Lotus Evora problems
The Lotus Evora is a sports car produced by the British company Lotus. The car, which was developed under the project name Project Eagle, was launched on 22 July 2008 at the British International Motor Show. The Evora S was launched in 2010 with a supercharged 3.5-litre V6. A facelifted and more powerful Evora 400 model was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, followed by another more powerful variant, the Evora GT430, which was unveiled in 2017.
The Lotus Evora is based on the first all-new vehicle platform from Lotus Cars since the introduction of the Lotus Elise in 1995 (the Exige and the 2006 Europa S are both derivatives of the Elise). The Evora was planned to be the first of three vehicles to be built on the same platform. The sales target was 2,000 cars per year, with prices between £45,000 and just over £50,000, and sales in America scheduled from the beginning of 2010.
Overview
The Evora is the first product of a five-year plan started in 2006 to expand the Lotus lineup beyond its track-specialized offerings and produce a practical road car that would appeal to the mainstream market. As such, it is larger than are recent Elise models and its derivatives (the Exige, Europa S, etc.), with an unladen weight of 1,383 kg (3,049 lb), with the automatic version weighing in at 1,442 kg (3,179 lb). The Evora is currently the only Lotus model with a 2+2 configuration, although it will also be offered in a two-seater configuration, referred to as the "Plus Zero" option. The Evora and the BMW i8 are the only 2+2 mid-engine coupés on sale. The interior is larger to accommodate taller passengers, such as former Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley and two people of 6'5" (195.6 cm).
The cooled boot behind the engine is large enough to fit a set of golf clubs, although Lotus design head Russell Carr denies that this was intentional. Lotus intends for the Evora to compete in different market sectors, including that of the Porsche 911.
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Lotus Evora model years
Common Lotus Evora problems
The Lotus Evora has been reported to have several issues, particularly in earlier models, that have affected its reliability and build quality. Here are some of the common problems based on complaints from owners:
- Cosmetic roof panel cracking: The cosmetic roof panel on some Evoras can crack due to the expansion of the fixings with heat, causing the boot to clip the panel when opened. This issue is recognized by Lotus and is resolved by replacing the cosmetic roof panel and fixings.
- Door lock issues: Some owners have reported issues with door locks, particularly on earlier cars, where the clips holding down the passenger side airbag lid can fail, causing the lid to come loose.
- Front door pillar surround: Some earlier Evoras were reported to have less than accurate shifting, which was addressed by changing the gear shifts in the second half of 2010. However, this change resulted in some cars suffering from stiff or obstructive gear shifts, making some gears difficult to select.
- Transmission noise: Some Evoras are reported to have higher than expected transmission noise at low speed in the lower gears, characterized by the sound of a rotating component binding on a metal casing. This issue is reported to be down to poor quality throwout bearings in the clutch.
- Clutch master cylinder: The design of the clutch master cylinder in the Evora was improved for the Evora S and can be retrofitted to the standard model if the original unit fails. Some owners have reported failures of the early style clutch master cylinder, leading to a change of clutch pedal feel and an inability to operate the clutch.
- Anti-roll bar (ARB) bushes: Anti-roll bar bushes can dry out and cause knocking noises, particularly the front. Replacing these and properly lubricating them can solve the issue.
- Gearbox and gear linkage: Some earlier cars were reported to have less than accurate shifting, which was addressed by changing the gear shifts in the second half of 2010. However, this change resulted in some cars suffering from stiff or obstructive gear shifts, making some gears difficult to select.
- Oil feed pipe: A recall was made for Evora S' built before September 2011 for a replacement to the three-piece oil feed pipe used to supply oil to the engine cylinder head after there were reports of failures resulting in engine loss and possible engine fires.
- Rear tyre wear: Rear tyre wear has been reported to be fairly high on many cars, even when driven conservatively. In general, owners have reported rear tyres can need replacing after around 10k miles, while others have seen as little as 5k miles, although this obviously is affected by usage and driving style.
- Interior build quality: Some reports of poor build quality on the interior, particularly in early cars, have been noted.
It's worth noting that while these issues have been reported by some owners, they are not necessarily common or guaranteed problems with the Lotus Evora. However, potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.
