Lotus Elise reliability
The Lotus Elise fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 15.9% of 4,426 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
10 DVSA recalls for the Lotus Elise
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Bolts securing the fuel rail to the cyclinder head may fail.
Bolts securing the fuel rail to the cylinder head may fail.
Fix: The spacers and fuel rail securing bolts will be replaced with new revised parts
Recalled models: ELISE · 762 vehicles
Reduction of braking efficiency
An error in production of the brake master cylinder may cause a reduction in braking efficiency.
Fix: Replace the brake master cylinder on affected vehicles.
Recalled models: ELISE · 56 vehicles
Risk of fire
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.
Fix: 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.
Recalled models: ELISE · 1,258 vehicles
Wheel hub may become insecure
The bolts securing the rear wheel hubs to the suspension may not have been correctly tightened.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and check bolts for correct torque and if necessary remove and re-install bolts.
Recalled models: ELISE · 288 vehicles
Gear lever may break
It has been found that there is a small risk that the gear lever may break if subjected to high handling force.
Fix: Recall the likely to be affected vehicles and where necessary replace the gear lever and associated parts.
Recalled models: ELISE · 764 vehicles
Front brake caliper bolts concern
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.
Fix: Check the caliper tapped holes. If any incomplete threading is found the brake caliper is to be replaced.
Recalled models: ELISE · 94 vehicles
Steering rack may be susceptible to premature wear and possible tooth damage.
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.
Fix: 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.
Recalled models: ELISE · 338 vehicles
Fuel may leak when filling and cornering
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.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace fuel filler breather hose with modified type.
Recalled models: ELISE · 1,509 vehicles
Possibility of fuel leakage
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.
Fix: Affected vehicles are being recalled for replacement of the original fuel line connectors with quality assured versions.
Recalled models: ELISE · 213 vehicles
Rear suspension toe link bolt may become loose
Rear suspension toe link to hub carrier securing bolt may become loose and cause unstable handling.
Fix: Remove and examine the subject securing bolt renew bolt where found necessary ensure that threads are clean apply approved locking compound refit and tighten bolt to the specified torque.
Recalled models: ELISE · 3,780 vehicles
Checking a Lotus Elise before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.