2005 Lotus Elise engine and engine cooling problems

28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2005 Lotus Elise — 61% of all complaints for this model year.

Engine and Engine Cooling complaints

61%

share of all complaints

28,000 mi

median reported incident mileage

1 / 1

crash / fire reports

What owners report

“Tl* 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…”
filed May 20, 2014
“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…”
filed Nov 26, 2013
“2005 lotus elise. Consumer writes in regards to denial of reimbursement for repair of vehicles oil cooler line. *smd 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…”
filed Apr 15, 2013

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

There is often inconsistent or insufficient information received from dealers when reporting ECU and TCU related faults. This bulletin aims to standardise the information when filing a claim to After Sales.
sb_2021_06_DTC · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 16, 2021