Lotus Elise 2005 problems
The Lotus Elise is a sports car conceived in early 1994 and released in September 1996 by the British manufacturer Lotus Cars. A two-seater roadster with a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, the Elise has a fibreglass body shell atop its bonded extruded aluminium chassis that provides a rigid platform for the suspension, while keeping weight and production costs to a minimum. The Elise was named after Elisa Artioli, the granddaughter of Romano Artioli who was chairman of Lotus and Bugatti at the time of the car's launch.
Production of the Elise, Exige and Evora ended in 2021. It was replaced by the Lotus Emira.
Series 1
The 1996 Lotus Elise weighed 725 kg (1,598 lb). Because of this low weight, it was able to accelerate 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.8 seconds despite its relatively low power output of 118 bhp (88 kW; 120 PS). Braking and fuel consumption are also improved by the car's reduced weight. Cornering is helped by a low centre of gravity height of 470 mm (18½").
Series 1 was designed by Julian Thomson, then head of design at Lotus, and Richard Rackham, Lotus's chief engineer.
Besides the standard higher-performance variants listed below, Lotus also released some limited edition models such as Sport 135 (1998/9) with approximately 145 bhp (108 kW; 147 PS), Sport 160 (2000) with 150–160 bhp (112–119 kW; 152–162 PS), and Sport 190 (190 bhp (142 kW; 193 PS)). These were more competent on track with sports suspension, wheels and tyres, seats according to model. There were other special editions such as the 50th Anniversary Edition (green/gold) celebrating 50 years of Lotus cars, the Type 49 ("Gold Leaf" red and white two-tone), and Type 79 ("JPS" black/gold) which refers to its successful Grand Prix car type numbers.
The Series 1 Lotus Elise was assembled from kits on a dedicated assembly line at Proton's Shah Alam factory between 1997 and 2003. The drivetrain was imported complete and initially the bodywork was painted in the UK at Hethel prior to export. The Malaysian-assembled Elise sold for double the price of its British-built counterpart due to local vehicle taxes. The Malaysian-assembled Elise was also exported to regional markets, including Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. The Malaysian spec Elises came with a factory hard top, carpets and air con as standard though the air con was unreliable and ineffective. All cars had MMC brakes as that was what was current when the kits were imported in the late 1990s. The Proton-assembled Elises were assigned the code 'B' in the eleventh VIN position, while the original Hethel-built units were stamped with the code 'H'.
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Common Lotus Elise 2005 problems
The Lotus Elise, a popular sports car, has had its fair share of common issues and problems over the years, particularly in the 2005 model. One of the most frequently reported problems is the suspension wearing out quickly, especially if the car has been driven hard. This issue can lead to a significant reduction in the vehicle's handling and overall performance.
Another common problem with the 2005 Lotus Elise is the clip-on roof leaking. This can be a major inconvenience, as it can lead to water damage and other related issues. It is essential to check the roof for any signs of leaks or damage during an inspection.
Immobilizers in the 2005 Lotus Elise have also experienced troubles in the past, leading to electrical glitches. It is crucial to check the service history for any signs of electrical issues and ensure that the immobilizer is functioning correctly.
Radiator hoses in the 2005 Lotus Elise have a habit of leaking, which can lead to overheating and other related problems. It is essential to check the radiator hoses thoroughly during an inspection and keep an eye on the car's temperature gauge.
Perhaps the most worrying issue with the 2005 Lotus Elise is the head gaskets blowing. This can be a major problem, as it can lead to significant engine damage. It is crucial to check under the engine cover thoroughly to ensure that there are no signs of oil in the coolant or water or a white residue under the oil filler cap, which are both sure signs of trouble.
In 2006, there was a recall for the 2005-06 Lotus Elise and Exige models due to oil leaks. The oil cooler line in these cars may become detached from its fitting, which could then spray oil throughout the engine compartment and increase the risk of fire. This issue can be a major safety concern, and it is essential to ensure that the recall has been addressed before purchasing a 2005 Lotus Elise.
Aging electronics can also cause problems over time in the 2005 Lotus Elise, leading to various issues with the car's electronics and systems. It is essential to check the car's electronics thoroughly during an inspection to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
Interior trim pieces in the 2005 Lotus Elise can become brittle and crumble or cause squeaks and rattles over time. This can be a significant inconvenience and detract from the overall driving experience. It is essential to check the interior trim pieces during an inspection for any signs of damage or wear.
The trunk release cable in the 2005 Lotus Elise can snap, which can be a major inconvenience. It is essential to check the trunk release cable during an inspection to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
Water getting into the cabin through the roof's weather stripping is also a common problem in the 2005 Lotus Elise. This can lead to water damage and other related issues. It is essential to check the roof's weather stripping during an inspection for any signs of damage or wear.
If you plan on owning an Elise, it is recommended to garage it to prevent water damage and other related issues.
Brake rotors in the 2005 Lotus Elise have a short life, which can be a significant safety concern. It is essential to check the brake rotors during an inspection to ensure that they are functioning correctly and are not worn out.
