2006 LOTUS ELISE

1 recalls, 18 complaints - 26 TSBs

11V510000 Oct 14, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Defect Description
LOTUS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELISE AND EXIGE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2006. THE OIL COOLER LINE MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM ITS FITTING.
Consequence
A DETACHED OIL LINE COULD SPRAY OIL ON A TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, OR IT COULD SPRAY OIL THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy
LOTUS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LOTUS AT 1-800-245-6887.
5,041 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: LOTUS CARS LTD

Complaint Statistics

18 total complaints 1 fires

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM2
ENGINE2
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY1
SUSPENSION:REAR1
POWER TRAIN1
ENGINE Dec 24, 2013
Incident date: Dec 11, 2013
I HAVE AN INQUIRE IN REGARD TO MY 2006 LOTUS ELISE (VIN [XXX]) OIL LINE ISSUE THAT HAPPENED ON 12/11/13. 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 FRO... Read more
ENGINE May 14, 2012
Incident date: Jan 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LOTUS ELISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V510000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY HAD NO TIME FRAME AS TO WHEN TH... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Mar 30, 2012
Incident date: Feb 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LOTUS ELISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V510000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE TO FIND... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Mar 28, 2012
Incident date: Mar 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LOTUS ELISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING ABNORMALLY. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE OIL FILTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND TH... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Mar 6, 2012
Incident date: Feb 13, 2012
OIL COOLER HOSE SEPARATED FROM FITTING AT THE SANDWICH PLATE ON THE ENGINE. *TR
POWER TRAIN Dec 22, 2011
Incident date: Dec 22, 2011
AS I WAS PULLING ONTO MY STREET, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH. I IMMEDIATELY FOUND A PLACE TO STOP AND PARK THE CAR, AT WHICH TIME I NOTICED THE SMELL OF OIL IN THE CABIN. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED OIL ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE & WHEEL, AND APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES AFTER PARKING T... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Dec 22, 2011
Incident date: Dec 22, 2011
AS I WAS PULLING ONTO MY STREET, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH. I IMMEDIATELY FOUND A PLACE TO STOP AND PARK THE CAR, AT WHICH TIME I NOTICED THE SMELL OF OIL IN THE CABIN. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED OIL ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE & WHEEL, AND APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES AFTER PARKING T... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Sep 8, 2011
Incident date: Aug 15, 2011
OIL COOLER SUPPLY LINE CONNECTED TO THE SANDWICH PLATE WHERE THE OIL FILTER SCREWS IN, ON MY 06 LOTUS ELISE BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE COUPLING, SPRAYING OIL EVERYWHERE AND PERMANENTLY DAMAGING MY ENGINE. THE ENGINE ONLY HAS 50K MILES ON IT, AND NOW IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. NEW MOTOR, AND LABOR CO... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Aug 23, 2011
Incident date: Aug 19, 2011
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, AND AFTER ABOUT HALF OF A MILE I STARTED TO SMELL BURNING OIL AND THOUGHT TO MYSELF "BOY, I'M GLAD THAT SMELL ISN'T COMING FROM MY CAR!" I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 55 MPH. I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW A THICK TRAIL OF OIL FOLLOWING ME AND LOOKED AT MY OIL LIGH... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 5, 2011
Incident date: Aug 3, 2006
OIL LEAKING FROM UNDER THE CAR IN THE FRONT CLAM AREA. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Jul 28, 2011
Incident date: Oct 12, 2010
OIL COOLER LINE CRIMP FITTING FAILED AT THE SANDWICH PLATE ADAPTER WHILE DRIVING ONTO A HIGHWAY RAMP. CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE APPEARED IN REARVIEW MIRROR AND OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. TURNED VEHICLE ENGINE OFF AND REPAIRED MYSELF BY MODIFYING THE CRIMP THAT FAILED. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM May 19, 2011
Incident date: Apr 25, 2011
THE HOSE CONNECTING THE TWO OIL COOLERS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR FAILED ON THE FREEWAY. I FELT THE CAR DANGEROUSLY LOSING TRACTION ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER AND I ALSO SAW THE OIL LIGHT COMING ON, AND PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. I HAD TO REPLACE THE HOSE, IT COST ME $775. TWO WEEKS FROM THAT, THE H... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Mar 17, 2011
Incident date: Mar 17, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LOTUS ELISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL LINE HOSE FITTINGS CONNECTION FAILED CAUSING THE OIL TO SPILL ONTO THE ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE FROM THE OIL THAT SPILLED ON THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE... Read more
Fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 10, 2011
Incident date: Feb 8, 2011
ON MY 2006 LOTUS ELISE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I WASN'T IN A POSITION TO PULL OVER FOR A FEW MORE MILES DOWN THE ROAD. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR LOCKED UP AND STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. OIL WAS IN THE TIRES AND ALL OVER THE BACK OF THE CAR... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Oct 25, 2010
Incident date: Oct 12, 2010
WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN I NOTICED OIL LIGHT CAME ON. DROVE CAR TO NEARBY SERVICE STATION AND NOTICED REAR PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE WAS COVERED IN OIL AND THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF OIL UNDER CAR. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED OIL COOLER LINE. SE... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Aug 16, 2009
Incident date: Jun 25, 2009
BADLY WORN SECOND CAM CAUSING MISFIRE. *TR
SUSPENSION:REAR Jun 8, 2007
Incident date: Jun 6, 2007
I WAS TURNING LEFT OUT OF A PARKING LOT, ACCELERATING IN A SAFE BUT ENTHUSIASTIC MANNER WHEN I FELT A VIOLENT SHUDDER/VIBRATION AT AROUND 30-35 MPH. I IMMEDIATELY LET OFF THE THROTTLE AND FELT INCREASED DRAG AS IF I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER INTO A GAS STATION AND FOUND THE MY DRIVE... Read more
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY May 24, 2006
Incident date: Jan 1, 2006
PLEASE NOTE, I HAVE NOT HAD AN ISSUE YET, BUT OTHER PEOPLE I KNOW HAVE. THE REAR SUSPENSION INNER TOE LINK HAS BEEN KNOWN TO FAIL ON THE 05 + 06 LOTUS ELISE. I HAVE SEEN FAILURES OF THIS PART SHEARING APART ON VEHICLES WITH AS LOW AS 5000 MILES. A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THIS PART CAUSES THE CA... Read more

