Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports

Power Train complaints

5 reports

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1,100 miles · Feb 12, 2012

Electrical SystemPower TrainSuspension

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WIRING ON AUTO HAS BEEN A MESS SINCE NEW, AUTO TOWED 15 TIMES FOR MECHANICAL REASONS AND ADDITION TIMES TOW TRUCK WAS COMING AND CAR WOULD START. SHIFTER BROKE OFF AT 2,000 MILES, TRANSAXLE WAS REPLACED AT ABOUT 20,000 MILES ALARM SYSTEM, ALTERNATOR,SPEAKERS,TURN INDICATORS, FRONT STEERING BOX (RACK), VEHICLE COMPUTER (SPEED INDICATED ON DASH HAS BEEN AT LEST 15% HIGH SINCE TRANSAXLE WAS REPLACED)-- HAVE ALL FAILED. LOTUS DEALERSHIPS WHERE NEVER ABLE TO LOCATE OR FIX WIRING PROBLEM (FOX VALLEY, AURORA IL ANOTHER LAKE FOREST HAS NO AUTHORIZED LOTUS MECHANIC.) LOTUS USA INC. COVERED MOST UNTIL WARRANTY EXPIRED ,NOW WILL NOT RETURN PHONE CALLS OR E-MAILS (OVER 15 SENT IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF.). AUTO NOW HAS 26,666 MILES AND HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE AUGUST OF 2010. IT WILL NOT PAST WISCONSIN EMISSIONS SO I AM UNABLE TO GET LICENSE PLATES ALSO IT WILL CHANGE LANES OFF A STRAIGHT LINE WITHOUT WARNING. AUTO WAS NEVER ON A TRACK AND ALWAYS STORED IN A HEAT AND RODENT CONTROLLED AREA. A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT WORKED ON AUTO STATED "THE WIRING HARNESS APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN PULLED AND INSTALLED THROUGH OUT THE AUTO WITH OUT REGARD TO SHARP EDGES OR CARE IN ANYWAY", HE FOUND NO RODENT DAMAGE.

NHTSA ODI #10447649

52,524 miles · Jun 12, 2011

Power Train

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DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS THROUGH CITY TRAFFIC WHEN THE OIL INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE RODE AND CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL. SHOWED IT WAS EMPTY WITH OIL SPILLING ON THE GROUND. TOWED IT TO A REPAIR SHOP TO DISCOVER THAT THE OIL HOSE FITTING HAD BROKEN OFF THE ENGINE CAUSING THE OIL LOSS. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE FUNCTION HAD I NOT PULLED OVER. I HAD THE OIL HOSE REPLACED AND REPLACED THE REMAINING HOSES AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI #10406588

27,000 miles · Aug 27, 2006

Power Train

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1) AT FIRST 1ST TO 2ND UP SHIFT AND 3RD TO 2ND DOWN SHIFT WAS GRINDING AT ABOUT 5000 RPM. SHIFTING PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND 3RD TO 2ND. NOW 3RD TO 2ND DOWN SHIFTING GRINDS AT EVERY RPM AND 1ST TO 2ND SHIFT IS VERY DIFFICULT. DIAGNOSED BY MECHNANIC AS SYNHRO FAILURE. 2) 2ND GEAR SYNCHRO FAILURE. CAN'T UPSHIFT WELL AND DOWN SHIFTING FROM 3RD TO 2ND GRINDS GEAR AND DESTROYS GEAR. UNSAFE WHEN YOU CAN'T GET INTO GEAR. 3) LOTUS USA AND THE DEALERSHIP AUTOSTRADA USA HAVE DENIED WARRANTY CLAIM. THEY WON'T FIX THE TRANSMISSION. MY CAR IS STILL UNDER BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10166642

1,600 miles · Aug 9, 2006

Power Train

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MANUAL TRANSMISSION POPPED UNEXPECTEDLY OUT OF 5TH GEAR DURING HARD DRIVING CAUSING DRIVER TO SELECT WRONG GEAR IN ATTEMPT TO REGAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THE PLACING OF THE TRANSMISSION INTO 3RD GEAR BY MISTAKE LED TO CATASTROPHIC OVER-REVVING OF THE ENGINE WITH ENGINE FAILURE (TOTAL LOSS). DEALER HAD BEEN ADVISED REGARDING THE POPPING OUT OF GEAR PRIOR TO THE FATAL EVENT AND WAS UNABLE TO FIND PROBLEM. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACE AND IN SPITE OF DEALER ASSESSMENT THE PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED. THE PROBLEM NOW HAS WORSENED TO GRINDING OF THE GEARS ON SIMPLE DRIVING. A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST HAS ADVISED DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ADVISED, BUT REPORTS TO ME THAT THEY DO NOT BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM. THEIR ENGINEERS CANNOT CONCEIVABLE THINK OF A WAY THE GEARBOX /TRANSMISSION CAN "POP" OUT OF GEAR IF PROPERLY PLACED INTO THE GEAR. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN OBSERVED BY TWO OTHER INDEPENDENT DRIVERS WHO HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM OCCUR WITH THEIR USE OF THE VEHICLE. I AS THE OWNER HAVE PURCHASED ANOTHER TRANSMISSION TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND HAS REPORTED NO INTEREST IN SEEING THE DEFECTIVE PART, NOR ANY WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE IN FIXING THE ISSUE. ISSUES REMAIN: MANUFACTURER UNWILLING TO INVESTIGATE THE COMPLAINT AS WELL AS RECOGNIZE THAT THE PROBLEM COULD EXIST. SAFETY CONCERN REMAINS FOR THOSE NOT EXPECTING THE SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL WHICH CAN LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT OR AS IN MY CASE THE DESTRUCTION OF THE ENGINE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10165085

Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2006

Power Train

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SUB: 2005 LOTUS ELISE NHTSA RECALL #05V-571 [XXX]. I LIVE IN NICHOLASVILLE KENTUCKY & DEALER IS IN ATLANTA GA. DRIVING THERE WOULD BE 12 HRS ON THE ROAD + $$ FOR ACCOMMODATIONS & TRAVEL EXPENSES, CAR MILEAGE & DEPRECIATION. FAILURE & I WOULD BE STRANDED & WITH MORE EXPENSE. I AM AN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER, REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER & FORMER AUTO MECHANIC, I HAVE WORKED IN THE AREA OF AUTO SAFETY > 40 YEARS. AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO HAZARDS OF FAILURE I SUGGESTED TO DEALER SERVICE MGR & LOTUS WARRANTY MGR, THAT I HAVE THE ABILITY & TOOLS TO INSTALL THE PARTS IF SUPPLIED THEM & WOULD PURCHASE PARTS & INSTALL THEM. I CURRENTLY OWN & MAINTAIN ANOTHER LOTUS CAR AND HAVE OWNED AND DRIVEN SEVERAL OTHERS IN THE PAST. I MAINTAIN 9 AUTOS OF VARIOUS MAKES AND VINTAGES, MY AUTOMOTIVE SHOP IS VERY COMPLETE INCLUDING A 4 POST COMMERCIAL LIFT. FAILURE OF THE LEVER IS WELL KNOWN AND IS DOCUMENTED ON VARIOUS LOTUS ORIENTED WEB SITES, INCLUDING THE NECESSARY PROCEDURES FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE OLD LEVER WITH NEW PRODUCTION PARTS OR NON-OEM KITS. AFTER-MARKET SHIFT LEVERS ARE AVAILABLE AS REPLACEMENT BUT I HAVE FOUND THAT COLLECTIBLE AUTOMOBILES DECREASE IN VALUE WHEN NON-OEM PARTS ARE USED TO MODIFY THEM, OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO USE OEM COMPONENTS BY MFGS ALTERNATIVE TO DRIVING TO DEALER REFUSED. NO ALTERNATIVE SUCH AS FLAT-BEDDING WAS OFFERED TO AVOID THE HAZARDS. & TO AVOID THE SUBSTANTIAL COST AND TIME TO REPAIR DANGEROUS DEFECT I HAVE AN EXPENSIVE AUTOMOBILE THAT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE AT ALL BECAUSE I CANT OBTAIN THE PARTS FOR REPAIR. I WOULD BE SATISFIED IF THE PARTS WERE SUPPLIED TO ME AND I INSTALLED THEM MYSELF. I CERTAINLY COULD DOCUMENT THE CHANGE-OUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHS & RETURN THE OLD PARTS AT MY EXPENSE. A LESS DESIRABLE ALTERNATIVE WOULD BE FLAT-BEDDING THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE ADDITIONAL TIME & EXPENSE INVOLVED AND THE POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGE DURING TRAVEL PLEASE HELP ME GET BACK THE SAFE USE OF MY CAR, SOONEST REPLY APPRECIATED. *NM *JS

NHTSA ODI #10155292

Official recalls

11V510000 · Engine And Engine Cooling; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

Oct 14, 2011

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling

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.

05V571000 · Power Train:manual Transmission

Dec 29, 2005

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE GEAR LEVER MAY BREAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE INABILITY TO CHANGE GEARS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEAR LEVERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LOTUS CARS USA AT 1-800-245-6887.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

PE11022 · Engine Oil Cooler Line Detachment

Opened Jul 18, 2011 · Closed Nov 3, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

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 indicated that they have identified instances where the oil cooler lines would detach from their fittings.Lotus attributes this condition to a majority of single supplier affected parts built from June 2004 to November 2006.Lotus states that the cause of the failure is an inadequate process by which the hose is crimped into its fitting by the supplier.In October 2006 the supplier implemented an improved crimping process.Reports indicated that this condition can occur while driving or while the vehicle is stationary with the engine running.In cases where the failure occurred while driving, oil would be expelled under pressure and could come into contact with the tires and or brake friction surfaces, potentially causing a loss of braking or vehicle control. One crash and one vehicle fire were also reported with no injuries.Additionally Lotus indicated that the same condition can occur in MY 2005-2006 Exige vehicles as well. These vehicles are also included in the recall.The action taken by Lotus is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.This investigation is therefore closed.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

Engine And Engine Cooling