1998 Lotus Esprit: common problems and reliability

1 owner complaint on record.

Most complaints are about electrical system. 3 recalls.

Should I buy a 1998 Esprit?

The 1998 Lotus Esprit has 1 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system.

Safety record for the 1998 model year

1
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Lotus Esprit vehicles (US, public record).

How we score it

Where owners report problems

electrical system
1

Recalls affecting the 1998 Esprit

air bags

Campaign 01E016000

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.

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 04V001000

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.

wheels:rim

Campaign 98V135000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN WHEELS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED FOR HARDNESS. THE REAR WHEELS COULD CRACK AND BREAK.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep admiration for its iconic wedge design, engaging driving dynamics, and cultural status as a "poster car." The vehicle is celebrated for its futuristic, space-age appearance, particularly the early Giugiaro-styled models, and its association with James Bond.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Esprit. See the full Esprit owner picture and every model year.

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