Lancia thema LX
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
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 2 engine variants — from 190 to 286 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
VM Motori V6 diesel with 190 hp in the Chrysler 300C derivative. Powerful diesel, but complex and expensive to repair. Timing chain is long-lived; monitor injectors and turbo.
- !! 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
More powerful variant of the VM Motori V6 with 239 hp. Effortless performance for the executive class, but parts are expensive and the dealer network is thin. Regular oil changes with specialist oil are mandatory.
- !! 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
Chrysler Pentastar V6 with 286 hp in the rebadged 300C. Robust American engine with timing chain. High consumption but reliable. Check 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 |
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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? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee