U.S. public vehicle records

Lotus ELISE recalls by model year

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

72 owner complaints analyzed

6 distinct recall campaigns

29,134 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2005 to 2011 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 66 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2005: 2; 2006: 1; 2007: 2; 2008: 2; 2009: 2; 2010: 1; 2011: 2

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Lotus ELISE model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
2005	46	2	Not available
2006	17	1	-1
2007	8	2	+1
2008	0	2	0
2009	1	2	0
2010	0	1	-1
2011	0	2	+1

Recall history

6 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

05V571000 · Power Train:Manual Transmission

Reported: 2005-12-29 (December 29, 2005) · Model years: 2005

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

11V510000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings | Engine And Engine Cooling

Reported: 2011-10-14 (October 14, 2011) · Model years: 2005, 2006, 2007

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

13V041000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings | Engine And Engine Cooling

Reported: 2013-02-05 (February 5, 2013) · Model years: 2007, 2008

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

14V280000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Reported: 2014-05-27 (May 27, 2014) · Model years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

09V179000 · Wheels:Hub

Reported: 2009-05-26 (May 26, 2009) · Model years: 2009

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

11V541000 · Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal:Flasher Unit

Reported: 2011-11-03 (November 3, 2011) · Model years: 2011

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

72 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

91.7%Usable mileage66 / 72 records

100.0%Valid incident date72 / 72 records

100.0%Valid filing date72 / 72 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates72 / 72 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
Engine And Engine Cooling	1839.1% ODI 10292136 · 35,000 mi DAMAGED/SCORED INTAKE CAM ON TOYOTA 2ZZGE ENGINE,RESULTING IN PISTON DAMAGE AS WELL AS HEAD/BLOCK DAMAGE. THIS HAS OCCURRED WITH A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF CARS EQUIPPED WITH THIS ENGINE. THE SYMPTOMS ARE CODES 1301 AND 1302 FROM ECU, FOR 2005+ LOTUS ELISE AND LOTUS EXIGES. HTTP://WWW.LOTUSTALK.COM/FORUMS/F25/CODE-1302-1301-YEARS-MILES-49570/. *TR Look up ODI 10292136 at NHTSA ↗	741.2% ODI 10363130 · 40,400 mi 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. SEVERAL SOURCES (WEB FORUM, MECHANIC) HAVE TOLD ME THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE IN THESE CARS. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS FAILURE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF TRACTION, OR ENGINE FIRE UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES. Look up ODI 10363130 at NHTSA ↗	337.5% ODI 10405272 · 29,000 mi DRIVING IN SECOND GEAR AND CHANGING INTO THIRD GEAR THE RADIATOR EXPLODED AND SPLASHED HOT COOLANT ALL OVER THE WINDSHIELD. FORTUNATELY I HAD THE ROOF ON, OTHERWISE THE HOT COOLANT COULD HAVE LANDED ON ME OR MY 8 YR. OLD SON. LOTUS USES A TERRIBLY DESIGNED RADIATOR THAT HAS PLASTIC EDGES, WHICH BECOME BRITTLE AND EXPLODE OVER TIME. THIS IS A COMMON DOCUMENTED ISSUE ON WWW.LOTUSTALK.COM. WHY THEY DO NOT USE AN ALL ALUMINUM RADIATOR, IS BEYOND ME. Look up ODI 10405272 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine	36.5% ODI 10464247 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LOTUS ELISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN JANUARY 2012 FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:11V510000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TRIED TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE WORKING ON TRYING TO DETERMINE HOW TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED HE WANTED TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT IT WAS TAKING TOO LONG FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL, WHICH HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENC… Look up ODI 10464247 at NHTSA ↗	211.8% ODI 10458335 · 11,300 mi 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 THE NECESSARY PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,300. Look up ODI 10458335 at NHTSA ↗	337.5% ODI 10458242 · 35,167 mi SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. RECEIVED NEW ENGINE FROM LOTUS 4/21/2012 AND HAD ABOUT 700 MILES ON NEW ENGINE. WAS DRIVING ON RESIDENTIAL STREET IN MID GEARS. NOTED SOME ODD ENGINE RATTLING NOISES BRIEFLY. SECONDS LATER, STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE WHICH DISSIPATED. THEN SAW FLICKERING INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS WHICH STOPPED BUT RESUMED AND WAS LOW OIL LIGHT WHICH WENT OUT AND THEN CAME ON FULL. STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND TURNED OFF ENGINE. CAR WAS TOWED BY FLAT BED BACK TO LOTUS DEALER IN NJ. *TR Look up ODI 10458242 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	510.9% ODI 10236940 · 7,000 mi 2005 LOTUS ELISE HAS A DEFECTIVE INTAKE CAM THAT USUALLY FLATTENS OUT OVER CYLINDER 3 CAUSING VALVE ENGINE DAMAGE. MY CAR HAS 7,000 MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10236940 at NHTSA ↗	211.8% ODI 10280590 · 8,700 mi BADLY WORN SECOND CAM CAUSING MISFIRE. *TR Look up ODI 10280590 at NHTSA ↗	112.5% ODI 10362535 · 14,500 mi 1. NOTHING WAS OBVIOUS LEADING YOU TO THE EVENT. 2. FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED ONCE, BUT CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE. 3. ENGINE WAS REPLACED ENTIRELY. *TR Look up ODI 10362535 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	510.9% ODI 10280908 · 24,000 mi PREMATURE WEARING ON CAM SHAFT IN ENGINE RESULTING IN INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE. *TR Look up ODI 10280908 at NHTSA ↗	211.8% ODI 10402119 · 38,827 mi 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 HOSE FITTING FAILED AGAIN, MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW, WHO KNOWS HOW MUCH THE DAMAGE IS NOW. *TR Look up ODI 10402119 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	48.7% ODI 10283477 · 60,000 mi INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WHERE THE ENTIRE CLUSTER GAUGE (SPEEDOMETER, RPM, GAS GAUGE, ETC.) WILL SHUT DOWN AND LATER TURN BACK ON. THE INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WILL BECOME WORSE AND THE CLUSTER GAUGE WILL SHUT DOWN FOR LONGER PERIODS AT A TIME. THERE IS NO KNOWN CAUSE OF THIS. THE ONLY KNOW FIX IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CLUSTER GAUGE. *TR Look up ODI 10283477 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	24.3% ODI 10406588 · 52,524 mi 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. Look up ODI 10406588 at NHTSA ↗	15.9% ODI 10441035 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 THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HALF OF THE CAR. MY ONLINE SEARCH FOR A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT HAS LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT I EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE OIL COOLER LINES. *TR Look up ODI 10441035 at NHTSA ↗	112.5% ODI 11109941 · 3 mi THE 2007+ LOTUS ELISE/ EXIGE ARE ALL EQUIPPED WITH A SHIFTER THAT IS PRONE TO FAILURE. I HAVE PERSONALLY HAD A BROKEN SHIFTER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS STUCK AT THE 3RD GEAR AND ALMOST GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT. MANY HAVE ALSO REPORTED THE SAME SITUATION. IT'S BELIEVED TO BE TRUE THAT THE BALL JOINT STRUCTURE AT THE PIVOT POINT ON THE BOTTOM OF THE SHIFTER IS THE MAIN REASON TO THIS FAILURE. ALMOST EVERY CASE THAT HAS SURFACED ON INTERNET HAS SHOWN THE IDENTICAL BROKEN STRUCTURE WHICH WE CALLED THE "BLUE BALL". IT IS MADE WITH PLASTIC … Look up ODI 11109941 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	24.3% ODI 10408117 · 67,292 mi MY CAR IS AN EARLY 2005 LOTUS ELISE WITH TWIN OIL COOLERS. THE BYPASS HOSE CONNECTING TO THE DRIVER SIDE OIL COOLER STARTED TO LEAK OIL AT A FAIRLY FAST PACE. THIS HOSE CONNECTS FROM THE LEFT OIL COOLER TO THE RIGHT COOLER UNDERNEATH THE CLAMSHELL. COSTS TO FIX THIS SERIOUS ISSUE OUT OF WARRANTY ARE EXTREMELY HIGH AS THEY RECOMMEND REPLACING THE ENTIRE OIL COOLER AND HOSE SYSTEM. THERE ARE NOW NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME OR SIMILAR (BASED ON HOSE AND/OR TWIN/SINGLE OIL COOLER SETUPS) ON VARIOUS FORUMS AND SUBMITTED COMPLAINT FORMS TO TH… Look up ODI 10408117 at NHTSA ↗	211.8% ODI 10381380 · 58,900 mi 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. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE OIL HOSE CAME LOSE, CAUSING THE OIL TO SPEW OUT OF THE CAR. THE CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, AND I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE AFTER BRINGING MY CAR TO LOTUS OF S.F. MULTIPLE TIMES TO RECEIVE OTHER … Look up ODI 10381380 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Suspension:Rear	24.3% ODI 10336245 · 31,983 mi WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, A LOUD BANG OCCURRED WITH A STRANGE FEELING AT THE REAR OF THE CAR AND THE CAR SPUN 180 DEG. