ROADSTER

Lamborghini Roadster — MPG, VIN Decoder, Recalls, Reliability & Specs

Everything on the Lamborghini Roadster — 0 recalls, common problems, the best & worst years, full specs, MPG and NHTSA safety, by model year.

Data · NHTSA & EPA · 1989–2000 · 12 model years · Updated Jul 26, 2026 · Not yet rated
Quick answer

The Lamborghini Roadster spans 1989–2000 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers up to 10 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.

Advertisement
1989–2000
Years
0
Recalls
10
Top MPG
—★
NHTSA
0
Complaints
Not yet rated
ForCar Reliability Score
Too new — not enough data yet

We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the Lamborghini Roadster — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.

Overview

The Lamborghini Roadster is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1989 to 2000 across multiple generations.

Advertisement

How to read a Lamborghini Roadster VIN — every digit explained

Every Lamborghini Roadster carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.

FIG.02·How to Read a Lamborghini Roadster VIN
1–3 · WMIZHW
4–8 · VDSCM826
9 · Check5
10 · YearR
11 · PlantA
12–17 · Serial004352
  • WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Lamborghini and the country it was built in (real Lamborghini codes below).
  • VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
  • Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
  • Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
  • Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Roadster.
  • Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Real Lamborghini WMIs — the first 3 VIN digits by build country
  • ItalyZHW
  • USAZPB
17 CHARS·SOURCE SAE / ISO 3779 · NHTSA vPIC

Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Roadster, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.

How many recalls does the Lamborghini Roadster have?

The Lamborghini Roadster has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1989–2000. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.

Advertisement

Best and worst years for the Lamborghini Roadster

We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Lamborghini Roadster — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.

Advertisement

What are the most common Lamborghini Roadster problems?

We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Lamborghini Roadster — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.

Lamborghini Roadster specifications & dimensions

The 2000 Lamborghini Roadster measures 176″ long on a 104″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,583 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Lamborghini Roadster window sticker.

FIG.04·Lamborghini Roadster Dimensions by Generation
YearsLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseCurb weight
2000176″80″44″104″3,583 lb
1997179″80″44″104″3,583 lb
ROWS 2·SOURCE NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada

Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.

Advertisement

Lamborghini Roadster cargo space, seating & interior room

How much the Roadster holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 45 cu ft of passenger volume and 8 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.

45
Passenger ft³
8
Cargo ft³
53
Total interior ft³

Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.

Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.

Lamborghini Roadster tire size, oil type & owner specs

The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.

Wheels & tires
Wheel sizeby VIN
Tire sizeby VIN
Bolt patternby trim
Tire pressure32–36 PSI
Engine oil
Oil typeFull synthetic
Gradeon oil cap
Capacityby engine
Battery
Main battery12V · group by trim
Key-fob cellCR2032
Wiper blades
Front bladesby generation
Rear bladeif equipped
Fuses
Fuse boxeshood + dash
Diagramon box lid
Light bulbs
Headlightby trim
Tail / brakeby trim
Fogif equipped

Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.

Advertisement

What MPG does the Lamborghini Roadster get?

The Lamborghini Roadster returns up to 10 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $7,700/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:

The 1999 Lamborghini Roadster (5.7L 12-cyl) gets 10 mpg combined and costs about $7,700/yr to fuel, emitting 889 g/mi CO₂ — about $27,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.

FIG.05a·Lamborghini Roadster MPG, CO₂ & smog — V8
YearCityHwyCombFuel/yrCO₂ g/miSmogEngine
1999 Roadster91310$7,7008895.7L 12-cyl
1998 Roadster91310$7,7008895.7L 12-cyl
1997 Roadster81310$7,7005.7L 12-cyl
1996 Roadster81310$7,7008895.7L 12-cyl
1995 Roadster81310$7,7008895.7L 12-cyl
1994 Roadster91310$7,7008895.7L 12-cyl
1993 Roadster81310$7,7008895.7L 12-cyl
1992 Roadster81310$7,7008895.7L 12-cyl
1991 Roadster81310$7,7008895.7L 12-cyl
1990 Roadster6107$11,0001,2705.2L 12-cyl
1989 Roadster6107$11,0001,2705.2L 12-cyl
ROWS 11·SOURCE EPA (ForCar database)

Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.

See how the Roadster stacks up against the most fuel-efficient two-seaters, or calculate this Roadster's real yearly fuel cost.

What engines does the Lamborghini Roadster have? Power & range

The Lamborghini Roadster is offered with 1 powertrain — 5.7L 12-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.

FIG.06·Lamborghini Roadster Powertrains
EngineDisplacementTransmissionDriveFuel
V85.7L · 12-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel DrivePremium
ROWS 1·SOURCE EPA + NHTSA vPIC

Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.

Advertisement

How much does a Lamborghini Roadster cost to own?

A Lamborghini Roadster depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Roadster is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.

80%
Value @ 1 yr
61%
Value @ 3 yrs
46%
Value @ 5 yrs
$38,500
Est. 5-yr fuel
FIG.08·Lamborghini Roadster Depreciation & Resale
$
AgeValue retainedEst. resale valueLost to depreciation
Year 180%$24,000−$6,000
Year 270%$21,000−$9,000
Year 361%$18,300−$11,700
Year 453%$15,900−$14,100
Year 546%$13,800−$16,200
ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar estimate

What goes into the five-year cost to own:

  • Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Roadster loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
  • Fuel — ≈ $38,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
  • Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Roadster ages.
  • Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.

Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.

Is the Lamborghini Roadster safe?

NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Roadster yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.

Upgrade to Pro

Tired of ads? Go Pro.

  • Zero ads — clean, fast pages
  • Exact mileage-adjusted car values
  • Full research reports + PDF
  • Market charts & price-drop alerts
  • …and much more
Free plan available — no credit card needed
Advertisement

How many miles does a Lamborghini Roadster last?

A well-maintained Lamborghini Roadster typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.

ROADSTER

Check your Lamborghini Roadster’s VIN — history, recalls & specs

Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.

Check this Roadster’s VIN free →

All Lamborghini Roadster model years

A year-by-year snapshot of the Lamborghini Roadster — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.

FIG.11·All Lamborghini Roadster Model Years
YearRecallsBest MPGSafety
2000 Roadster0
1999 Roadster010 mpg
1998 Roadster010 mpg
1997 Roadster010 mpg
1996 Roadster010 mpg
1995 Roadster010 mpg
1994 Roadster010 mpg
1993 Roadster010 mpg
1992 Roadster010 mpg
1991 Roadster010 mpg
1990 Roadster07 mpg
1989 Roadster07 mpg
ROWS 12·SOURCE NHTSA + EPA

Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).

Advertisement

Frequently asked questions

What are the worst years for the Roadster?

We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Lamborghini Roadster.

How many recalls does the Roadster have?

0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1989–2000. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Lamborghini recalls and reliability across every model.

What MPG does the Roadster get?

Up to 10 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.

How many miles does a Roadster last?

A well-maintained Roadster typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.

Is the Roadster reliable?

We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Lamborghini Roadster — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.

What's the Lamborghini Roadster warranty?

New Lamborghini models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Lamborghini dealer.

Where is the Lamborghini Roadster made?

The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Roadster's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Lamborghini may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.

How much does a Roadster weigh?

The Roadster's curb weight is around 3,583 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.

How much ground clearance does the Roadster have?

Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.

Data sourced from NHTSA (recalls, complaints, safety ratings) and EPA fueleconomy.gov (MPG). Best/worst-year analysis is ForCar's own aggregation of complaint volume. Last updated Jul 2026. — ForCar Editorial Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.
Advertisement