2009 Lotus Elise recalls and problems

The 2009 Lotus Elise has 2 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lotus dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 Lotus Elise vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 Lotus Elise recalls

Recall 14V-280: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported May 27, 2014 · 860 vehicles affected · Lotus Cars USA, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 09V-179: Wheels

Reported May 26, 2009 · 87 vehicles affected · LOTUS CARS USA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the problem is not addressed promptly, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a crash.

Fix: 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.

2009 Lotus Elise problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 20,200 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 2009 Lotus Elise complaints

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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 20,200 miles · reported Mar 17, 2012
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 in front. Reapplied brake. Nothing. Changed to #4 lane. Tried…

Other Lotus Elise years

Compare all Lotus Elise years · All Lotus models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Lotus Elise have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2009 Lotus Elise: 14V-280 (engine and engine cooling), 09V-179 (wheels). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Lotus Elise?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (1 reports). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 20,200 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.