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND SAW THE REAR PASSENGER CAR TIRE TOED OUT AT ABOUT 20 DEG. THE BOLT CONNECTING THE TOE CONTROL LINK TO THE CHASSIS BROKE, CAUSING THE REAR TIRE TO MOVE FROM ITS NORMAL STRAIGHT AHEAD POSITION TO AN ABNORMAL, EXAGGERATED TOE OUT POSITION. THE TOE CONTROL LINK AND SECURING BOLT HAVE NOT YET BEEN REPLACED, BUT WILL BE SHORTLY. *TR Look up ODI 10336245 at NHTSA ↗	15.9% ODI 10192737 · 15,000 mi 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… Look up ODI 10192737 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Engine And Engine Cooling	18,000–35,000 mi	29,268 mi	25	ODI 10292136 · 35,000 mi DAMAGED/SCORED INTAKE CAM ON TOYOTA 2ZZGE ENGINE,RESULTING IN PISTON DAMAGE AS WELL AS HEAD/BLOCK DAMAGE. THIS HAS OCCURRED WITH A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF CARS EQUIPPED WITH THIS ENGINE. THE SYMPTOMS ARE CODES 1301 AND 1302 FROM ECU, FOR 2005+ LOTUS ELISE AND LOTUS EXIGES. HTTP://WWW.LOTUSTALK.COM/FORUMS/F25/CODE-1302-1301-YEARS-MILES-49570/. TR Look up ODI 10292136 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10317633 · 18,000 mi I HAVE A 2005 LOTUS ELISE WITH 18000. MILE ON IT AND MY BLOWER IS NOT WORKING AND WHEN I TURN IT ON IT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING. TR Look up ODI 10317633 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10362546 · 30,250 mi OIL LINE FROM ENGINE TO OIL COOLER FAILED. ALL OIL IN THE ENGINE SPRAYED ONTO BOTTOM OF CAR AND TIRES. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF CAR ON HIGHWAY. ENGINE SUBSEQUENTLY OVERHEATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR Look up ODI 10362546 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	45,084–70,765 mi	60,200 mi	7	ODI 10470694 · 62,800 mi RIGHT SIDE OIL COOLER HOSE BLEW OFF WHILE TRAVELING AT 65MPH SPRAYING OIL OVER THE RIGHT BACK TIRE. THE ENGINE SEIZED AND CAR COASTED TO A STOP POSITION ON SIDE OF ROAD. CAR WAS INOPERABLE AND TOWED TO DEALER. TR Look up ODI 10470694 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10470695 · 78,729 mi FRONT OIL COOLER HOSE BLEW OFF SPRAYING UNDERSIDE OF CAR WITH OIL. PULLED VEHICLE OVER AND TOWED TO DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE FIX. TR Look up ODI 10470695 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10458335 · 11,300 mi 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 THE NECESSARY PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,300. Look up ODI 10458335 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	8,275–30,701 mi	18,250 mi	8	ODI 10236940 · 7,000 mi 2005 LOTUS ELISE HAS A DEFECTIVE INTAKE CAM THAT USUALLY FLATTENS OUT OVER CYLINDER 3 CAUSING VALVE ENGINE DAMAGE. MY CAR HAS 7,000 MILES. TR Look up ODI 10236940 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10363808 · 22,000 mi 2005 LOTUS ELISE OIL-LINE FAILURE. CATASTROPHIC OIL LINE FAILURE WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE. PASSENGER SIDE REAR (DRIVEN) WHEEL WAS COATED WITH OIL, CREATING POSSIBLE DEADLY SITUATION. TURNED CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY, STILL MIGHT HAVE ENGINE DAMAGE. SEVERAL OF THESE CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED... LESS THAN 10,000 OF THESE VEHICLES WERE MADE. TR Look up ODI 10363808 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10397512 · 45,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I SUDDENLY SMELLED OIL AND LOOKED DOWN TO SEE MY OIL PRESSURE LIGHT COME ON. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND FOUND OIL COMING OUT OF THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF THE CAR ONTO THE RIGHT FRONT AND REAR TIRES. UPON HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOULD THEY FOUND THAT THE INCOMING OIL LINE INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OIL COOLER HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE CONNECTOR. *TR Look up ODI 10397512 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	27,250–47,930 mi	38,827 mi	7	ODI 10280908 · 24,000 mi PREMATURE WEARING ON CAM SHAFT IN ENGINE RESULTING IN INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE. TR Look up ODI 10280908 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10308806 · 15,800 mi MY 2005 LOTUS ELISE HAS A INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THE A/C FAN NOT WORKING. THIS SI A DESIGN FLAW IN THE RESISTOR BEING PLACED WERE IT IS PRONE TO WATER INTRUSION. TR Look up ODI 10308806 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10371195 · 50,000 mi SAID TO BE A 'COMMON' PROBLEM WHEN LOOKING ON FORUMS;MY 2005 LOTUS ELISE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE OIL LIGHT COMES ON, SO NATURALLY I SEE A GAS STATION AND GO TO PULL IN WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE LOCKS AND SKIDS TO THE RIGHT SIDE . I WAS ONLY DOING LESS THAN 30MPH SO NOTHING BAD HAPPENED . GOT OUT AND MY ENTIRE CRANKCASE OF SYNTHETIC OIL IS ALL UP THE DRIVER SIDE AND COVERING THE FRONT DRIVER TIRE. I WAS HEADED TO THE INTERSTATE AND THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS. I FEEL BLESSED THE LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE