Recall 18V781 affects 36 2018 Lotus Evora vehicles for a steering column assembly error. Repair is free at any franchised Lotus dealer.
Lotus is recalling 36 2018 Evora vehicles because an assembly error can keep the steering column from collapsing as intended in a frontal collision. That failure leaves more crash energy reaching occupants and increases the risk of injury; Lotus dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering column in the 2018 Lotus Evora connects the steering wheel to the steering gear, so your steering inputs turn the front wheels. It also has a collapsible section that is designed to compress in a frontal crash. That collapse helps manage crash energy instead of letting the column stay rigid toward the driver.
On affected Evora vehicles, a steering column cartridge securing screw was assembled with the wrong torque setting. Torque is the tightening force applied to a fastener. When that screw is not tightened to the required setting, the steering column is not assured to collapse as designed during a frontal collision. The issue is tied to assembly, not to normal steering feel.
There is no warning sign before failure. Lotus reported no related symptoms and said normal driving is not affected, so an owner should not expect a noise, light, or steering change to reveal the defect before a crash.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Lotus Evora | steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 36 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Lotus Evora coupe is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific coupe is included.
What's the safety risk?
A steering column that does not collapse as intended in a crash can increase injury risk. There are no warning symptoms tied to this defect, and normal driving is not affected, so confirm your VIN and schedule the recall repair if included. Repair is free at any franchised Lotus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Lotus Evora is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lotus dealer to schedule the free steering-column correction, which fixes the assembly error that can reduce crash-energy absorption in a frontal collision.
- Bring the recall notice if Lotus sent one. If not, reference recall number 18V781 and Lotus recall 2018/01R when you call.
- Call Lotus customer service at 1-800-245-6887 with questions about scheduling or dealer instructions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lotus technician corrects the steering column assembly covered by recall 18V781. The repair is free, and parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you previously paid out of pocket for work to fix this steering column problem before Lotus sent the recall notices, Lotus offers reimbursement for customer paid work on affected vehicles, unless the work was needed because of accident damage or abuse. Keep your repair paperwork and ask Lotus customer service or the dealer how to submit documented expenses.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 6, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 30, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 4, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 4, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 4, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V781?
Recall 18V781 covers 36 2018 Lotus Evora vehicles with a steering column assembly error. In a frontal crash, the steering column can fail to collapse as intended, increasing injury risk. Lotus dealers will correct the steering column assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Lotus Evora is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V781. If it is, contact a franchised Lotus dealer to schedule the steering column assembly correction. Reference recall number 18V781 or Lotus recall 2018/01R when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Lotus says dealers will correct the steering column assembly free of charge. The repair is handled through a franchised Lotus dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is higher injury exposure in a frontal crash. If the steering column does not collapse as intended, it can fail to absorb some impact energy. Lotus corrects the steering column assembly under recall 18V781 at no charge.
What if I bought this Lotus Evora used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2018 Lotus Evora is included, then contact a franchised Lotus dealer and reference recall 18V781.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V781000 |
|---|---|
| Lotus customer service | 1-800-245-6887 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V781 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V781000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →