MYRModel Year Report

2005 Lotus Elise

○ Not enough data
2005 Lotus Elise
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:38:09.283Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Lotus Elise Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2005 highlighted. 2005: 46 complaints 2005 2006: 17 complaints 2006 2007: 8 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008 2009: 1 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints 2011
2005: 46 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200546
200617
20078
20080
20091
20100
20110

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 39%

39% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 18 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140520

2005 LOTUS ELISE. THE OIL LINE RELEASED FROM ITS FITTING ON THE FRONT RIGHT OIL COOLER WETTING THE TIRE WITH OIL RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. THE CAR SPUN AND LEFT THE ROAD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20110221

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

VISIBILITY 7%

7% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I OWN A 2005 LOTUS ELISE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20100504

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20060210 — power train

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE GEAR LEVER MAY BREAK.

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.

Campaign 05V571000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20110718 — PE (closed 20111103)

Engine Oil Cooler Line Detachment

R 20130109 — engine and engine cooling

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.

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 1-800-2

Campaign 11V510000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2005 Lotus Elise — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 05V571000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 11V510000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2005 Lotus Elise reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Lotus Elise?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Lotus Elise have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.