I HIT HIGH RPM'S. THIS WOUL… Look up ODI 10371195 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	18,100 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10283477 · 60,000 mi INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WHERE THE ENTIRE CLUSTER GAUGE (SPEEDOMETER, RPM, GAS GAUGE, ETC.) WILL SHUT DOWN AND LATER TURN BACK ON. THE INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WILL BECOME WORSE AND THE CLUSTER GAUGE WILL SHUT DOWN FOR LONGER PERIODS AT A TIME. THERE IS NO KNOWN CAUSE OF THIS. THE ONLY KNOW FIX IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CLUSTER GAUGE. TR Look up ODI 10283477 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10317633 · 18,000 mi I HAVE A 2005 LOTUS ELISE WITH 18000. MILE ON IT AND MY BLOWER IS NOT WORKING AND WHEN I TURN IT ON IT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING. TR Look up ODI 10317633 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10345060 · 18,200 mi INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS INTERMITTENT AND TURNS ALL ON OR ALL OFF WITHOUT WARNING, MASKING SPEED, FUEL, RPMS, MILEAGE, ETC. (ALL DATA). FROM RESEARCHING THE ISSUE ON WWW.ELISETALK.COM, IT APPEARS THIS IS A PROBLEM COMMON TO 2005 LOTUS ELISE AUTOMOBILES. SEVERE POSSIBILITY OF INCIDENT BY NOT KNOWING HOW FAST YOUR GOING OR HOW MUCH FUEL YOU HAVE, AND, THIS PROBLEM CAN HAPPEN AT ANY MOMENT WITHOUT WARNING OR APPARENT CAUSE. *TR Look up ODI 10345060 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	1,100 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10406588 · 52,524 mi 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. Look up ODI 10406588 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10447649 · 1,100 mi 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… Look up ODI 10447649 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11109941 · 3 mi THE 2007+ LOTUS ELISE/ EXIGE ARE ALL EQUIPPED WITH A SHIFTER THAT IS PRONE TO FAILURE. I HAVE PERSONALLY HAD A BROKEN SHIFTER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS STUCK AT THE 3RD GEAR AND ALMOST GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT. MANY HAVE ALSO REPORTED THE SAME SITUATION. IT'S BELIEVED TO BE TRUE THAT THE BALL JOINT STRUCTURE AT THE PIVOT POINT ON THE BOTTOM OF THE SHIFTER IS THE MAIN REASON TO THIS FAILURE. ALMOST EVERY CASE THAT HAS SURFACED ON INTERNET HAS SHOWN THE IDENTICAL BROKEN STRUCTURE WHICH WE CALLED THE "BLUE BALL". IT IS MADE WITH PLASTIC … Look up ODI 11109941 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	44,450 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10408117 · 67,292 mi MY CAR IS AN EARLY 2005 LOTUS ELISE WITH TWIN OIL COOLERS. THE BYPASS HOSE CONNECTING TO THE DRIVER SIDE OIL COOLER STARTED TO LEAK OIL AT A FAIRLY FAST PACE. THIS HOSE CONNECTS FROM THE LEFT OIL COOLER TO THE RIGHT COOLER UNDERNEATH THE CLAMSHELL. COSTS TO FIX THIS SERIOUS ISSUE OUT OF WARRANTY ARE EXTREMELY HIGH AS THEY RECOMMEND REPLACING THE ENTIRE OIL COOLER AND HOSE SYSTEM. THERE ARE NOW NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME OR SIMILAR (BASED ON HOSE AND/OR TWIN/SINGLE OIL COOLER SETUPS) ON VARIOUS FORUMS AND SUBMITTED COMPLAINT FORMS TO TH… Look up ODI 10408117 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10415874 · 30,000 mi DURING A TIRE ROUTINE TIRE CHANGE, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL OIL STAIN CREEPING UP THE INSIDE OF THE FENDER WELL ON THE LEFT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THE OIL COOLER WAS LEAKING AT THE FITTING AND A NEW FITTING WAS INSTALLED TO CORRECT. THE LEAK OCCURRED RATHER SUDDENLY AS THE CAR HAD JUST BEEN IN THE BODY SHOP TO HAVE SOME MINOR BODYWORK FIXED (NON-STUCTURAL AND NOT ABLE TO HAVE CAUSED THE LEAK). AT THE TIME OF THE BODYWORK REPAIRS TIME, LESS THAN 300 MILES PRIOR, THE LEAK WAS NOT PRESENT. IF THE LEAK HAD BE… Look up ODI 10415874 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10381380 · 58,900 mi 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. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE OIL HOSE CAME LOSE, CAUSING THE OIL TO SPEW OUT OF THE CAR. THE CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, AND I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE AFTER BRINGING MY CAR TO LOTUS OF S.F. MULTIPLE TIMES TO RECEIVE OTHER … Look up ODI 10381380 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension:Rear	Too few reports for a range	31,983 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10336245 · 31,983 mi WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, A LOUD BANG OCCURRED WITH A STRANGE FEELING AT THE REAR OF THE CAR AND THE CAR SPUN 180 DEG. