Lancia Thema LX
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Lancia Thema built between 2011 and 2014 is a full-size luxury sedan that has nothing in common with the historic Fiat-based Thema of the 1980s. Behind the Lancia badge sits pure American engineering: this is a rebadged Chrysler 300, built on a US platform with US engines and US electronics. Lancia badly needed a flagship at the time and simply reached into the Fiat-Chrysler parts bin. Once that is understood, the car makes sense — plenty of vehicle for the money, comfortable and imposing, but with the maintenance profile and parts situation of a large American car.
Among the engines, the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with roughly 286 hp is the natural choice. This petrol unit is a robust, willing six-cylinder with chain drive and a relaxed character, generally considered rock-solid. Watch for the early-design timing chain issue on the first model years, plus rocker-arm wear with bearing noise and possible oil-cooler leaks — all manageable on a well-kept example. The diesels come from VM Motori: the 3.0-litre V6 CRD is offered with around 190 hp (effortless but expensive to repair) and as a punchy 240 hp version. Both are complex; typical trouble spots are EGR-valve clogging from soot, oil-cooler leakage and DPF blockage, with the smaller diesel also prone to a leaking rear crankshaft seal. For high-mileage drivers with a clean service history the diesels are usable, but for everyone else the petrol is the easier ownership proposition.
The car itself deserves a close look. Brake discs tend to warp early, the ABS/ESP control unit can fail, and the automatic gearbox sometimes shifts too soon or unevenly. Front axle bearings and anti-roll bar bushings wear out, and rust appears at panel seams on the underbody — so get it on a lift and check. The climate control occasionally hunts between warm and cold, and the uConnect infotainment can lose its settings. None of this is a deal-breaker, but taken together the car needs a previous owner who took maintenance seriously.
Bottom line, the Thema LX is an honest offer for anyone wanting a lot of car and comfort for little money and no fear of American engineering. The Pentastar petrol with a complete history is the most relaxed pick. With the diesels, avoid neglected examples, because repair costs quickly exceed residual value. A clean, fully documented car from an owner who understood its quirks, on the other hand, can be a very comfortable long-distance cruiser.
286 PS
Thema · Benzin
American nobility
Fun to Drive!286 PS
3.6L V6 Pentastar Benzin
3 weaknesses
Good ChoiceEngine Overview
The Lancia Thema LX is available with 3 engine variants — from 190 to 286 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
V6 common-rail diesel from VM Motori with around 190 hp, a powerful and torque-rich compression-ignition unit but structurally complex and expensive to repair. The timing chain is considered durable, while the injectors and turbocharger need attention. The EGR valve clogs with soot deposits, the oil cooler develops leaks and weeps oil, and the rear crankshaft seal starts to seep over time. In short-trip use the particulate filter clogs. An impressive engine for long distances, but one that demands complete servicing and a certain budget set aside for parts.
- !! Oil cooler leak from 120,000 km
The water-cooled oil cooler on the VM Motori 3.0 CRD develops leaks with age. Oil can enter the cooling system or coolant can enter the oil. Common problem particularly during abrupt load changes.
Symptoms: Oil in coolant, mayonnaise-like emulsion under oil filler cap, coolant loss - !! DPF blockage from 100,000 km
The DPF on the VM Motori 3.0 CRD clogs in short-trip use. With this large-displacement V6 diesel, fuel dilution into the oil during a DPF fault is particularly problematic.
Symptoms: Check engine light, power loss, limp mode, rising oil level - ! EGR valve soot blockage from 100,000 km
The EGR valve on the VM Motori 3.0 CRD V6 (190 hp) clogs with carbon. Cleaning or replacement every 80,000 km is necessary for city use.
Symptoms: Hesitation at partial load, fault code P0401, power loss
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
A powerful stage of the VM Motori V6 common-rail diesel with around 240 hp, aimed at effortless performance in the upper class. It pushes hard with a cultivated character, but demands disciplined care with the approved special oil at short intervals. Spare parts are expensive and the network of competent workshops is thin, making repairs a chore. Typical weak spots are a soot-clogged EGR valve, an oil cooler that starts to leak and mix oil with coolant, and a clogging particulate filter. Only advisable to buy used with documented oil care and checked cooling circuits.
