2007 Lotus Elise
Only 8 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
AWARE OF NHTSA RECALL # 11V-510 HAVING RECEIVED LETTER FROM LOTUS CARS USA BUT WAS TOLD THIS VEHICLE WAS PROBABLY NOT AFFECTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120407
WAS DRIVING MY 2007 LOTUS ELISE WHEN THE OIL HOSE PULLED OUT OF THE CRIMPED FITTING AT THE RIGHT REAR CONNECTION TO THE ENGINE JUST ABOVE THE OIL FILTER. THIS CAUSED ALL OF THE OIL TO QUICKLY LEAVE THE ENGINE AND COAT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110817
DRIVING IN SECOND GEAR AND CHANGING INTO THIRD GEAR THE RADIATOR EXPLODED AND SPLASHED HOT COOLANT ALL OVER THE WINDSHIELD. FORTUNATELY I HAD THE ROOF ON, OTHERWISE THE HOT COOLANT COULD HAVE LANDED ON ME OR MY 8 YR. OLD SON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110606
3 of 8 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. RECEIVED NEW ENGINE FROM LOTUS 4/21/2012 AND HAD ABOUT 700 MILES ON NEW ENGINE. WAS DRIVING ON RESIDENTIAL STREET IN MID GEARS. NOTED SOME ODD ENGINE RATTLING NOISES BRIEFLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120513
2 of 8 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS IN THE #1 LANE WHEN I SMELLED BURNING OIL. I HADN'T NOTICED THE CAR PERFORMING DIFFERENTLY SO I LOOKED AHEAD TO THE FORWARD CARS FOR THE 'GROSS POLLUTER' CAUSING THE SMELL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121031
1 of 8 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
THE 2007+ LOTUS ELISE/ EXIGE ARE ALL EQUIPPED WITH A SHIFTER THAT IS PRONE TO FAILURE. I HAVE PERSONALLY HAD A BROKEN SHIFTER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS STUCK AT THE 3RD GEAR AND ALMOST GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180706
1 of 8 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
1. NOTHING WAS OBVIOUS LEADING YOU TO THE EVENT. 2. FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED ONCE, BUT CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE. 3. ENGINE WAS REPLACED ENTIRELY. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20101026
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Lotus is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from December 1, 2006, through October 31, 2007. The oil cooler line may become detached from its fitting.
Remedy: Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil cooler hose fittings and the entire lateral oil cooler hose, free of charge. The safety recall began on March 4, 2013. Owners may contact L
Campaign 13V041000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2007 Lotus Elise — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V510000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V041000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2007 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.