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND SAW THE REAR PASSENGER CAR TIRE TOED OUT AT ABOUT 20 DEG. THE BOLT CONNECTING THE TOE CONTROL LINK TO THE CHASSIS BROKE, CAUSING THE REAR TIRE TO MOVE FROM ITS NORMAL STRAIGHT AHEAD POSITION TO AN ABNORMAL, EXAGGERATED TOE OUT POSITION. THE TOE CONTROL LINK AND SECURING BOLT HAVE NOT YET BEEN REPLACED, BUT WILL BE SHORTLY. *TR Look up ODI 10336245 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10386462 · 76,000 mi FAILURE: BROKEN TOE LINK BOLT. EVENT'S LEADING TO THE FAILURE: NORMAL DRIVING OF THE CAR ON PUBLIC STREETS. CONSEQUENCES OF THE FAILURE: REAR WHEEL WILL MOVE FREELY CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT FROM MINOR INJURIES TO BOTH THE CAR'S OCCUPANTS AND INNOCENT DRIVERS AROUND THE CAR TO SEVERE PENALTIES SUCH AS DEATH(S). WHAT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE: PROPER REMOVAL AND CLEANING OF GALVANIZED CLUMPS (MANUFACTURE DEFECT) WHERE THE TOE LINK BOLTS TO THE CHASSIS. MOREOVER, REPLACEMENT OF … Look up ODI 10386462 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10192737 · 15,000 mi 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… Look up ODI 10192737 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2010: 0 complaints · 2011: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2010	0	0	0
2011	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2010	0	0	0
2011	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Engine And Engine Cooling	Engine	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	Electrical System	Power Train	Unknown Or Other	Suspension:Rear
Engine And Engine Cooling	—	0	1 ODI 10419914 · 29,268 mi THIS IS A COMPLAINT FOR A 2005 LOTUS ELISE OIL LINE FAILURE. I PREVIOUSLY REPORTED TWO OIL LINE FAILURES TOGETHER BUT IN RETROSPECT SHOULD HAVE REPORTED THEM INDIVIDUALLY AS THEY OCCURRED AT SEPARATE TIMES. THE FIRST OIL LINE FAILURE OCCURRED ON 3/29/2010. I CAME OUT TO MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT AND THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDER IT. I DID NOT EVER SEE A DROP OF OIL FROM THE CAR PREVIOUSLY. I PAID 1,066 TO GET THE DRIVER SIDE OIL LINE REPAIRED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OIL LINE SHOULD BE FIXED BUT I WAS NOT TOLD THAT IF I… Look up ODI 10419914 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10317633 · 18,000 mi I HAVE A 2005 LOTUS ELISE WITH 18000. MILE ON IT AND MY BLOWER IS NOT WORKING AND WHEN I TURN IT ON IT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING. *TR Look up ODI 10317633 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10441035 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 THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HALF OF THE CAR. MY ONLINE SEARCH FOR A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT HAS LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT I EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE OIL COOLER LINES. *TR Look up ODI 10441035 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Engine	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	1 ODI 10419914 · 29,268 mi THIS IS A COMPLAINT FOR A 2005 LOTUS ELISE OIL LINE FAILURE. I PREVIOUSLY REPORTED TWO OIL LINE FAILURES TOGETHER BUT IN RETROSPECT SHOULD HAVE REPORTED THEM INDIVIDUALLY AS THEY OCCURRED AT SEPARATE TIMES. THE FIRST OIL LINE FAILURE OCCURRED ON 3/29/2010. I CAME OUT TO MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT AND THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDER IT. I DID NOT EVER SEE A DROP OF OIL FROM THE CAR PREVIOUSLY. I PAID 1,066 TO GET THE DRIVER SIDE OIL LINE REPAIRED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OIL LINE SHOULD BE FIXED BUT I WAS NOT TOLD THAT IF I… Look up ODI 10419914 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	1 ODI 10317633 · 18,000 mi I HAVE A 2005 LOTUS ELISE WITH 18000. MILE ON IT AND MY BLOWER IS NOT WORKING AND WHEN I TURN IT ON IT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING. *TR Look up ODI 10317633 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 10447649 · 1,100 mi 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… Look up ODI 10447649 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Power Train	1 ODI 10441035 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 THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HALF OF THE CAR. MY ONLINE SEARCH FOR A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT HAS LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT I EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE OIL COOLER LINES. *TR Look up ODI 10441035 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	1 ODI 10447649 · 1,100 mi 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… Look up ODI 10447649 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0
Unknown Or Other	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Suspension:Rear	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

