MYRModel Year Report

2005 Lotus Elise

○ Not enough data
2005 Lotus Elise
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:08:01.525Z

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
46
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2005

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

65% of complaints

Complaints per year

2005: 46 complaints 2005 46 2006: 17 complaints 2006 2007: 8 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints 2011
2005: 46 complaints 2005 46 2006: 17 complaints 2006 2007: 8 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints 2011
2005: 46 complaints 2005 46 2006: 17 complaints 2006 2007: 8 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008 2009: 1 complaint 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

65% · 30 reports

Most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

CRASHFIRE
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, 2014-05-20

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, 2011-02-21

Power train

11% · 5 reports

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, 2006-04-13

Electrical system

9% · 4 reports

Visibility

9% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I own a 2005 Lotus Elise.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-05-04

Engine

7% · 3 reports
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, 2012-07-05

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2006-02-10Power train05V571000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2011-07-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-11-03 Engine Oil Cooler Line Detachment
  3. R
    2013-01-09Engine and engine cooling11V510000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Lotus Elise — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 30 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 05V571000 · Power train
  • Recall 11V510000 · Engine and engine cooling
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 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Lotus Elise have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-27 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.