Equipment recall 01E016000 · April 18, 2001

1997-2001 Lotus Esprit

Equipment description: model year 1997 through 2001 lotus esprit vehicles built between September 1, 1995, and March 31, 2001.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

This is a recall of aftermarket equipment listed for the vehicles below. It applies only if the recalled part was installed on the vehicle.

Summary: 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 child safety seat.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Customers are being instructed to bring their cars into their local dealer for a free replacement belt assembly. Owner notification began April 26, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact lotus cars USA at 1-800-245-6887.
Notes: Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 01E016000
Reported to NHTSA: April 18, 2001
Filed by: LOTUS CARS OF AMERICA INC
Owner notification: April 26, 2001
Vehicles potentially affected: 520
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Air bags

Recall 01E016000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Lotus Esprit (1997-2001): 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997

Has your Lotus been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

Check your VIN with NHTSA

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Lotus dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.