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Lotus Evora Mk1 (2009-2021) reliability

Not enough data

Lotus Evora Mk1 built around 2011: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Lotus Evora Mk1 models built around 2011 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at a Lotus Evora Mk1?

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.

Lotus Evora Mk1
2009-2021CoupePETROL

Based on 722 tests of Evora models registered 2009-2021.

Mk1 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
517.8%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
553.6%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
614.9%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
836.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
616.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
5518.2%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
725.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
15211.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
13212.1%

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 11 years old.

How the Evora Mk1 compares

At each age below, see how the Evora Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 260 tests across 2 Lotus models, built around 2011 (14 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateLotus average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
517.8%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
553.6%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
614.9%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
836.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
616.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
5518.2%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
725.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
15211.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
13212.1%

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 priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Evora Mk1.

  1. 1

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.1%
    Dangerous
    1.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    Lower fail rate: 8.5%, against 11.2% for the Lotus Evora Mk1, both built around 2011.

    1,595 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  2. 2

    Volkswagen Scirocco

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.6%
    Dangerous
    8.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    No clear edge over the Lotus Evora Mk1 on these figures.

    8,101 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  3. 3

    Audi TT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.7%
    Dangerous
    5.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    No clear edge over the Lotus Evora Mk1 on these figures.

    8,210 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  4. 4

    Peugeot RCZ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    30.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.7%
    Dangerous
    6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.9%

    No clear edge over the Lotus Evora Mk1 on these figures.

    2,906 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

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.

Recall context

4 recalls in all

All 4 Evora Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 Critical
  • 1 more

Top concerns

  • Risk of fire
  • Oil may leak
  • Fire may occur

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Evora Mk1 cars have aged

How Evora Mk1 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.

0%10%101112131415Age at MOTBuilt around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 7.2% (69 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (75 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (66 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (68 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 8.8% (68 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (111 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 11.6% (95 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 16.1% (93 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 12.3% (81 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (85 tests, 2025 data)2010
First registered around 2011First registered around 2010
All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common issues on Lotus Evoras of this age

This list covers every Lotus Evora built around 2011, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    12.5%
    Advisory: 31Fail: 2 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    11.8%
    Advisory: 21Fail: 10 (32% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    9.2%
    Advisory: 26Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    9.2%
    Advisory: 18Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    7.9%
    Advisory: 17Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 152 tests

Looking at a Lotus Evora Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2011 (14 years old), the Lotus Evora Mk1 (2009-2021) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 152 14-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 722 MOT tests on Lotus Evoras first registered between 2009-2021. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.