Technical Service Bulletins, 2006 LOTUS ELISE

26 manufacturer communications from 16 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY3
033210 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS2
100000 POWER TRAIN2
350000 EQUIPMENT2
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER2
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS1
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
sb_2022_01_Lotus Mar 16, 2022
100000 POWER TRAIN
Standard information required and procedures to be followed when reporting ECU & TCU faults. There is often insufficient, or inconsistent information received from dealers when reporting ECU & TCU related faults, this can lead to unacceptab
sb_2021_06_DTC Jun 16, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
There is often inconsistent or insufficient information received from dealers when reporting ECU and TCU related faults. This bulletin aims to standardise the information when filing a claim to After Sales.
TSB_2020_03 Sep 30, 2020
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Air conditioning compressors failing due to oil starvation. TSB reminds dealers of correct replacement and running-in procedures.
TSB_2020_03 Sep 30, 2020
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Air conditioning compressors failing due to oil starvation. TSB reminds dealers of correct replacement and running-in procedures.
sb_2020_01 May 19, 2020
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Any unauthorised modifications, including fitment of non-approved after-market air filter resulting in generation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCa??s) P0101 & P1109. We have had several instances where DTCa??s P0101 & P1109 had been set an
sb_2020_01 May 19, 2020
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Any unauthorised modifications, including fitment of non-approved after-market air filter resulting in generation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCa??s) P0101 & P1109. We have had several instances where DTCa??s P0101 & P1109 had been set an
sb_2019_06_Elise May 15, 2019
200000 WHEELS
Compatibility of Yokohama AD07 and V105 tire product ranges for the Elise model range.
sb_2019_06_Elise May 15, 2019
190000 TIRES
Compatibility of Yokohama AD07 and V105 tire product ranges for the Elise model range.
2016-06 Sep 2, 2016
350000 EQUIPMENT
Recommendation of revision to manual brake bleeding procedure on any Elise models fitted with a brake servo unit. Whilst performing a brake fluid bleeding procedure, it is possible that the brake pedal may not fully return to its released/
2016-06 Sep 2, 2016
031000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Recommendation of revision to manual brake bleeding procedure on any Elise models fitted with a brake servo unit. Whilst performing a brake fluid bleeding procedure, it is possible that the brake pedal may not fully return to its released/
2015-08 Aug 13, 2015
171100 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Retrofitment of the latest level CDL (Central Door Locking) actuator to earlier models if required. Due to parts obsolescence the CDL actuator assembly, part number B116M6039F is no longer available. This actuator was fitted into each door
2015-08 Aug 13, 2015
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Retrofitment of the latest level CDL (Central Door Locking) actuator to earlier models if required. Due to parts obsolescence the CDL actuator assembly, part number B116M6039F is no longer available. This actuator was fitted into each door
2015-08 Aug 13, 2015
350000 EQUIPMENT
Retrofitment of the latest level CDL (Central Door Locking) actuator to earlier models if required. Due to parts obsolescence the CDL actuator assembly, part number B116M6039F is no longer available. This actuator was fitted into each door
2014-08 Sep 25, 2014
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Clarification of air conditioning compressor ?Running-In? Procedure. Insufficient lubrication will result in compressor failure due to seizure, reducing air conditioning performance and also generate diagnostic trouble codes.
2014-08 Sep 25, 2014
