Paint blistering issue update

[paulecar]

Does anyone have data on how many cars are impacted - E.g. 80% versus 10% of vehicles?

My thesis: On forums of this ilk, the unfortunate folks with issues make a problem look bigger than it is. Not through malice, of course. But because they have more incentive to post, and need the most help / reassurance / advice, etc. Obviously, I'm being optimistic. I have my fingers crossed (and a few other things) that my car doesn't have this issue.

Best wishes to everyone who needs this issue resolved. It's really unfortunate.

 

[geoffbland]

Does anyone have data on how many cars are impacted - E.g. 80% versus 10% of vehicles?

Well you have a data point from the poll on this thread.

14 affected (32%)
27 not affected - yet (68%)

So roughly 1/3 of cars affected. This ties in quite closely with the other poll about this done on the forum (here). There's obviously some selection bias here.

 

[SimonT]

Hello,

I wanted to get an update on a thread from some time ago regarding the well known paint blistering problem that affects some cars.

My car is ~2.5 years old and coming to the end of its warranty period. So far it has not been affected. Whether it's coincidence or not, it has been stored inside its whole life.

Talking to the local authorised Lotus service centre dealer today they said that this was continuing to be an issue with many cars, although there was no identifiable pattern with age, year etc.

My concern is that as the car comes out of warranty next year, if it is affected, it may end up costing thousands to put right, at my expense. They gave an idea of costs:

• Doors (each) £900 - £1800 total
• Paintwork (each) £2000 - £4000 total
• TOTAL: ~£5800 plus VAT @ 20%

These do seem high, especially the paint, but even if they are a slight overestimate it's a big financial hit. They alluded to the fact that some early cars may be covered for 5 years under the original warranty, but 3 years was now the norm. I am trying to find out what the situation is with my car from Lotus Customer services. There is also currently no official 'extended warranty' available - I am chasing Lotus on this separately.

With these costs it's a big question on the whole ownership proposition going forwards. Would I be prepared to pay for this work, or would I be better to sell the car and move onto something different?

I am keen to hear of other people's experiences. Thank you.

Lotus are working with Car Care Plan on an Emira specific after market warranty for existing owners.

Someone has linked to my thread on Lotus Escalations attempting to bribe me with a 2 yr extension on paint if I signed an NDA. Lotus have little comeback when for nigh on 3 yrs they stated the cars had a 5 yr paint warranty on their website. Under UK consumer law inherent faults are covered for 6 years if you can prove they existed at manufacture date. That Lotus have replaced doors and panels at no expense under warranty proves they know of the fault and that it is widespread.

It may take a claim in the Small Claims Court, or threat of, to force them into applying the 5 yrs warranty for cars purchased before they changed their website.

As for the paint, I've not seen paint on doors blistering anywhere but in the same places, ie top of the door, around the handle and bottom of the door, so I think a repair would make more sense if you were paying yourself. I've had both doors and tailgate replaced with 5 months of warranty left (November 17th 2022 build). The dealer paint shop said they've had no rear wings and only 1 other tailgate to mine replaced, but doors by the truckload.

 

[Nick in Sydney]

So roughly 1/3 of cars affected. This ties in quite closely with the other poll about this done on the forum (here). There's obviously some selection bias here.

Yes, suspect pretty significant selection bias. The poll says 32%, but reality across all cars sold will be much lower.

 

[geoffbland]

Yes, suspect pretty significant selection bias. The poll says 32%, but reality across all cars sold will be much lower.

Not sure if anyone else has asked this of a dealer but a dealer did also tell me it was a significant proportion of cars, I think he said a quarter but this was some time ago and I don't exactly recall what he said.

 

[Beachbum]

If it was a quarter some time ago and Lotus really have got the process sorted for later cars, hopefully the percentage is starting to drop
Unfortunately I am not sure it has, given the feed back on more recent cars

 

[Krxs]

Mines currently in to have new doors, tailgate and a rear quarter replaced. For anyone worried I would just check every inch of the paint. My drivers door bubbled on the inside lip and was only visible if the windows were down. Outside looked completely fine.

 

[Tomwa]

I wouldn't be overly concerned about that. those bubbles are unlikely to migrate around the lip, and its probably just poor paint prep in that area. which..makes some sense.

 

[Krxs]

I wouldn't be overly concerned about that. those bubbles are unlikely to migrate around the lip, and its probably just poor paint prep in that area. which..makes some sense.

True, mainly just because the warranty is coming to an end I was being a bit picky. Other panels were a lot worse off so the car was going in anyway