear brake binding	59
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	52
Registration plate lamp issues	50
Brake pipe excessively corroded	43
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	39
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	34
Registration plate issues	32
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	24
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	24
Windscreen washer not working	17
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	16
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	15
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	14
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	14
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	14
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	13
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	12
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	11
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering rack fitted\| \|2.2.A.1b\|	11
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	11
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	10
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	10
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	10
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	10
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly \|1.4.B.1e\|	9
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	9
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	9
Horn not loud enough to be heard by another road user \|1.6.2b\|	8
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	8
Front brake application uneven	8
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	8
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	8
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	7
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	7
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Rear brake application uneven	6
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	6
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	5
Windscreen has damage	5
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	4
Nearside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	4
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	4
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing \|3.3.A.1b\|	4
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively scored \|3.5.1h\|	4
Steering rack insecure \|2.2.B.1a\|	4
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	4
Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	4
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	4
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.D.4\|	4
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	4
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	3
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	3
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	3
Nearside Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	3
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	3
Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position \|8.4.1\|	3
Offside Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	3
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	3
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	3
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	3
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	3
Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	3
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	3
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	3
Offside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	3
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	3
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	3
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	3
Nearside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	3
Horn not working \|7.7 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	3
Steering system excessively tight \|2.2.D.1\|	3
Brake hose damaged	3
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	3
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	3
Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))	3
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	3
Offside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))	3
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	2
Rear fog lamp switch faulty \|1.3.1a\|	2
Steering column universal joint has excessive play \|2.1.5\|	2
Offside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Nearside Inner Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Offside Inner Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Nearside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Offside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	2
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	2
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	2
Nearside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	2
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	2
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	2
Nearside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	2
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Offside Track rod end loose \|2.2.B.1d\|	2
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	2
Offside Rear front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	2
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	2
Nearside Front Upper Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Upper Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear brake caliper leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	2
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	2
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	2
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	2
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	2
Offside Rear Service brake grabbing severely \|3.7.C.2\|	2
Nearside Front Direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.4.A.2h\|	2
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	2
Rear Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	2
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	2
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Driver`s door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	2
Lower Steering column universal joint has excessive play \|2.1.5\|	2
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	2
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	2
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	2
Parking brake lever insecure \|3.1.3b\|	2
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	2
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	2
Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	2
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	2
Offside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	2
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	2
Nearside Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak	2
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	2
Nearside Rear Service brake indicates brake bind \|3.7.D.2a\|	2
Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	2
Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated \|3.6.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))	2
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	2
Steering rack has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering rack fitted) (2.3 (a) (i))	2
Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))	2
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	2
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	2
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	2
Brake performance not tested (1.2.1 (g))	2
Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	2
Nearside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))	2
Nearside Front Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))	2
Nearside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))	2
Offside Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))	2
Horn not working (7.7 (a))	2
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing (1.1.2 (c))	2

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

Got suggestions? We’re improving this section all the time. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	161
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	61
Rear brake binding	59
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	52
Registration plate lamp issues	50
Brake pipe excessively corroded	43
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	39
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	34
Registration plate issues	32
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	24
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	24
Windscreen washer not working	17
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	16
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	15
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	14
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	14
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	14
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	13
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	12
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	11
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering rack fitted\| \|2.2.A.1b\|	11
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	11
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	10
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	10
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	10
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	10
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly \|1.4.B.1e\|	9
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	9
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	9
Horn not loud enough to be heard by another road user \|1.6.2b\|	8
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	8
Front brake application uneven	8
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	8
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	8
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	7
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	7
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Rear brake application uneven	6
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	6
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	5
Windscreen has damage	5
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	4
Nearside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	4
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	4
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing \|3.3.A.1b\|	4
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively scored \|3.5.1h\|	4
Steering rack insecure \|2.2.B.1a\|	4
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	4
Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	4
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	4
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.D.4\|	4
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	4
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	3
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	3
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	3
Nearside Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	3
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	3
Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position \|8.4.1\|	3
Offside Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	3
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	3
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	3
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	3
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	3
Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	3
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	3
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	3
Offside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	3
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	3
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	3
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	3
Nearside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	3
Horn not working \|7.7 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	3
Steering system excessively tight \|2.2.D.1\|	3
Brake hose damaged	3
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	3
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	3
Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))	3
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	3
Offside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))	3
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	2
Rear fog lamp switch faulty \|1.3.1a\|	2
Steering column universal joint has excessive play \|2.1.5\|	2
Offside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Nearside Inner Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Offside Inner Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Nearside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Offside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	2
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	2
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	2
Nearside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	2
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	2
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	2
Nearside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	2
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Offside Track rod end loose \|2.2.B.1d\|	2
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	2
Offside Rear front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	2
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	2
Nearside Front Upper Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Upper Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear brake caliper leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	2
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	2
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	2
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	2
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	2
Offside Rear Service brake grabbing severely \|3.7.C.2\|	2
Nearside Front Direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.4.A.2h\|	2
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	2
Rear Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	2
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	2
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Driver`s door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	2
Lower Steering column universal joint has excessive play \|2.1.5\|	2
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	2
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	2
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	2
Parking brake lever insecure \|3.1.3b\|	2
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	2
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	2
Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	2
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	2
Offside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	2
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	2
Nearside Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak	2
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	2
Nearside Rear Service brake indicates brake bind \|3.7.D.2a\|	2
Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	2
Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated \|3.6.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))	2
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	2
Steering rack has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering rack fitted) (2.3 (a) (i))	2
Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))	2
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	2
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	2
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	2
Brake performance not tested (1.2.1 (g))	2
Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	2
Nearside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))	2
Nearside Front Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))	2
Nearside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))	2
Offside Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))	2
Horn not working (7.7 (a))	2
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing (1.1.2 (c))	2

MOT History from tests of petrol LOTUS ESPRITs year 1988

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