- !! Oil cooler leak from 120,000 km
The oil cooler on the VM Motori 3.0 CRD Multijet II develops leaks. Oil-coolant mixing is possible. Identical problem to the 190 hp variant.
Symptoms: Oil in coolant, emulsion under oil filler cap, coolant loss - !! DPF blockage from 100,000 km
The DPF on the 3.0 CRD Multijet II clogs in short-trip use. Due to the high displacement, the amount of fuel dilution into the oil during a DPF fault is considerable.
Symptoms: Check engine light, power loss, limp mode, rising oil level - ! EGR valve soot blockage from 100,000 km
The EGR valve on the VM Motori 3.0 CRD Multijet II (239 hp) clogs with carbon. Cleaning every 80,000 km is mandatory.
Symptoms: Hesitation at partial load, fault code P0401, power loss
The 3.6-litre Chrysler Pentastar V6 is a robust, free-revving six-cylinder with around 286 hp, chain drive and a relaxed American character. It is regarded as fundamentally reliable and durable, though fuel consumption is high. Early build years (roughly 2011 to 2014) had a timing-chain design issue on the left cylinder-bank head, noticeable as a cold-start rattle — check the service history and any rectification here. Further topics are rocker-arm wear with bearing noise and oil-cooler leaks. In a well-kept example with clean service history it is a commanding, rewarding engine; inspect the oil cooler and water pump at high mileage.
- !! Timing chain early design issue (2011–2014) from 80,000 km
Early Pentastar 3.6 V6 engines (ERB, model years 2011–2014) had a timing chain design with sharp-edged guide rail bearings that damaged the chain. Chrysler revised the design in 2014. Engines from 2014 onward are considerably less prone.
Symptoms: Chain rattle on cold start, timing synchronisation faults P0017/P0019, power loss, rough running - !! Rocker arm wear and valve train noise from 60,000 km
Faulty rocker arms on the Pentastar 3.6 V6 (ERB) cause engine noise, reduced power and can lead to severe engine damage. Chrysler replaced rocker arms and hydraulic lifters as the fix.
Symptoms: Ticking from engine bay, power loss, rough running, check engine light - !! Oil cooler leak from 120,000 km
The water-cooled oil cooler on the Pentastar 3.6 V6 can develop leaks and allow oil to enter the cooling system. Typical from 100,000–150,000 km. Repair requires removing numerous components.
Symptoms: Oil in coolant, coolant loss, emulsion in expansion tank, engine overheating
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Brake discs warp prematurely Brake discs warp at low mileage — documented already at 8,000 km. Cause: over-worked caliper pistons that expand and fail to retract. Symptoms: Vibration in the steering wheel when braking, pulsating brake pedal, pulling to one side under braking from 30,000 km | Medium |
Alternatives
Audi S8 D4
Full-Size (2012–2018)
Mercedes-Benz CLS X218
Full-Size (2012–2018)
BMW 6er F13
Full-Size (2011–2018)
BMW M5 F10
Full-Size (2011–2016)
Chrysler 300 LD
Full-Size (2011–2023)
Hyundai Grandeur HG
Full-Size (2011–2016)
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 17 weaknesses have been documented for the Lancia Thema LX (2011–2014) — 10 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Brakes, Electronics, Gearbox, Suspension. Considered reliable: ERB-Thema (3.6L V6 Pentastar).
Thema (VMA630-190, 2011–2014) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leak, DPF blockage, EGR valve soot blockage. Power: 190 PS.
Thema (VMA630-239, 2011–2014) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leak, DPF blockage, EGR valve soot blockage. Power: 239 PS.
What to watch out for with the Lancia Thema? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Lancia Thema LX have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Lancia Thema LX? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Lancia Thema LX engine is the most reliable? +
Which Lancia Thema LX engine is the most fun? +
Is the Lancia Thema LX worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Lancia Thema LX? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee