Lotus Elise: problems, complaints, bulletins

Model years

What fails most often

• Engine and cooling: 43 complaints (60% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
• Engine: 8 complaints (11% of all).
• Powertrain: 7 complaints (10% of all).
• Electrical system: 4 complaints (6% of all).
• Suspension: 4 complaints (6% of all).

Engines and transmissions

US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.

• 1.8 L · petrol · 4 cyl 2005–2011
• 1.8 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl 2007–2011
• manual, 6-speed 2005–2011named in 1 complaints

Drive: RWD

Symptoms owners describe

How many of the 72 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).

• warning lights, check engine11 · 15%
• oil leak or consumption10 · 14%
• smoke, burning smell, fire7 · 10%
• engine failure or replacement5 · 7%
• knocking, grinding or other noise4 · 6%
• windows, sunroof2 · 3%
• vibration2 · 3%
• overheating, coolant loss2 · 3%
• stalls while driving1 · 1%
• rust, corrosion1 · 1%

Components owners complain about

What owners report

Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.

• While driving the vehicle during a rain storm the front defroster would not operate, which subsequently reduced my visibility as a consequence, as I was getting ready to pull over to the side and sit, I ran into flood water as a result of not being able to see properly.

  Visibility · 2005 · crash · 2010-05-04 · NHTSA complaint #10328853

• The 2007+ lotus elise/ exige are all equipped with a shifter that is prone to failure. I have personally had a broken shifter while driving on the highway and was stuck at the 3rd gear and almost got into a car accident. Many have also reported the same situation.

  Powertrain · 2007 · 2018-07-06 · NHTSA complaint #11109941

• The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, smoke began to emit in and around the vehicle. The contact attempted to engage the brakes but the pedal sank to the floor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer.

  Engine and cooling · 2005 · 2014-05-20 · NHTSA complaint #10592736

• I was driving normally and the engine light came on all the sudden. I pulled over shortly after. While waiting for the tow truck, I already can see that the engine oil was leaking from the front right side. My car was towed to a local repair shop and found that the oil line was dis-attached from the connector.

  Engine · 2006 · 2013-12-24 · NHTSA complaint #10557199

• I looked back and it seemed that it was like a dirty brown smoke. I was my car. (I later realized the cloud was a spray of oil mist.) I was going 65 or 70 mph and didn't notice anything unusual with the drivability. I looked at my instrument panel & noticed the oil light was on.

  Engine · 2007 · 2012-10-31 · NHTSA complaint #10482729

• I was on the freeway driving at freeway speeds in the #1 lane when I smelled burning oil. I hadn't noticed the car performing differently so I looked ahead to the forward cars for the 'gross polluter' causing the smell. I didn't see anyone with my first forward inspection.

  Engine · 2007 · 2012-10-31 · NHTSA complaint #10482713

When owners complained

NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.

• 20064
• 20071
• 20083
• 20095
• 201013
• 201127
• 201214
• 20133
• 20141
• 20181

What to check before buying

• Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
• Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
• Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
• Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.

Other models of this make

• Lotus Emira
• Lotus Evora
• Lotus Elan
• Lotus Exige S
• Lotus Evora GT