1995 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.
Social links
Common 1995 Lotus Esprit problems
The Lotus Esprit, produced from 1976 to 2004, is known for its distinctive design and performance. However, the 1995 Lotus Esprit S4s, in particular, has been associated with a number of common problems based on complaints from owners.
- Engine problems: The S4s uses a 3.5-liter V-8 engine, which has been known to have issues. Some owners have reported problems with the engine's turbochargers, which can fail prematurely. Additionally, the engine's timing belts need to be replaced regularly, and if not done so, can result in catastrophic engine failure. The engine's high-pressure fuel pump is another component that has been known to fail, causing the engine to lose power or stall.
- Transmission issues: The S4s uses a Citroën C35 five-speed manual transmission, which has been reported to have issues. Some owners have reported problems with the transmission's synchronizers, which can wear out prematurely, making gear changes difficult or impossible. Additionally, the clutch can wear out quickly, especially if the car is driven aggressively, requiring replacement.
- Electrical issues: The S4s has been reported to have electrical issues, including problems with the car's wiring and electrical components. Some owners have reported issues with the car's instrument cluster, which can fail or display incorrect information. Additionally, the car's electronics can be sensitive to moisture, which can cause problems in wet or humid conditions.
- Suspension and steering issues: The S4s uses a double-wishbone suspension system, which has been reported to have issues. Some owners have reported problems with the car's suspension components, including worn-out bushings and broken springs. Additionally, the car's steering system has been reported to have issues, including problems with the power steering pump and leaks in the steering rack.
- Body and interior issues: The S4s has been reported to have issues with its body and interior. Some owners have reported problems with the car's body panels, which can fade, crack, or warp over time. Additionally, the car's interior has been reported to have issues, including problems with the car's seats, which can wear out quickly, and problems with the car's dashboard, which can fade or crack over time.
In conclusion, while the Lotus Esprit S4s is a desirable car with impressive performance, it has been associated with a number of common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include cooling problems, engine problems, transmission issues, electrical issues, suspension and steering issues, and body and interior issues. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues and factor them into their decision-making process when considering purchasing a Lotus Esprit S4s.
How much horsepower does a 1995 Lotus Esprit have?
Powertrain specs
| Engine type | Inline 4, Turbocharged, 16v |
|---|---|
| Power | 300 ps (296 bhp / 221 kw) |
| Torque | 393 Nm (290 lb-ft) |
| Power / liter | 136 ps (134 hp) |
| Power / weight | 218 ps (215 bhp) / t |
What happened to the Lotus Esprit?
Final redesign and end of production
Few, if any, mechanical changes were made to the car. After a 28-year production run, the last Esprit rolled off the production line on February 20, 2004, and was shipped to Chicago. A total of 10,675 Esprits were produced.
Are Lotus Esprit rare?
Esprits have always been produced in low numbers, making them rare on the roads. The Lotus Esprit first went on sale in 1976 badged as the S1 with a 2-litre, 4 cylinder, 156bhp, mid-mounted engine.
What is the most famous Lotus Esprit?
Launched in 1976, the Lotus Esprit is one of the brand's most iconic models, thanks in part to its starring role in the James Bond film of the following year, The Spy Who Loved Me.
1995 Lotus Esprit car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lotus Esprit problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1995 Lotus Esprit vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1995 Lotus Esprit complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1995 Lotus Esprit.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: SCCFD30C4SH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FIRE DUE TO FAILURE OF THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM AT THE REAR OF FUEL RAIL.
1995 Lotus Esprit recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1995 Lotus Esprit.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1995 Lotus Esprit problems:
1998 Lotus Esprit V8 - Dangers??? | The Lotus Cars Community
Jan 14, 2006 ... Any common problems with this car? I've been trying to get into a Lotus for years, have found one that will probably work well for me ...
TRUTH about reliability on newer V8 Esprit? - Page 1 - Esprit ...
Nov 13, 2003 ... PS - still love driving the car, but if I can't get the clutch/gearbox issues resolved it will most likely go on the selling block. Lotusacbc.
A/C problems | The Lotus Cars Community
Jun 11, 2011 ... PS. Freon scare is a HOAX! Esprit Xtrême '88 X-330 & "Mad Max" '95 ...
1989–96 Lotus Esprit Turbo Buyer's Guide: What You Need to Know
Oct 10, 2013 ... The Esprit you're looking at will most likely have an oil leak. The exhaust manifold and turbo handle a great deal of heat, so watch for loose ...
ABS Light flashing. | The Lotus Cars Community
Jul 8, 2010 ... 1995 Lotus Esprit S4 1994 Lotus Esprit S4 ... As mentioned the most common problems in the Delco ABS are the accumulator and the pressure switch.
Other years of Lotus Esprit
Are you having problems with your 1995 Lotus Esprit?
Leave your review of 1995 Lotus Esprit