Lotus Elise recalls

16 official safety recalls for the Lotus Elise from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Fuel rail bolts may fail

    Reported February 20, 2020Model years 2012–2019DVSA recall R/2019/412EU Safety Gate A12/00048/20762 vehicles affected

    Bolts securing the fuel rail to the cylinder head may fail. The spacers and bolts will be replaced with revised parts.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    BOLTS SECURING THE FUEL RAIL TO THE CYCLINDER HEAD MAY FAIL.
    Defect
    Bolts securing the fuel rail to the cylinder head may fail.
    Remedy
    The spacers and fuel rail securing bolts will be replaced with new revised parts

  2. Brake master cylinder fault may reduce braking efficiency

    Reported September 29, 2016Model years 2016DVSA recall R/2016/223EU Safety Gate A12/1371/1656 vehicles affected

    A production error in the brake master cylinder may reduce braking efficiency. The brake master cylinder will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    REDUCTION OF BRAKING EFFICIENCY
    Defect
    An error in production of the brake master cylinder may cause a reduction in braking efficiency.
    Remedy
    Replace the brake master cylinder on affected vehicles.

  3. Oil cooler pipes may detach

    Reported November 15, 2014Model years 2004–2011DVSA recall R/2014/0663,774 vehicles affected

    Oil cooler pipes may detach from their fittings, putting oil in the engine compartment, on the road or on the tyres. This can increase fire risk and cause loss of vehicle control. The affected oil cooler hoses or assemblies will be repaired or replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    RISK OF FIRE
    Defect
    The oil cooler pipes may detach from their fittings and deposit oil in the engine compartment on the road/tyres which can lead to increased risk of fire and loss of vehicle control. Only the pipes with the smooth bore ferrules are affected.
    Remedy
    Elise Exige and 211: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and repair or replace the oil cooler hoses. Evora: it is proposed that the oil cooler hose assemblies will be replaced with hoses that incorporate the current production released end fittings in accordance with Lotus workshop procedures.

  4. Oil cooler pipes may detach

    Reported June 5, 2014Model years 2004–2011EU Safety Gate A12/0919/14

    Oil cooler pipes may detach from their fittings, depositing oil in the engine compartment and on the road or tyres, increasing the risk of fire and loss of vehicle control. The product is being recalled from end users.

    Official EU Safety Gate text
    Component
    Fire, Injuries
    Defect
    null The oil cooler pipes may detach from their fittings and deposit oil in the engine compartment and on the road/tyres which can lead to an increased risk of fire and loss of vehicle control.
    Remedy
    Recall of the product from end users
    Notes
    Notified by United Kingdom

  5. Oil cooler hose may detach

    Reported May 27, 2014Model years 2008–2011NHTSA campaign 14V280000860 vehicles affected

    The oil cooler hose may detach from its fitting. Oil could spray onto a tire and increase crash risk, or spread through the engine compartment and increase fire risk. Dealers will replace the hose fittings or hose assembly, as applicable, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    A detached oil hose 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 replace the oil cooler hose fittings on the Elise and Exige vehicles and will replace the oil cooler hose assemblies on the Evora vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-800-245-6887. Lotus' number for this recall is 201401R (Elise/Exige), and 2014/02R (Evora). Note: This recall is an expansion of recalls 11V-510 and 13V-041.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  6. Oil cooler line may detach

    Reported February 5, 2013Model years 2007–2008NHTSA campaign 13V041000451 vehicles affected

    An oil cooler line may detach from its fitting. Oil could spray onto a tyre and increase crash risk, or into the engine compartment and increase fire risk. Dealers will replace the hose fittings and lateral oil cooler hose free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Defect
    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.
    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 replace the oil cooler hose fittings and the entire lateral oil cooler hose, free of charge. The safety recall began on March 4, 2013. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-800-245-6887.
    Notes
    Lotus' number for this recall is 2013/01R.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  7. Turn signal module may flash incorrectly

    Reported November 3, 2011Model years 2011NHTSA campaign 11V54100078 vehicles affected

    An incompatible module may make the LED turn signals flash erratically with the hazard switch on. If a turn signal fails, the remaining signals and dashboard indicator may not flash faster, so the driver may not notice. Dealers will replace the module free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:FLASHER UNIT
    Defect
    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 TURN SIGNAL MODULES WHICH WERE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE REVISED FRONT HEADLIGHT CONFIGURATION WHICH INCLUDES THE INTEGRAL FRONT LED TURN SIGNAL UNITS. THE INCOMPATIBLE MODULE MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS CAUSE ALL THE LED TURN SIGNAL LAMPS TO FLASH AT AN ERRATIC FREQUENCY WHEN THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH IS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, IN THE EVENT THAT EITHER A FRONT OR REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP FAILS TO ILLUMINATE OR DOES NOT FLASH AT THE CORRECT FREQUENCY WHEN OPERATED, THE REMAINING FUNCTIONING SIGNAL LAMPS ON THAT VEHICLES SIDE AS WELL AS THE INSTRUMENT TURN TELL TALE LAMP WILL NOT FLASH AT AN INCREASED RATE AS INTENDED.
    Consequence
    THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE VISUALLY ALERTED TO THE FACT THAT ONE OR MORE OF THE VEHICLES TURN SIGNAL LAMPS IS NOT OPERATING CORRECTLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy
    LOTUS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TURN SIGNAL MODULE 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.
    Notes
    OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

