Research · Minicompact Cars

2017 Lotus EvoraRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 3 owner complaints for the 2017 Lotus Evora. Most complaints involve engine (2) and suspension (1). The EPA rates it 19–20 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19–20mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Apr 2019
Owner complaints
3
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$4,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Structure

Free remedy

Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Evora vehicles. The toe board in the passenger footwell lacks stiffness, allowing the knee of an unbelted occupant to contact the rigid structure of the vehicle, in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

StructureReported Apr 2, 2019NHTSA 19V263000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2024 – Nov 2025
  1. Engine2
  2. Suspension1
  3. Electrical system1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Evora model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20102
20111
20122
20133
20143
20173
20181
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

2 reports
“For the second time, a Throttle Actuator code forced an engine shutdown while on a busy freeway with only very narrow breakdown lane stranding the car. Attempts to reset the code(s) failed for about 30 minutes whereupon codes reset and have not recurred indicating the code was only transient but very dangerous.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 1, 2024EngineODI 11623114

Suspension

1 report
“The contact owns a 2017 Lotus Evora. The contact stated that there was a clunking sound coming from the rear suspension. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who was certified to work on Lotus vehicles, but not associated with the dealer, and the rear suspension arm was inspected and diagnosed with a fracture in the casting of the suspension. The suspension arm and bushing were replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 18, 2025SuspensionODI 11700048

Electrical system

1 report
“Driving on an interstate highway a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) illuminated and within less than 5 seconds, the engine went into shutdown mode. I was able to safely clear the highway but on a central lane and heavy traffic it would have been impossible to safely clear the highway and the car would be stranded in the middle of the road. Checking malfunction codes indicated a throttle body malfunction or at least a sensed malfunction as the car showed no problem ahead of shutdown. Second code indicated a “LIMP HOME” mode which quickly progressed to a “SHUT DOWN” mode as indicated by a third code. I believe that I would rather damage equipment rather than shutdown in the middle of the highway and the shutdown mode should be programmed out. Car was towed to Lotus of Dallas dealer for troubleshooting and as of now there is no resolution.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 22, 2024Electrical system, EngineODI 11610304
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Minicompact Cars
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl supercharged
Transmissions
Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Evora
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive
172420$4,000451
Evora
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive
162419$4,200468
  • Evora
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Sup Charg
    17 city · 24 hwy · $4,000/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Evora
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Sup Charg
    16 city · 24 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Lotus Evora as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2017 Evora questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Lotus Evora have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2017 Lotus Evora problems?

Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (2), suspension (1), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 Lotus Evora get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Lotus Evora at 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026