Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards.
Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the
Lotus Elise. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data.
Always check your specific VIN on
NHTSA.gov
for vehicle-specific recall information.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Lotus Elise,
based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
Coverage spans model years 2005–2011 with 12 recall campaigns and 83 complaints in NHTSA data.
Years with the most recall activity: 2011 (2), 2009 (2), and 2008 (2).
Years with the most complaint volume: 2005 (54), 2006 (18), and 2007 (10).
Top recall themes: Engine and cooling, Other, and Powertrain.
Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Engine and engine cooling, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine.
Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas.
Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Engine and cooling
3 campaigns · Years: 2005–2011
These campaigns relate to engine or cooling components where failures can lead to stalling or overheating risk.
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the
Lotus Elise in NHTSA complaint data are
Engine and engine cooling, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer
complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and
complaints, not risk predictions.
Model Year
Recalls
Complaints
Details
2011
2
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
2010
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
2009
2
1
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic.
2008
2
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
2007
2
10
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system.
2006
1
18
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling:cooling system.
2005
2
54
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling:cooling system.
What to Do Next
Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model.
The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved:
Engine and engine cooling
, Exterior lighting
and Wheels
Show recall evidence by year
2011
Exterior lighting: Flasher unit:
Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Lotus is recalling certain model year 2011 elise vehicles manufactured from june 2010, through february 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These vehicles were fitted with tur
Engine and engine cooling:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from November 2007 to July 2011, and 2011 Evora vehicles manufactured September 2010 through September 2011. The oil cooler hose may detach from its fitting.
2010
Engine and engine cooling:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from November 2007 to July 2011, and 2011 Evora vehicles manufactured September 2010 through September 2011. The oil cooler hose may detach from its fitting.
2009
Wheels: Hub:
Safety recall involving the wheels area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Lotus is recalling 87 model year 2009 elise and exige vehicles manufactured from june 20, 2008 through may 5, 2009. The rear hub flange bolts on some of these vehicles may be under-torqued and may become loose. If that occurs, an insecure hub could lead to degradation in vehicle handling, and a r
Engine and engine cooling:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from November 2007 to July 2011, and 2011 Evora vehicles manufactured September 2010 through September 2011. The oil cooler hose may detach from its fitting.
2008
Engine and engine cooling: Hoses/lines/piping/fittings:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Lotus is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from December 1, 2006, through October 31, 2007. The oil cooler line may become detached from its fitting.
Engine and engine cooling:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from November 2007 to July 2011, and 2011 Evora vehicles manufactured September 2010 through September 2011. The oil cooler hose may detach from its fitting.
2007
Engine and engine cooling: Hoses/lines/piping/fittings:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine and engine cooling: Hoses/lines/piping/fittings:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Lotus is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from December 1, 2006, through October 31, 2007. The oil cooler line may become detached from its fitting.
2006
Engine and engine cooling: Hoses/lines/piping/fittings:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2005
Power train: Manual transmission:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions, the gear lever may break.
Engine and engine cooling: Hoses/lines/piping/fittings:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Other Lotus Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Lotus models.
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data.
This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be
treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official
NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.
