Avoid: 2007 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2006 (few owner reports)
3 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 3 model years, the Lotus Exige has 9 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine and engine cooling. 2007 drew the most complaints (7), 2008 the fewest (1).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Lotus Exige vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2007 (7 complaints). Lowest: 2008 (1).
Extremely positive sentiment among owners and enthusiasts, characterized by universal praise for its raw, visceral, and telepathic driving dynamics.
Seats described as leather over a metal frame with minimal padding, non-adjustable passenger seat, harsh ride, cabin noise, poor climate control (air conditioning either "off or arctic"), roof leaks in rain.
Speaker covers popping off over bumps, known issues with the SPM (Suction Pump Module) affecting blower motor settings, general use of simple, lightweight components that can feel fragile.
Very low seating position, tight cabin, challenging for taller individuals.
Cited as a disappointment and limitation for buyers.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Exige. Individual model years are broken down above.
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