Lotus Exige problems
The Lotus Exige /ɛɡˈziːʒ/ is a sports car made by the British company Lotus Cars from 2000 until 2021. Originally a coupé version of the Lotus Elise roadster, since the Series 3 the Exige has been the larger-engined model of the family, featuring a V6 engine in place of the Elise's straight-four. Convertible versions of both models are available.
Series 1
The original Exige was launched in 2000 with a naturally aspirated 1.8 L Rover K Series Inline-four engine in VHPD (Very High Performance Derivative) tune. It is rated at 177 hp (132 kW; 179 PS) at 7,800 rpm in standard form. There was also a "track spec" version with 190 hp (142 kW; 193 PS) available. The car has a five-speed manual gearbox, and a claimed top speed of 219 km/h (136 mph). 0–97 km/h (60 mph) was achieved in 4.7 seconds and 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds.
The first generation Exige bodywork was based on that of the Series 1 Elise, which was produced from 1996-2000, although the Elise was updated soon after the introduction of the Exige. The Exige added a non-removable hardtop, "fastback", kamm-tail style rear bodywork with a tinted transparent engine cover and a pylon-mounted rear wing. Front air intakes (blanked on the road cars) and a front splitter were added. Both front and rear bodywork clamshells were widened to accept a wider wheel track. The Series 1 was built until 2001. 604 examples in total were made and the car was not replaced until the Series 2 of 2004.
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Lotus Exige model years
Common Lotus Exige problems
Lotus Exige cars, like any other vehicle, have their own set of common problems that owners have reported over the years. Here are some of the issues that have been identified:
- Undertray issues: Some Lotus Exige owners have reported problems with the undertray, which can become loose or damaged over time. This can lead to decreased performance and potential damage to other components of the car.
- Engine problems: While the Toyota engines used in many Lotus models, including the Exige, are generally reliable, there have been some reported issues with the engine, electrics, and suspension. These problems could be due to wear and tear or specific to the Lotus Exige, and their extent is not always known.
- Clutch and suspension issues: The Lotus Exige has also been reported to have some problems with the clutch and suspension, although the cause and extent of these issues are not always known.
- Build quality: Some owners have reported issues with the build quality of their Lotus Exige, including cheap plastic interior components, imperfect stitching, and other signs of poor craftsmanship. This can detract from the overall driving experience and lead to reliability concerns.
- Service costs and parts availability: Lotus cars, including the Exige, are known for having high service costs and limited parts availability. This can make it difficult and expensive to maintain the car over time, especially in areas without a Lotus dealership or experienced independent shops.
- Reliability concerns: While Lotus cars have improved in reliability in recent years, there are still concerns about the long-term durability of the Exige and other models. Some owners have reported issues with transmission problems, particularly on cars with the IPS automatic transmission.
- Worse ergonomics and usability than the competition: Some reviewers and owners have noted that the Lotus Exige and other Lotus models have worse ergonomics and usability than their competitors. This can make the car more challenging to drive and live with on a daily basis, especially for those who are used to more refined and user-friendly vehicles.
In summary, the Lotus Exige is a high-performance sports car that offers a unique driving experience. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its own set of common problems and challenges. Owners should be aware of these issues and be prepared to invest time and money into maintaining the car over time.
Is the Lotus Exige reliable?
Reliability & safety
It's fair to say that in the past Lotus has had a dubious reputation for reliability, but the Exige is a very simple car and all of its components are well proven. The V6 engine comes from Toyota, while the traction-control system was developed with industry expert Bosch.
Is a Lotus Exige a good investment?
Its razor-sharp handling, powerful engine, and exhilarating performance make it one of the best-driving cars on the market, while its stylish and comfortable interior enhances the driving experience. The Lotus Exige S2 is a car that has the potential to be an excellent future investment for several reasons.
Does the Lotus Exige have a Toyota engine?
Exige V6 Cup According to Lotus, the Exige Cup has the following specifications: Engine: 3.5 litre Toyota DOHC V6 VVT-i, 24-valve, equipped with Harrop HTV 1320 supercharger producing 345 hp (350 PS) and 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) of torque at 7,000 rpm.
Is the Lotus Exige a super car?
The latest generation is of Lotus Exige is longer and wider than the original, and comes with notably more potent V6 power. It feels like a mini supercar and proved exciting enough to share our 2012 Car of the Year honours with the Pagani Huayra.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Lotus Exige years
We have researched Lotus problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Lotus Exige cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Lotus Exige model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Lotus Exige model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Lotus Exige years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Lotus Exige car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Lotus Exige , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Lotus Exige vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Lotus Exige . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Lotus Exige vehicles.
List of Lotus Exige complaints
Lotus Exige 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2010-02-11
- VIN: SCCPC11176H
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE DEFROSTER / AIR CONDITIONER / HEAT BLOWER FAN STOPPED WORKING CAUSING THE FRONT AND SIDE WINDOWS TO COMPLETELY FOG UP WHEN IT IS RAINING OUTSIDE. THE FAILURE HAPPENED WITHOUT NOTICE OR SPECIFIC EVENT. IT JUST HAPPENED. THE FIX IS TO REPLACE THE FAN BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR PACK. THE MANUFACTURE KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED A "FIX" TO DEALERS WHICH INVOLVES REPLACING THE RESISTOR PACK AND THEN DRILLING HOLES IN THE COMPARTMENT THAT HOUSES THE FAN BLOWER MOTOR AND RESISTOR PACK. THE HOLES ARE TO ALLOW CONDENSATION TO DRAIN FROM THE COMPARTMENT. THE CONDENSATION IS WHAT CAUSES THE RESISTOR PACK TO FAIL DUE TO CORROSION. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SITUATION AS VISIBILITY IS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED AND CAN LEAD TO A FATAL INCIDENT. *TR
Recalls Lotus Exige
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Lotus Exige.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Lotus Exige 2006
- Report Received Date: 2011-10-14
- Manufacturer: LOTUS CARS LTD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: LOTUS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELISE AND EXIGE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2006. THE OIL COOLER LINE MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM ITS FITTING.
- Consequence: A DETACHED OIL LINE 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 REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LOTUS AT 1-800-245-6887.
Latest positive Lotus Exige car reviews
Are you having problems with your Lotus Exige?
Merl Emmerich 2024-10-04
Vehicle year: 2006
I researched this car for a while before I bought it. It's fantastic to drive, and while the interior space is somewhat spartan, it's important to remember that it's a sports car, not a luxury car. The acceleration is crazy fast, and the feel of the car while driving is like being part of the car itself. I opted for the upgraded stereo and touring package, which allows me to listen to great music and enjoy the wonderful scent of leather. Imagine cruising down a smooth ribbon of highway, the sun on your shoulder, and your hands wrapped around a machine that is capable of unleashing a fury of raw energy - and you're in command. In my opinion, this car is worth every penny, even with the high maintenance charges.
Houston Lemke 2024-08-07
Vehicle year: 2006
This is definitely one of the most enjoyable cars I have ever owned. While it may not be the fastest, it handles turns with ease at any speed. I highly recommend it; it truly is an exceptional vehicle.
Presley Koelpin 2024-06-14
Vehicle year: 2006
The Exige and you become one. You can feel everything that goes on. Every bump, every crack. There are no surprises. This is the best Lotus ever. Colin is smiling!