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2006 Lotus Elise

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 14 of 17 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports

Suspension complaints

1 reports
Clear category filter
15,000 miles · Jun 8, 2007
Suspension

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 DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WAS PUSHED…

Read full complaint

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 DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WAS PUSHED UP INTO THE FENDER AND THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE HEADS HAD POPPED OF THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE UPPER CONTROL ARM TO THE WHEEL HUB. I POSTED THIS INFO ON A CAR FORUM AND FOUND THAT MY CAR IS NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS IS HAPPENING TO. ONE MEMBER POSTED A VIDEO THAT HAPPENED TO CATCH THE EVENT. THIS IS THE LINK TO THE FORUM THAT WILL CONTAIN EXTRA INFO. HTTP://WWW.ELISETALK.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=40858&HIGHLIGHT=CONTROL+ARM

NHTSA ODI #10192737

Official recalls

1

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.

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.

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

1

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

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.

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling

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.