4 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

3 mentions · 4.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 35,167 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10377204 · 55,000 mi

ON STARTING MY CAR IN THE MORNING, THE PASSENGER SIDE OIL COOLER HOSE FROM THE ENGINE TO THE FRONT OIL COOLER SEPARATED AT THE REAR CRIMP, QUICKLY DRAINING ALL OF THE OIL. THE OIL WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND AS I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF THE ENGINE MADE A COUPLE OF RATTLING NOISES. ON ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HOSE, I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND THE PART IN STOCK, LEADING ME TO HAVE NEW HOSES MADE BY A HYDRAULIC SHOP. THE FAILURE IS AT A MINIMUM RESPONSIBLE FOR A COSTLY REPAIR AND CLEAN UP, THAT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS DUE TO PARTS AVAILABIL…

Look up ODI 10377204 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10455149 · 34,000 mi

AWARE OF NHTSA RECALL # 11V-510 HAVING RECEIVED LETTER FROM LOTUS CARS USA BUT WAS TOLD THIS VEHICLE WAS PROBABLY NOT AFFECTED. MONITORED FOR SIGNS OF OIL LEAKAGE ANYWAY BUT SAW NOTHING: NO CHANGE IN OIL LEVEL ON DIPSTICK CHECKS, NO SIGNS OF OIL UNDER CAR. WHILE ACCELERATING ON EXPRESSWAY, HAD LOW OIL WARNING LIGHT COME ON AND NOTICED SOME DIFFICULTY STEERING DUE TO SLICKNESS AS CAR WAS BROUGHT TO A SAFE HALT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. RIGHT SIDE OF CAR WAS COVERED IN OIL, APPARENTLY ORIGINATING AT OIL COOLER LOCATED IN FRONT OF RIGHT FRONT WH…

