NHTSA vehicle safety data
1998 Lotus Esprit Recalls & Complaints
The 1998 Lotus Esprit has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Lotus dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1998 Lotus Esprit. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
1998 Lotus Esprit owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 1998 Lotus Esprit, describing incidents dated October 1, 1998.
Most-cited components
- Electrical System 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #607708 · Filed
HORN INOPERATIVE.
LOTUS/FMVSS 208/AIR BAG WARNING LABELS
NHTSA #04V001000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice
Reported January 5, 2004 · GROUP LOTUS PLC
Potentially affected: 660 vehicles
Owners notified January 12, 2004 · Vehicles built January 1, 1997 – November 28, 2003 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
THE ABSENCE OF THE LABELS COULD CREATE A RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY IF THE OPERATION OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND THE NEED TO USE SEAT BELTS IS NOT PROPERLY UNDERSTOOD. IMPROPER USAGE COULD CAUSE INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WHEN THERE IS A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LOTUS AT 1-800-245-6887.
Notes
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
LOTUS/REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES
NHTSA #01E016000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice
Reported April 18, 2001 · LOTUS CARS OF AMERICA INC
Potentially affected: 520 vehicles
Owners notified April 26, 2001
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
IF AN INCORRECT BELT WAS INSTALLED, THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT BE CAPABLE OF SECURING A CHILD SEAT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Manufacturer remedy
CUSTOMERS ARE BEING INSTRUCTED TO BRING THEIR CARS INTO THEIR LOCAL DEALER FOR A FREE REPLACEMENT BELT ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 26, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LOTUS CARS USA AT 1-800-245-6887.
Notes
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
LOTUS/WHEELS
NHTSA #98V135000 · Wheels — Rim · NHTSA notice
Reported June 22, 1998 · LOTUS CARS OF AMERICA INC
Potentially affected: 160 vehicles
Owners notified June 30, 1998
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN WHEELS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED FOR HARDNESS. THE REAR WHEELS COULD CRACK AND BREAK.
Safety consequence
THE REAR WHEELS COULD CRACK AND BREAK, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS.
Notes
THIS RECALL SUPERCEDES RECALL NO. 97V-202.OWNER NOTIFICATION OCCURRED ON JUNE 30,1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LOTUS AT 1-800-245-6887.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Other Lotus Esprit model years
Check your 1998 Lotus Esprit VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Lotus Esprit at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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