Does the Lotus Evora have a Toyota engine?
The Evora is equipped with a mid-mounted, transverse, Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre 24-valve 2GR V6 engine. The Evora S uses the same engine but with a supercharger. Both versions are available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with "Intelligent Precision Shift," manufactured by Aisin.
How many miles per gallon does the Lotus Evora get?
Compare Side-by-Side
| 2021 Lotus Evora GT | |
|---|---|
| EPA Fuel Economy | Premium Gasoline |
| 20 MPG 17 24 combined city/highway city highway | |
| 5.0 gal/100mi | |
| Unofficial MPG Estimates from Vehicle Owners Learn more about "My MPG" Disclaimer | User MPG estimates are not yet available for this vehicle |
Is the Lotus Evora rare?
Like the GT430 this is a really rare model with a total of 60 units being made. A rare, extreme, race-ready Lotus Evora is a beautiful thing and we are glad that they made it.
How fast can a Lotus Evora go?
188 mph
SPECIFICATIONS
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Manual | Automatic | |
| Top speed | 188 mph | 174 mph 303 kph | 280 kph |
| Acceleration0-60 mph | 3.8seconds |
| Power-to-weightratio | 295 | 293bhp/tonne |
Percentage distribution of complaints by Lotus Evora years
We have researched Lotus problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Lotus Evora cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Lotus Evora model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Lotus Evora model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Lotus Evora years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Lotus Evora car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Lotus Evora , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Suspension problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Lotus Evora vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Evora model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Lotus Evora . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Lotus Evora vehicles.
List of Lotus Evora complaints
Lotus Evora 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: SCCLMDSU4EH
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: UNKOWN , DRIVER REAR UPPER CONTROL ARM BROKEN
Lotus Evora 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-07
- Date Complaint: 2023-05-07
- VIN: SCCLMDTU3BH
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Rear upper control arm failure. A crack develops along a casting line, which then allows the upper bushing to move within the control arm. This bushing is pressed into the control arm, and is not supposed to move. Because the hub was allowed to tilt forward due to the bushing not being held firmly by the control arm, the outer CV boot was allowed to contact the lower spring perch, which then burned a hole in the CV boot, allowing all its grease to escape. This scenario can generate an excessive amount of heat and/or wear in that joint, leading to axle failure.
Lotus Evora 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-20
- Date Complaint: 2022-10-21
- VIN: SCCLMDSU8DH
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Component that failed: rear upper suspension control arm developed a crack where it connects with the rear wheel knuckle. Other Lotus Evoras have reported this failure, across several model years. Component has not been inspected by others. No warning lamps. Suspension started making a clunking noise.
Lotus Evora 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-18
- Date Complaint: 2022-02-21
- VIN: SCCLMDSC9CH
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The rear upper control arm or wishbone developed a crack. The spherical joint in the wishbone started to slide forward and back under braking and acceleration. In my case, it was caught quickly and before there was an accident. However, this wishbone is one leg of a tripod that attaches the wheel to the car. If the crack were to develop into a break, it could cause a catastrophic failure leading to injury or death. Essentially, a rear wheel could fall off. The problem is clearly a pattern failure in these forged aluminum parts. Some have failed with relatively few miles on them. The failures have been confirmed through discussion on on-line forums Lotus Talk and The Lotus Forum. Evidently, the failed parts have been inspected by Lotus. There is a TSB out on the problem: From S.O.P, NA auto from MY12, see TSB 2011/19 - S/Charged (man & auto). No warning lamps related to this failure. Many owners have heard a clunk. I did not hear anything. I disco verde the failure during a routine inspection.
Lotus Evora 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-27
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-28
- VIN: SCCLMDVN4JH
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Rear upper control arm cracked. Very critical safety part. I have had a discussion with other owners and have discovered that several others have had the same issue. Very low milage. 10k miles. Could result in a fatal collision! Found issue during safety inspection. Bushing is now misaligned and control arm is not in the proper location due to the crack. Another crack could result in complete failure and result in a fatal crash.
