AI Damage1991 Lotus Elan: common problems
Owners of the 1991 Lotus Elan filed 13 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and vehicle speed control. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 13
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 92% of all complaints
- 2 Vehicle speed control 8% of all complaints
- 3 Visibility 8% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 12 complaints (92% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 1 complaints (8% of all).
- Visibility: 1 complaints (8% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.6 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 13 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
While parked on a hill and gas tank is full, fuel leaks out. If tank is half full and on a hill, fuel doesn't leak out. Contacted dealer, cannot fix problem. Consumer has to fill the gas tank to 1/2 of it's capacity to avoid smells and spillage.
Near the top of the fuel tank there is a crack. When filling vehicle up with fuel it leaks. Took vehicle to dealer and had it repaired. Dealer replaced the fuel tank, it was split on one side. Window regulator broke and was inoperative.
When gas tank was filled fuel leaked on ground and fumes entered vehicle. Fumes were so strong that consumer felt sick and pulled over. Vehicle leaked so much fuel in gas station that employee was going to bill the consumer. Dealer, lotus was not admitting there was a problem. Fuel tank would have to be replaced.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,843 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 27% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Elan has 5 complaints (3 years in the data). This year has 13, above average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Vehicle speed control. Accelerator pedal, cruise control, throttle codes.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Lotus Elan?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, vehicle speed control, visibility. Total complaints: 13. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (15%), smoke, burning smell, fire (8%), windows, sunroof (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1991 Lotus Elan?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1991 Lotus Elan from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.