MYRModel Year Report

2006 Lotus Elise

○ Not enough data
2006 Lotus Elise
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:55:23.748Z

Only 17 complaints on file — too few 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.

Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
17

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2006

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

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

2006: 17 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200546
200617
20078
20080
20091
20100
20110

Known problem areas

Only 17 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

11 of 17 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Lotus Elise. The contact stated that the oil line hose fittings connection failed causing the oil to spill onto the engine.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-03-17

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lotus Elise. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11V510000 (Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:hose).

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-30

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lotus Elise. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he noticed that oil was leaking abnormally. An independent mechanic examined the vehicle and advised the contact that oil was leaking from the oil filter.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-28

Engine

2 of 17 total reports mention: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lotus Elise. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11V510000 (Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:hose).

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-14

Suspension

1 of 17 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing rear.

Show complaint excerpts

I was turning left out of a parking lot, accelerating in a safe but enthusiastic manner when I felt a violent shudder/vibration at around 30-35 MPH. I immediately let off the throttle and felt increased drag as if I had a flat tire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-06-08

Steering

1 of 17 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing tie rod assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Please note, I have not had an issue yet, but other people I know have. The rear suspension inner toe link has been known to fail on the 05 + 06 Lotus Elise. I have seen failures of this part shearing apart on vehicles with as low as 5000 miles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-05-24

Power train

1 of 17 total reports mentions: power train.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. I
    2011-07-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-11-03 Engine Oil Cooler Line Detachment
  2. 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

2006 Lotus Elise — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 11V510000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Lotus Elise have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

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