Lotus Evora 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-24
- Date Complaint: 2018-05-15
- VIN: SCCLMDTUXDH
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: IPS WIRING HARNESS ISSUE - VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD RANDOMLY LOSE COMPLETE POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. VEHICLE STUCK IN THIS LIMP MODE ARE UNABLE TO GO BACK INTO GEAR AND IS LOCKED OUT FROM DRIVING, THUS REQUIRE THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED. THIS CREATES A HAZARDOUS CONDITION THAT IN AN EVENT IF AN INDIVIDUAL WAS TO MERGE INTO A LANE AND LOSES COMPLETE POWER AS A RESULT, ACCIDENT WILL LIKELY TO OCCUR DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE CANNOT GAIN SPEED OR MOMENTUM IN ORDER TO MERGE. MANY OWNERS WITH THE AUTOMATIC (IPS) VARIATION ARE EXPERIENCING THE LIMP MODE AND IS EXPRESSING THEIR FRUSTRATION ON THE INTERNET. LOTUS IS WELL AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND IS REFUSING TO OFFER COMPENSATION TO ALLEVIATE OR ADDRESS THIS ISSUE KNOWING WELL ENOUGH THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. FOR MORE DETAILS IN REGARDS TO THIS, YOU CAN SIMPLY GOOGLE: LOTUS EVORA WIRING HARNESS
Lotus Evora 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-29
- Date Complaint: 2015-07-13
- VIN: SCCLMDTC3EH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 35MPH, THE CAR (LOTUS EVORA) BEGAN TO MISFIRE AND SHUT OFF. THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR IN TRAFFIC.
Lotus Evora 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-04
- Date Complaint: 2015-07-11
- VIN: SCCLMDSU3DH
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE
- Summary: DECELERATING TO A STOP, SHIFTING DOWN IN GEARS, SHIFT INTO FIRST AND BRING VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP AND NOTICE RPM'S DROP TO ZERO AND ENGINE STALLS. HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN TWO WEEKS, CAR IS BRAND NEW.
Lotus Evora 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2014-10-21
- VIN: SCCLMDSU1EH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE CUTS OUT WHEN DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED AND COMING TO A STOP. *TR
Lotus Evora 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-15
- Date Complaint: 2013-07-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: SCCLMDSU5CH
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS COMING TO A STOP, APPLYING THE BRAKES AND SHIFTED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF. THE BRAKES BECAME ROCK HARD I HAD TO USE BOTH FEET TO SLOW THE CAR STEERING LOCKED AND I REAR ENDED THE CAR I FRONT OF ME AT 2-3 MPH. THE CAR WAS DAMAGED THE CAR WAS CHECKED BY THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE CONDITION OCCURRED AGAIN AT NEARLY A COMPLETE STOP AND A THIRD TIME WITH MY WIFE IN THE CAR. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO CONTACT WITH ANOTHER CARS. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY REFLASHED THE SOFTWARE. THERE HAVE BEEN NO SUBSEQUENT INCIDENTS SINCE THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE. ONE THE LOTUSTALK BLOG NUMEROUS LOTUS EVORA OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS CONDITION. SO IT APPEARS THIS IS PREVALENT THERE ARE ONLY 1000 OF THESE CARS IN THE USA . I THINK ALL OWNERS SHOULD BE CONTACTED AND UPDATED AS TO THIS POSSIBLE CONDITION. *TR
Lotus Evora 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-11
- Date Complaint: 2013-05-12
- VIN: SCCLMDTU8AH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG COMES ON CONSTANTLY. 4+ TIMES IN ONE YEAR. WILL HAVE TO TAKE BACK TO DEALER TO CHECK AGAIN. *TR
Lotus Evora 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2012-12-22
- Date Complaint: 2012-12-27
- VIN: SCCLMDTU4AH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE CAR IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. ENGINERING/DESIGN DEFECT CAUSES ENGINE HEAT TO BOIL HYDRAULIC CLUTCH FLUID, LEADING TO HYDRAULIC CLUTCH FLUID DECAY OVER TIME, LEADING TO FAILURE OF MASTER CLUTCH CYLINDER AND CLUTCH PEDAL STOCK IN DOWN POSITION WHILE DRIVING. THIS ULTIMATELY MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET INTO NEUTRAL OR SHIFT GEARS. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY IN FOURTH GEAR, WHO KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. LUCKY FOR ME IT HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT. THE CAR WAS IN FIRST GEAR AT 5 MPH AND THE CLUTCH PEDAL WAS STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION. I COULD NOT SHIFT GEARS OR GET THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL. I HAD TO STALL THE CAR TO STOP IT. THE CAR DEALER IS REPAIRING IT NOW WITH A RETRO FIT DEVICE TO PREVENT ENGINE HEAT FROM BOILING THE BYDRAULIC CLUTHC FLUID. I THINK A REALL IS NECESSARY BECASUE THIS PROBLEMS HAPPENS TO OTHER LOTUS EVORA OWNERS AS I HAVE HEARD FROM THE LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE OWNER BLOGS ON THE INTERNET.
