Lotus Esprit problems
The Lotus Esprit is a sports car built by Lotus Cars from 1976 to 2004 at their Hethel, England factory. It has a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Together with the Lotus Elise / Exige, it is one of Lotus' most long-lived models.
The Esprit was among the first of the (near) straight-lined, hard-edge creased, and sometimes wedge-shaped, polygonal "folded paper" designs of the prolific, and highly successful Italian industrial and automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The Esprit's backbone chassis was later adapted to carry the body of the DeLorean car, another low-bodied, Giugiaro-drawn, sharp-creased, wedge-shaped sportscar design. In 1978, the first updates led to the series 2 and 2.2 L (134 cu in) engined Esprit S2.2, made until the 1982–1988 Series 3 and Turbo Esprit models, that used a 1980 Giugiaro designed aerodynamic and aesthetic restyling package.
The Lotus Esprit however, lived on through the 1990s, and into the 2000s. It received its first significant restyling by designer Peter Stevens, who also did styling on the McLaren F1. Stevens gave the Esprit overall softer lines and shapes, but the car did not get a new series number – it is instead often just called the 'Stevens Esprit', or by its project number, the X180, made from 1988 to 1994.
In 1994, an official Series 4 Esprit, drawn by designer Julian Thomson, had a further rounded shape, especially the bumper sections and lower body of the car. Styling-wise, this became the most long-lived Esprit (1994–2004), only receiving its last changes, by Russell Carr in 2002.
Over the years, the performance of the Esprit's 4-cylinder engine was increased from around 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW) and just under 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) of torque, to double those power figures, mainly through greater inlet and exhaust flow, and strong turbo-charging. And from 1996, a new 3.5 L (214 cu in) V8 twin-turbo engine was added, offering 355 PS (350 hp; 261 kW). Contrary to a long list of low-volume British (sports) cars, with the 3.5 l Rover V8 engine, the Esprit received a Lotus in-house designed V8. Top speed rose from some 214 km/h (133 mph) in 1976, to over 280 km/h (174 mph) for the V8, twenty years later.
After a 28-year production run, the Esprit was one of the last cars made with pop-up headlights, together with the 5th generation Chevrolet Corvette.
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Lotus Esprit model years
Common Lotus Esprit problems
Based on complaints from owners of Lotus Esprit cars, several common problems have been identified:
- Timing Belt Concerns: The timing belt in Lotus Esprit cars requires replacement every five years or 25,000 miles due to the high-stress nature of the engine. Failure to replace the timing belt can lead to serious engine performance issues, making this a critical maintenance task for Esprit owners.
- High Service and Repair Costs: While the initial purchase price of a Lotus Esprit Turbo may be reasonable, the ongoing service and maintenance costs can be significant. Regular oil changes, spark plug replacements, timing belt changes, transaxle replacements, clutch replacements, and brake repairs are some of the costly maintenance tasks associated with owning a Lotus Esprit. Additionally, sourcing parts for these vehicles can be challenging, further driving up repair costs.
- Interior and Ergonomics: The interior design and ergonomics of older Lotus Esprit models have been criticized for their unconventional layout and lack of modern comfort features. Switchgear placement, heater controls, and fueling procedures have been highlighted as areas where the car's design falls short of contemporary standards, making daily use less convenient for some owners.
These issues reflect some of the challenges that owners of Lotus Esprit cars may encounter, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance, careful consideration of repair costs, and an understanding of the unique characteristics of these iconic vehicles.
Why are lotus esprits so cheap?
“Build quality on early Esprits wasn't up to the price,” according to Hagerty's valuation report, which notes that compliance with then-federal regulations hampered its performance. “The usual Lotus fragility along with the Federalized cars' anemic horsepower rating failed to impress enthusiasts.”
Is the Lotus Esprit V8 reliable?
Even though the Esprit V8 is spectacularly quick, niggling problems remain. Though the chassis is galvanized, check for accident damage. Air-conditioning is essential, but expensive to fix. Overheating can mean engine seals have failed, mixing oil and water.
