2005 Lotus Elise recalls and problems

The 2005 Lotus Elise has 2 safety recalls and 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lotus dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

2 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Lotus Elise vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Lotus Elise recalls

Recall 11V-510: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 14, 2011 · 5,041 vehicles affected · LOTUS CARS LTD

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 05V-571: Power Train

Reported Dec 29, 2005 · 1,740 vehicles affected · GROUP LOTUS PLC

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions, the gear lever may break.

Risk: This could result in the inability to change gears, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the gear levers. The recall began on february 10, 2006. Owners may contact lotus cars USA at 1-800-245-6887.

2005 Lotus Elise problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine and Engine Cooling	30
Power Train	5
Visibility	4
Electrical System	4
Suspension	3
Engine	3
Unknown or Other	2
Latches/Locks/Linkages	1
Wheels	1
Service Brakes	1

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 5
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 5
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 2
Suspension › Rear — 2
Power Train › Manual Transmission › Floor Shift Assembly — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 1
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 28,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Lotus Elise complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 41,187 miles · reported May 20, 2014

The contact owns a 2005 lotus elise. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, smoke began to emit in and around the vehicle. The contact attempted to engage the brakes but the pedal sank to the floor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the oil cooler line fractured causing a leak and as a result, the oil cooler and brakes needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 41,187. The current mileage was 42,250.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 3,500 miles · reported Nov 26, 2013

Nhtsa recall #11v-510. On 11/11/13 I made an appointment for 11/18/13 to have the referenced recall work performed on my 2005 lotus elise at star motor cars in houston, tx. On 11/18/13 I brought the car to star motor cars to have the recall work done. Today is 11/26 and the work has not been completed and star motor cars cannot tell me a date that it will be completed. Star motor cars has failed to perform the recall work in a timely manner.

Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Apr 15, 2013

2005 lotus elise. Consumer writes in regards to denial of reimbursement for repair of vehicles oil cooler line. The consumer stated a recall was issued for the exact problem he experienced. The manufacturer claimed the failure took place outside of the date range as set for in the reimbursement plan. The consumer stated there was no explanation of how the date range was set. He stated the recall explained the defect was on lotus vehicle manufactured from 2004-2006. The consumer stated he purchased his vehicle in march 2006. The failure occurred six months out warranty in november 2009. The…

Engine · at 78,729 miles · reported Aug 15, 2012

Front oil cooler hose blew off spraying underside of car with oil. Pulled vehicle over and towed to dealer for maintenance fix.

Engine · at 62,800 miles · reported Aug 15, 2012

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.

Other Lotus Elise years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 20062005

Compare all Lotus Elise years · All Lotus models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Lotus Elise have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Lotus Elise: 11V-510 (engine and engine cooling), 05V-571 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Lotus Elise?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (30 reports), followed by power train (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 28,000 miles.

Are Lotus recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lotus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.