How many recalls does the 1998 Lotus Esprit have?

The 1998 Lotus Esprit has 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 1998 Lotus Esprit has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 1998 Lotus Esprit?

Of 1 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is electrical system.

1998 Lotus Esprit Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 1998 Lotus Esprit has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 820 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

EQUIPMENT 04V001000 2004-01-05 660 affected

Defect

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.

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.

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.

WHEELS 98V135000 1998-06-22 160 affected

Defect

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

Consequence

THE REAR WHEELS COULD CRACK AND BREAK, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS.

Complaints by component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

Total complaints1

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“Horn inoperative.”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN · reported 1998-10-01

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1998 Lotus Esprit as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.