Look up ODI 10455149 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10458242 · 35,167 mi

SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. RECEIVED NEW ENGINE FROM LOTUS 4/21/2012 AND HAD ABOUT 700 MILES ON NEW ENGINE. WAS DRIVING ON RESIDENTIAL STREET IN MID GEARS. NOTED SOME ODD ENGINE RATTLING NOISES BRIEFLY. SECONDS LATER, STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE WHICH DISSIPATED. THEN SAW FLICKERING INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS WHICH STOPPED BUT RESUMED AND WAS LOW OIL LIGHT WHICH WENT OUT AND THEN CAME ON FULL. STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND TURNED OFF ENGINE. CAR WAS TOWED BY FLAT BED BACK TO LOTUS DEALER IN NJ. *TR

Look up ODI 10458242 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Oil consumption or dilution

2 mentions · 2.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 59,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10421090 · 30,000 mi

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 LIGHT AND SAW THAT IT WAS ON. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. THERE WAS OIL COVERING THE RIGHT REAR TIRE, BRAKE ASSEMBLY, AND SUSPENSION. THE REMAINING TWO OR THREE QUARTS CAME OUT WHILE I WAS CALLING THE TOW TRUCK. THE SHOP MECHANICS SAID THAT THE OIL COO…

Look up ODI 10421090 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10482713 · 89,000 mi

I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS IN THE #1 LANE WHEN I SMELLED BURNING OIL. I HADN'T NOTICED THE CAR PERFORMING DIFFERENTLY SO I LOOKED AHEAD TO THE FORWARD CARS FOR THE 'GROSS POLLUTER' CAUSING THE SMELL. I DIDN'T SEE ANYONE WITH MY FIRST FORWARD INSPECTION. I THEN IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THE OIL LIGHT LIT ON THE DASH. AT THE SAME INSTANT I LOOKED OUT OF THE SIDE MIRROR AND SAW SMOKE POURING FROM MY CAR. (THIS HAPPENED VERY QUICKLY AND I MAY HAVE NOTICED THE REAR SMOKE BEFORE THE OIL LIGHT.) I QUICKLY PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, DRIFTE…

Look up ODI 10482713 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 20,200 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10452042 · 20,200 mi

MOMENTARY BRAKE FAILURE YESTERDAY. THIS HAPPENED TO MY WIFE. SHE'S COMMUTED WITH THE CAR TO WORK 3 TIMES A WEEK, 90 MILES ROUND TRIP FOR 7+ MONTHS, LOGGING MANY THOUSANDS OF MILES, AND MUCH MORE THAN I HAVE. ALSO SHE HAS BEEN DRIVING STICK FOR 17 YEARS, AND ROUTINELY DRIVES SPORTS CARS (MINI COOPER S, Z3). 70 MPH (IN 70 ZONE) CRUISING IN #2 LANE REASONABLE FOLLOWING DISTANCE. TRAFFIC AHEAD BEGINS TO SLOW QUICKLY. APPLIED BRAKE. NOTHING. BELIEVE PEDAL DID NOT TRAVEL ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. CHANGED TO #3 LANE TO AVOID COLLISION WITH CAR …

Look up ODI 10452042 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 55,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10482729 · 55,000 mi

I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND MOVED INTO THE #2 LANE AND WAS ACCELERATING. I LOOKED OUT MY REARVIEW MIRROR AND SAW WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A DUST CLOUD BEHIND ME. I LOOKED AT THE ROAD IN FRONT OF ME EXPECTING TO SEE SOME DIRT ON THE ROAD, BUT THERE WASN'T ANY. I LOOKED BACK AND IT SEEMED THAT IT WAS LIKE A DIRTY BROWN SMOKE. I WAS MY CAR. (I LATER REALIZED THE CLOUD WAS A SPRAY OF OIL MIST.) I WAS GOING 65 OR 70 MPH AND DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING UNUSUAL WITH THE DRIVABILITY. I LOOKED AT MY INSTRUMENT PANEL & NOTICED THE OIL LIGHT WAS ON. I SHOT OVER TO THE …

Look up ODI 10482729 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b