What is the most famous Lotus Esprit?
Among the most iconic, longest-running, and most popular Lotus production models of all time was the wedge-shaped Esprit. Produced in four distinct series, the model line gave birth to one of the greatest yet most underrated mid-engine sports cars ever built: the Sport 300.
Who made the V8 engine for the Lotus Esprit?
Lotus
Contrary to a long list of low-volume British (sports) cars, with the 3.5 l Rover V8 engine, the Esprit received a Lotus in-house designed V8.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Lotus Esprit years
We have researched Lotus problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Lotus Esprit cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Lotus Esprit model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Lotus Esprit model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Lotus Esprit years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Lotus Esprit car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Lotus Esprit , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Lotus Esprit vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Esprit model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Lotus Esprit . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Lotus Esprit vehicles.
List of Lotus Esprit complaints
Lotus Esprit 1998
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- Date Complaint: 1999-02-01
- VIN: SCCDC082XWH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN INOPERATIVE.
Lotus Esprit 1995
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-23
- Date Complaint: 1998-09-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: SCCFD30C4SH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FIRE DUE TO FAILURE OF THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM AT THE REAR OF FUEL RAIL.
Lotus Esprit 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-05-27
- VIN: SCCFC20A5KH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE FITINGS ON FUEL TANKS, BEHIND DRIVER, RUST AND LEAK FUEL AROUND THE MOTOR. THE SMELL OF FUEL IS VERY STRONG.
Recalls Lotus Esprit
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Lotus Esprit.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Lotus Esprit 1998
- Report Received Date: 2004-01-05
- Manufacturer: GROUP LOTUS PLC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO, 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." CERTAIN AIR BAG WARNING LABELS ARE REQUIRED ON BOTH SUN VISORS AND THE ABOVE VEHICLES FAILED TO HAVE THE REQUIRED LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR.
- Consequence: THE ABSENCE OF THE LABELS COULD CREATE A RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY IF THE OPERATION OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND THE NEED TO USE SEAT BELTS IS NOT PROPERLY UNDERSTOOD. IMPROPER USAGE COULD CAUSE INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WHEN THERE IS A CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LOTUS AT 1-800-245-6887.
- Model: Lotus Esprit 1998
- Report Received Date: 2001-04-18
- Manufacturer: LOTUS CARS OF AMERICA INC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2001 LOTUS ESPRIT VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 1995, AND MARCH 31, 2001. A REPLACEMENT PASSENGER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY COULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A LAP PORTION THAT IS LOCKABLE SO AS TO SECURE A CHILD SAFETY SEAT.
- Consequence: IF AN INCORRECT BELT WAS INSTALLED, THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT BE CAPABLE OF SECURING A CHILD SEAT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
- Remedy: CUSTOMERS ARE BEING INSTRUCTED TO BRING THEIR CARS INTO THEIR LOCAL DEALER FOR A FREE REPLACEMENT BELT ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 26, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LOTUS CARS USA AT 1-800-245-6887.
- Model: Lotus Esprit 1998
- Report Received Date: 1998-06-22
- Manufacturer: LOTUS CARS OF AMERICA INC
- Components: WHEELS:RIM
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN WHEELS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED FOR HARDNESS. THE REAR WHEELS COULD CRACK AND BREAK.
- Consequence: THE REAR WHEELS COULD CRACK AND BREAK, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS.
- Model: Lotus Esprit 1995
- Report Received Date: 1996-12-05
- Manufacturer: LOTUS CARS OF AMERICA INC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT SYSTEM WARNING LABELS ARE MISSING FROM THE SUN VISOR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 108, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
- Consequence: THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT MAY NOT PROPERLY UNDERSTAND THE OPERATION OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND THE NEED TO USE SEAT BELTS.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. IF THEY SO DESIRE, THEY CAN HAVE THEIR DEALERS INSTALL THESE LABELS FOR THEM.
Are you having problems with your Lotus Esprit?