Latest 5 recalls Lotus Evora
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the Lotus Evora.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Lotus Evora 2018
- Report Received Date: 2019-04-02
- Manufacturer: Lotus Cars Limited
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Evora vehicles. The toe board in the passenger footwell lacks stiffness, allowing the knee of an unbelted occupant to contact the rigid structure of the vehicle, in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the occupant's knee contacts the rigid structure, there may be an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy: Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will replace the toe board with a new design to provide the appropriate stiffness, free of charge. The recall began May 27, 2019. Owners may contact Lotus customer service at 1-800-245-6887. Lotus' number for this recall is 2019/01R.
- Model: Lotus Evora 2018
- Report Received Date: 2018-11-06
- Manufacturer: Lotus Cars Limited
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Lotus Cars Limited (Lotus) is recalling certain 2018 Lotus Evora vehicles. Due to an assembly error, in the event of a frontal collision, the steering column may not properly collapse to absorb some of the impact energy.
- Consequence: If the steering column does not collapse as intended in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will correct the steering column assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2018. Owners may contact Lotus customer service at 1-800-245-6887. Lotus' number for this recall is 2018/01R.
- Model: Lotus Evora 2011
- Report Received Date: 2014-05-27
- Manufacturer: Lotus Cars USA, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from November 2007 to July 2011, and 2011 Evora vehicles manufactured September 2010 through September 2011. The oil cooler hose may detach from its fitting.
- Consequence: A detached oil hose could spray oil on a tire, increasing the risk of a crash, or it could spray oil throughout the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil cooler hose fittings on the Elise and Exige vehicles and will replace the oil cooler hose assemblies on the Evora vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-800-245-6887. Lotus' number for this recall is 201401R (Elise/Exige), and 2014/02R (Evora). Note: This recall is an expansion of recalls 11V-510 and 13V-041.
- Model: Lotus Evora 2011
- Report Received Date: 2013-07-16
- Manufacturer: Lotus Cars USA, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
- Summary: Lotus Cars USA, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2011 Evora supercharged vehicles equipped with a manual transmission and manufactured September 2010 through September 2011. The engine oil cooler hose may chafe and rupture resulting in oil loss.
- Consequence: Engine oil may be ejected onto the road or rear wheels which could cause a reduction in vehicle control and potential engine failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Engine oil sprayed onto a heat source may also lead to a vehicle fire.
- Remedy: Lotus will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2013. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-770-476-6564. Lotus' campaign number is 2013/03R.
- Model: Lotus Evora 2013
- Report Received Date: 2013-05-21
- Manufacturer: Lotus Cars USA, Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Lotus Cars is recalling certain model year 2013 Evora vehicles manufactured September 2012 through November 2012. These vehicles have been granted a temporary exemption from the requirement to conform to the latest passenger side advanced air bag requirements covered by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," but the affected vehicles do not a contain temporary exemption label in accordance with 49 CFR 555.9. Additionally, the affected vehicles have the incorrect date of manufacture on the Federal Certification Label.
- Consequence: An incorrect certification label may prevent the owner from determining recall applicability, potentially increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: Lotus Cars will notify the owners instructing them to take their vehicle to a Lotus dealer. The federal compliance label will be replaced and an exemption label will be applied, free of charge. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-770-476-6564. Lotus Cars' recall number is 2013/02R.
Are you having problems with your Lotus Evora?
