2005 Lotus Exige problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2005 Lotus Exige — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Exige years?

Exige NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Exige years to avoid →

Does the 2005 Lotus Exige have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V510000EngineOctober 14, 2011 · 5,041 units

Defect

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.

2005 Lotus Exige — common questions

Is the 2005 Lotus Exige reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 Lotus Exige have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 Lotus Exige. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2005 compare to other Exige years?

Does the 2005 Lotus Exige have recalls?

2005 Lotus Exige — common questions

Is the 2005 Lotus Exige reliable?

Does the 2005 Lotus Exige have recalls?

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