IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2015 Lotus Exige V6

Sport 350 replaces Exige S, cutting 51kg with louvred tailgate and open-gate gear linkage; followed by ultra-aggressive charge-cooled Sport 380, Sport 410, and aero-heavy Cup 430 flagships.

What changed for 2015

  • •Exige Sport 350 introduced, shedding 51kg with louvred tailgate and lightweight battery
  • •Beautiful exposed open-gate manual gear linkage mechanism fitted as standard
  • •Nitron three-way adjustable dampers and high-downforce carbon aero on Cup 430
  • •Introduction of charge-cooled 410bhp (Sport 410) and 430bhp (Cup 430) flagship powertrains

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Damaged front carbon splitter or rear diffuser vanes fouling road-height clearance tests
  • !Exhaust noise and emissions test failure on cars fitted with aftermarket decat systems
  • !Excessive play in rose-jointed suspension linkages and track-rod end assemblies
3
Known Issues
3
Serious
0
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Clutch Master Cylinder Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

Like the Evora, the Exige V6 can suffer from a sticking clutch pedal due to heat-soak failing the internal seals.

Est. Repair Cost: £800–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Pedal sticking to floor, Difficulty shifting when hot

What to Inspect:
  • Test clutch operation thoroughly during a spirited test drive.
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Suspension Joint & Toe Link Wear

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

Track use accelerates wear on ball joints and rear toe links. A nervous chassis ruins the Exige experience.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£1,200
Warning Signs:

Knocking over bumps, Instability at high speed, Uneven tyre wear

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect suspension joints for play.
  • Check alignment records.
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Rear Upright Cracking

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

The rear hub carriers/uprights on V6 Exiges have been known to crack, particularly on track-used cars. Lotus later redesigned the part with reinforced material. Failure can be catastrophic and life-threatening at speed.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£1,000 (pair, upgraded parts)
Warning Signs:

Visible cracks around hub carrier, Unsettled rear-end handling, Clicking or clunking from rear

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect rear uprights for hairline cracks, especially around the bearing housing.
  • Ask if upgraded (reinforced) uprights have been fitted.
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Buying Tips for 2015 Lotus Exige V6

  • Confirm ECU download history at a Lotus specialist to check for over-rev events on track
  • Inspect front clam and rear haunches for stone rash from sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres
  • Ensure exposed gearshift mechanism is clean, smoothly lubed, and cables correctly adjusted
2013–20142016
Check a 2015 Lotus Exige V6 by Registration