Lotus Exige Series 3 (2012-2021) reliability
Lotus Exige Series 3 built around 2021: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Lotus Exige Series 3 models built around 2021 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at a Lotus Exige 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 724 tests of Exige models registered 2012-2021.
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 11 years old.
How the Exige Series 3 compares
At each age below, see how the Exige Series 3 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 202 tests across 2 Lotus models, built around 2021 (4 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 pipes and hoses
High priorityLook under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
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.
Headlight aim
If you have timePark facing a wall at night and check the beam pattern is even and at the right height.
Other coupes to compare
Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Exige Series 3.
- 1
Porsche 911
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 3.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.8%
- Dangerous
- 0.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 94%
No clear edge over the Lotus Exige Series 3 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,766 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 2
BMW 8 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 3.5%
- Dangerous
- 8%
No clear edge over the Lotus Exige Series 3 on these figures.
2,050 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 3
Audi TT
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.8%
- Dangerous
- 4.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.5%
No clear edge over the Lotus Exige Series 3 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
3,024 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 4
Audi A5
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 11.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 3%
- Dangerous
- 4.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 87.6%
No clear edge over the Lotus Exige Series 3 on these figures.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
6,192 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 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 Exige.
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
5 recalls in allNo recall notices match this build period.
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
How Exige Series 3 cars have aged
How Exige 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 Exiges of this age
This list covers every Lotus Exige built around 2021, 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
- 110.3%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 25.6%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 32.8%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 41.9%Advisory
Headlamp aimed too low or out of line
- 51.9%Minor
Suspension ball joint dust cover badly deteriorated
Based on 107 tests
Looking at a Lotus Exige Series 3?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2021 (4 years old), the Lotus Exige Series 3 (2012-2021) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 107 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.