<p>Modeling fracture in orthotropic functionally graded materials (FGMs) presents numerous challenges due to their complex material behavior, which varies spatially and directionally. Furthermore, the continuous gradient in the material composition poses difficulties in accurately capturing fracture behavior, necessitating advanced numerical techniques in the purview of finite element analysis. Through the implementation of exponential finite element (EFE) shape functions in the phase-field model, this study aims to improve the accuracy of fracture prediction in orthotropic FGMs under mixed mode loading cases. An example in shear loading case is presented for the first time. The methodology is evaluated in different orthotropy angles, material gradation directions, and gradation types to analyze their influence on fracture behavior in orthotropic FGMs. Comparisons between EFE and linear finite element reveal that EFE consistently reduces error in peak load predictions, with significant improvements while incurring only a marginal increase in computational cost.</p>