2005 Lotus Elise
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 46 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2007 | 8 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
65% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
CRASH FIREShow 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
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
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
11% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and floor shift assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
SUB: 2005 LOTUS ELISE NHTSA RECALL #05V-571 [XXX]. I LIVE IN NICHOLASVILLE KENTUCKY & DEALER IS IN ATLANTA GA. DRIVING THERE WOULD BE 12 HRS ON THE ROAD + $$ FOR ACCOMMODATIONS & TRAVEL EXPENSES, CAR MILEAGE & DEPRECIATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060413
9% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I OWN A 2005 LOTUS ELISE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100504
7% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LOTUS ELISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN JANUARY 2012 FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:11V510000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING).
NHTSA ODI report, 20120705
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Engine Oil Cooler Line Detachment
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 (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V571000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V510000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
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 65% 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.