1997 Lotus Esprit: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Lotus Esprit: 4 recalls, 0 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #96V244000 · 1996 · 240 vehicles
What's wrong: Air bag and seat belt system warning labels are missing from the sun visor. This does not comply with fmvss no. 108, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: The vehicle occupant May not properly understand the operation of the air bag system and the need to use seat belts.
The fix: Owners will be provided with labels and installation instructions. If they so desire, they can have their dealers install these labels for them.
Wheels Vehicle recall #97V202000 · 1997 · 11 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain wheels were not properly heat treated for hardness. The rear wheels could crack and break.
Why it matters: If the rear wheels cracked and broke, loss of vehicle control could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace these wheels.
Wheels Vehicle recall #98V135000 · 1998 · 160 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain wheels were not properly heat treated for hardness. The rear wheels could crack and break.
Why it matters: The rear wheels could crack and break, resulting in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace these wheels.
Equipment Vehicle recall #04V001000 · 2004 · 660 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Airbags Equipment recall #01E016000 · 2001 · 520 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Customers are being instructed to bring their cars into their local dealer for a free replacement belt assembly. Owner notification began April 26, 2001.
Most-reported problems
No owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Lotus Esprit so far.
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 8-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Lotus Esprit.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Lotus Esprit have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Lotus Esprit, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Lotus Esprit get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Lotus Esprit repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.