2006 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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Common 2006 Lotus Exige problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Lotus Exige 2006, several common problems have been identified:
- Air Conditioning Failure: The air conditioning system in the Lotus Exige S2 commonly stops working after 4-5 years, requiring new sill pipes to be drilled through for repair. This issue is a known fault that owners have experienced.
- Rear Toe Links Failure: Another common problem reported by owners is the failure of rear toe links in the Exige S2 model. Upgrading to Lotus motorsport toe links is recommended to address this issue.
- Exhaust and Engine Mount Stress: The exhaust components and engine mounts in the Lotus Exige are prone to stress, which can lead to potential issues if not addressed. Regular maintenance and checks are advised to prevent any significant problems.
- Gearbox and Clutch Concerns: The gearbox in the Exige S2 may not withstand power upgrades above 260hp/175lb/ft of torque for extended periods. Owners are cautioned to be careful with power upgrades beyond this threshold to avoid damaging the gearbox. Additionally, the clutch can be loud in the cabin, which is considered a typical characteristic of the car.
- Suspension Wear: Due to the age of the cars, even the newer models may require a suspension refresh to maintain optimal performance. Evidence of proper maintenance and suspension checks is crucial, especially for prolonged track use.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance, thorough checks, and potential upgrades to ensure the longevity and performance of the Lotus Exige 2006 model.
Does the Lotus Exige have a Toyota engine?
According to Lotus, the Exige S model, weighing 2,057 lb (933 kg), has the following specifications: Engine. Toyota supplied, 1,796 cc (1.8 L) I4, DOHC with VVTL-i (variable valve timing and lift - intelligent), supercharged and intercooled.
Is Lotus Exige rare?
Firstly, the Exige S2 is a rare car that has a limited production run, making it an exclusive and collectible vehicle. Its rarity is likely to translate to higher prices in the future, particularly for well-maintained and low-mileage models.
What is the top speed of the 2006 Lotus Exige?
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
|---|---|
| gear ratios | 3.116:1, 2.050:1, 1.481:1, 1.166:1, 0.916:1, 0.815:1, :1 |
| final drive | 4.529:1 |
| top speed | ~236.6 kph / 148 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~4.3 seconds |
Is the Lotus Exige comfortable?
Engines, performance and drive
Incredibly, Lotus' engineers have also managed to make it ride comfortably too. One neat feature is the traction control system available on Race Pack versions which is so clever that even a professional driver is quicker around a racing circuit with it switched on than when off.
2006 Lotus Exige car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lotus Exige problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2006 Lotus Exige vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2006 Lotus Exige complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Lotus Exige.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-01
- 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
2006 Lotus Exige recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2006 Lotus Exige.
- 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.
Positive 2006 Lotus Exige car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2006 Lotus Exige problems:
Lotus Elise Common Issues/Problems? | The Lotus Cars Community
Jan 2, 2016 ... Lotus Elise Common Issues/Problems? · 1. These cars have large (i.e. dangerous) blind spots. · 2. The horns are way too weak (quiet). · 3. The ...
Is the Elise reliability really that bad? : r/lotus
Jan 17, 2024 ... Is the Elise reliability really that bad? · both headlight mounts failed (held on with zip ties, very common). · one front turn signal mount ...
Exige Common Issues | The Lotus Cars Community
Feb 8, 2013 ... Lotus cars seem to have a few minor annoyances but not to many major issues. The biggest weakness are the oil lines, but that was rectified by ...
2006 Lotus Elise - Finally bought something for myself : r/cars
Oct 7, 2022 ... Oh boy, how's the reliability been on the 4C. I think that's the most similar car someone could buy.
Toyota engine issues? | The Lotus Cars Community
Jun 27, 2015 ... Agreed - the 2zz is a pretty reliable engine and the major problems with them are few and far between. 2006 Aspen White Elise (sold) Ongoing ...
Other years of Lotus Exige
Are you having problems with your 2006 Lotus Exige?
Merl Emmerich 2024-10-04
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
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
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!