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Clarification of air conditioning compressor ?Running-In? Procedure. Insufficient lubrication will result in compressor failure due to seizure, reducing air conditioning performance and also generate diagnostic trouble codes.
2014-05 Jul 28, 2014
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
To reinforce the importance of checking and clearing stored fault codes at time of PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection). The increased frequency of battery disconnection/reconnection that vehicles are subjected to during transportation from the f
2014-02 Feb 21, 2014
130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)
Retrofitment of the latest level windscreen washer bottle/pump assembly to earlier models if required. Due to parts obsolescence the windscreen washer bottle/pump assembly fitted to all Toyota power train Elise and 4-cylinder Exige from st
2014-02 Feb 21, 2014
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Retrofitment of the latest level windscreen washer bottle/pump assembly to earlier models if required. Due to parts obsolescence the windscreen washer bottle/pump assembly fitted to all Toyota power train Elise and 4-cylinder Exige from st
2014-02 Feb 21, 2014
100000 POWER TRAIN
Retrofitment of the latest level windscreen washer bottle/pump assembly to earlier models if required. Due to parts obsolescence the windscreen washer bottle/pump assembly fitted to all Toyota power train Elise and 4-cylinder Exige from st
2013-17 Oct 29, 2013
042600 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Brake hose/pipe inspection. The routing of all brake hoses and pipes is set during production to ensure that they cannot come into contact with any other ancillary components regardless of the vehicles suspension travel range or steering mo
SB-2013-17 Oct 29, 2013
033210 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
LOTUS: INFORMATION PROVIDED REGARDING THE INSPECTION OF ALL BRAKE PIPE/HOSE, ON SOME VEHICLES, BASED ON SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND THE POSITIONING OF PIPE/HOSE. MODELS ELISE, EXIGE, EVORA, EUROPA. NO YEARS LISTED. *PE
2013-17 Oct 29, 2013
033210 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Brake hose/pipe inspection. The routing of all brake hoses and pipes is set during production to ensure that they cannot come into contact with any other ancillary components regardless of the vehicles suspension travel range or steering mo
200613 May 11, 2006
161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
ADDITION OF WASHER TO SUPER SPORT NON-ADJUSTABLE TYPE CHASSIS REAR BRACE TUBE. *TT
200607 Mar 23, 2006
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UPDATED ECU PROGRAMMES AND SERVICE SCHEDULES. *AK
200620 Mar 8, 2006
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
MOMENTARY ENGINE POWER INTERRUPTION. *TT
No comms 2023-07 Jul 10, 2023
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There are no Manufacturer Communications in accordance with 49 CFR 579.5 to report for July 2023 for Lotus Cars Limited.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, LOTUS ELISE

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE11022 Opened: Jul 18, 2011 , Closed: Nov 3, 2011
PE, Closed , Model Year: 2005
Engine Oil Cooler Line Detachment
On October 14, 2011, Lotus Cars USA Inc. notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it will conduct a safety recall (11V-510) to address concerns with engine oil cooler lines detaching from its crimped fitting on MY 2005-2006 Lotus Elise vehicles.In its 573 report to ODI, Lotus indicate... Read more

LOTUS ELISE - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the LOTUS ELISE across all model years (2005, 2011).

12 Total Recalls
83 Total Complaints
1 Investigations
2 Reported Crashes
3 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

LOTUS ELISE - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2011 2 0 View
2010 1 0 View
2009 2 1 View
2008 2 0 View
2007 2 10 View
2006 (current) 1 18
2005 2 54 View

Other LOTUS Models

Model Recalls Complaints
ESPRIT 19 9 View
EXIGE 13 1 View
EVORA 7 22 View
ELITE 4 0 View
ELAN 3 18 View
ECLAT 2 0 View
EXIGE S 2 9 View
EUROPA 1 0 View