  8. Oil cooler line may detach

    Reported October 14, 2011Model years 2005–2007NHTSA campaign 11V5100005,041 vehicles affected

    The oil cooler line may detach from its fitting. Oil could spray onto a tyre, increasing crash risk, or spread through the engine compartment and increase fire risk. Dealers will make any needed repairs free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Defect
    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.
    Notes
    OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

  9. Rear wheel hub bolts may be loose

    Reported June 1, 2009Model years 2009DVSA recall R/2009/057288 vehicles affected

    Bolts securing the rear wheel hubs to the suspension may not be tightened correctly. They will be checked for correct torque and, if necessary, removed and reinstalled.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    WHEEL HUB MAY BECOME INSECURE
    Defect
    The bolts securing the rear wheel hubs to the suspension may not have been correctly tightened.
    Remedy
    Recall affected vehicles and check bolts for correct torque and if necessary remove and re-install bolts.

  10. Rear hub flange bolts may loosen

    Reported May 26, 2009Model years 2009NHTSA campaign 09V17900087 vehicles affected

    Under-torqued rear hub flange bolts may loosen, degrading handling and causing a rubbing noise. If not addressed, the driver could lose control and crash. The vehicles will be repaired free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    WHEELS:HUB
    Defect
    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 RUBBING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.
    Consequence
    IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT ADDRESSED PROMPTLY, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A CRASH.
    Remedy
    LOTUS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LOTUS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-245-6887.
    Notes
    OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

  11. Gear lever may break under high force

    Reported February 8, 2006Model years 2004–2005DVSA recall R/2005/1861,528 vehicles affected

    The gear lever may break if subjected to high handling force. The lever and associated parts will be replaced if needed.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    GEAR LEVER MAY BREAK
    Defect
    It has been found that there is a small risk that the gear lever may break if subjected to high handling force.
    Remedy
    Recall the likely to be affected vehicles and where necessary replace the gear lever and associated parts.

  12. Gear lever may break

    Reported December 29, 2005Model years 2005NHTSA campaign 05V5710001,740 vehicles affected

    The gear lever may break, preventing the driver from changing gears and increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the gear lever.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
    Defect
    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE GEAR LEVER MAY BREAK.
    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.
    Notes
    LOTUS RECALL NO. 2006 / 1R.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

  13. Front brake caliper may fatigue and fail

    Reported August 5, 2002Model years 2001DVSA recall R/2002/06694 vehicles affected

    Incomplete threading in the holes joining the brake caliper halves may weaken the caliper and lead to fatigue failure over time. The holes will be checked and the caliper replaced if threading is incomplete.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    FRONT BRAKE CALIPER BOLTS CONCERN
    Defect
    There is a slight chance that one or more of the tapped holes for the four bolts securing the two halves of the brake caliper body together has not been threaded through the full depth of the hole. The structural integrity of any such caliper may be compromised with the risk of fatigue failure of the caliper occurring after an extended period.
    Remedy
    Check the caliper tapped holes. If any incomplete threading is found the brake caliper is to be replaced.

  14. Steering rack may wear or suffer tooth damage

    Reported June 16, 2001Model years 1998–1999DVSA recall R/2001/063338 vehicles affected

    Incorrect heat treatment may make steering rack bars wear prematurely or suffer tooth damage. The rack batch will be checked, and assemblies from the suspect batch will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    STEERING RACK MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO PREMATURE WEAR AND POSSIBLE TOOTH DAMAGE.
    Defect
    A batch of steering rack assemblies has been identified as having been built with rack bars which have been subjected to an incorrect heat treatment rendering them susceptible to premature wear and possible tooth damage.
    Remedy
    Recall affected vehicles for a check of the steering rack assembly batch number. If this is confirmed as within the suspect batch the steering rack assembly is to be renewed.

  15. Fuel filler breather hose may tear or rupture

    Reported February 9, 2001Model years 1999–2001DVSA recall R/2001/0141,509 vehicles affected

    The hose between the filler neck and fuel tank may tear or rupture, particularly if fitted incorrectly, causing fuel to leak while filling or cornering. The fuel filler breather hose will be replaced with a modified type.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL MAY LEAK WHEN FILLING AND CORNERING
    Defect
    The hose connecting a spigot on the filler neck to the fuel tank top surface has been found to be of an incorrect material specification. The suspect hoses have a reduced resistance to tearing and rupturing forces exacerbated by careless or incorrect fitting.
    Remedy
    Recall affected vehicles and replace fuel filler breather hose with modified type.

  16. Fuel line connectors may leak

    Reported September 4, 1999Model years 1999DVSA recall R/1999/074213 vehicles affected

    Fuel line connectors may not meet specification and could leak, potentially starting an engine bay fire. The connectors will be replaced with quality-assured versions.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    POSSIBILITY OF FUEL LEAKAGE
    Defect
    The fuel line push fit connectors may not be to the manufacturers specification. In consequence it is possible that fuel leakage may occur and initiate an engine bay fire.
    Remedy
    Affected vehicles are being recalled for replacement of the original fuel line connectors with quality assured versions.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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