Lotus Elise Series 3 (2011-2021) reliability
Lotus Elise Series 3 built around 2016: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Lotus Elise Series 3 models built around 2016 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at a Lotus Elise Series 3?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Based on 774 tests of Elise models registered 2011-2021.
Series 3 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 13 years old.
How the Elise Series 3 compares
At each age below, see how the Elise Series 3 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 273 tests across 3 Lotus models, built around 2016 (9 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Suspension springs
Worth checkingCheck ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other convertibles to compare
Other convertibles, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Elise Series 3.
- 1
Mercedes-Benz Slc
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 14.2%
No clear edge over the Lotus Elise Series 3 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,244 MOT tests on cars built around 2016
- 2
Porsche Boxster
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 6.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.5%
- Dangerous
- 2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 97.9%
No clear edge over the Lotus Elise Series 3 on these figures.
1,302 MOT tests on cars built around 2016
- 3
Mazda MX-5
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.4%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 3%
- Dangerous
- 3.4%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 97.6%
No clear edge over the Lotus Elise Series 3 on these figures.
4,540 MOT tests on cars built around 2016
- 4
Mercedes-Benz SLK
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 3.1%
- Dangerous
- 5.4%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 92.7%
No clear edge over the Lotus Elise Series 3 on these figures.
3,439 MOT tests on cars built around 2016
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
How many are still registered
Not enough registration data to show this for the Lotus Elise.
The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.
Recall context
10 recalls in all4 of the 10 Elise Series 3 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 2 Critical
- 2 more
Top concerns
- Risk of fire
- Possibility of fuel leakage
- Bolts securing the fuel rail to the cyclinder head may fail.
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
How Elise Series 3 cars have aged
How Elise Series 3 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
Most common issues on Lotus Elises of this age
This list covers every Lotus Elise built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Series 3 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 15.5%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 25.5%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 35.5%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 44.6%Advisory
Coil spring corroded
- 54.6%Minor
Wiper blade defective
Based on 109 tests
Looking at a Lotus Elise Series 3?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Lotus Elise Series 3 (2011-2021) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 109 9-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.