In a small number of cases, owners who have tracked their Elise have reported toe link failures in the rear suspension. This can be a major safety concern and should be checked during an inspection.
Perhaps the most infamous weak point of the 2005 Lotus Elise is the body itself. The front bodywork consists of a single large fiberglass clamshell, and the same is true for the rear. As many owners have found out the hard way, it can be prohibitively expensive to repair or replace one of these pieces. A small fender-bender in an Elise often ends in the car being totaled by the insurance company, simply because sourcing, painting, and installing a new clamshell could cost more than the car is worth.
The Lotus Elise is known for its unreliability, which is a significant concern for potential buyers. Aging electronics, brittle interior trim pieces, and expensive body repairs are just a few of the issues that owners of the 2005 Lotus Elise may face.
In summary, the 2005 Lotus Elise has had its fair share of common issues and problems, including suspension wear, roof leaks, electrical glitches, head gasket blowouts, oil leaks, aging electronics, brittle interior trim pieces, and expensive body repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and ensure that they are addressed before purchasing the car.
Is a Lotus Elise reliable?
Unfortunately, though, the world isn't getting many more cheap sports cars, and even at its current values the Lotus Elise is a great value. Quick, beautiful, relatively reliable, always entertaining, and a little bit eccentric, it's an attainable dream car. Even if you weren't 16 when it came out.
Is a 2005 Lotus Elise fast?
Lotus claims the federalized Elise will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and run to 141 mph; prototypes ran to nearly 150 mph. Not much this side of an exotic supercar will keep up with it on a racetrack.
Does Lotus Elise have Toyota engine?
The Elise S is the new base model with a Toyota sourced 1.8 L (1,796 cc) engine replacing the previous models K series Rover engine. The 2ZZ-GE engine produces 189 bhp (141 kW; 192 PS) at 6,200 rpm (a considerable increase over the 120 bhp or 89 kW or 122 PS of the Rover engine).
Does Lotus Elise rust?
The chassis is anodised which helps in protecting it against corrosion but this does not give the Elise immunity from corrosion problems. The chassis can corrode and, given the age of S1's now with some having been used in all weathers, I'm quite sure there will be some out there with some fairly bad corrosion.
Lotus Elise 2005 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lotus Elise problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Lotus Elise 2005 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints Lotus Elise 2005
The NHTSA has received 46 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Lotus Elise 2005. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Lotus Elise 2005 vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: SCCPC11195H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL COOLER LINE FRACTURED CAUSING A LEAK AND AS A RESULT, THE OIL COOLER AND BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,187. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,250.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-18
- VIN: SCCPC11165H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NHTSA RECALL #11V-510. ON 11/11/13 I MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR 11/18/13 TO HAVE THE REFERENCED RECALL WORK PERFORMED ON MY 2005 LOTUS ELISE AT STAR MOTOR CARS IN HOUSTON, TX. ON 11/18/13 I BROUGHT THE CAR TO STAR MOTOR CARS TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK DONE. TODAY IS 11/26 AND THE WORK HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED AND STAR MOTOR CARS CANNOT TELL ME A DATE THAT IT WILL BE COMPLETED. STAR MOTOR CARS HAS FAILED TO PERFORM THE RECALL WORK IN A TIMELY MANNER. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-01
- VIN: SCCPC11125H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 2005 LOTUS ELISE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DENIAL OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIR OF VEHICLES OIL COOLER LINE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED. THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMED THE FAILURE TOOK PLACE OUTSIDE OF THE DATE RANGE AS SET FOR IN THE REIMBURSEMENT PLAN. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO EXPLANATION OF HOW THE DATE RANGE WAS SET. HE STATED THE RECALL EXPLAINED THE DEFECT WAS ON LOTUS VEHICLE MANUFACTURED FROM 2004-2006. THE CONSUMER STATED HE PURCHASED HIS VEHICLE IN MARCH 2006. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SIX MONTHS OUT WARRANTY IN NOVEMBER 2009. THE CONSUMER STATED FOR SOME REASON, THE REIMBURSEMENT WINDOW BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 2010.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-28
- VIN: SCCPC11195H
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: FRONT OIL COOLER HOSE BLEW OFF SPRAYING UNDERSIDE OF CAR WITH OIL. PULLED VEHICLE OVER AND TOWED TO DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE FIX. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-02
- VIN: SCCPC11195H
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: RIGHT SIDE OIL COOLER HOSE BLEW OFF WHILE TRAVELING AT 65MPH SPRAYING OIL OVER THE RIGHT BACK TIRE. THE ENGINE SEIZED AND CAR COASTED TO A STOP POSITION ON SIDE OF ROAD. CAR WAS INOPERABLE AND TOWED TO DEALER. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-04
- VIN: SCCPC11175H
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TRIED TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE WORKING ON TRYING TO DETERMINE HOW TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED HE WANTED TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT IT WAS TAKING TOO LONG FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL, WHICH HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 8/6/12 *CN UPDATED 08/14/2012 *JS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-03-01
- VIN: SCCPC11155H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL LINE FAILURE BY THE FRONT LEFT (DRIVER SIDE) TIRE. WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT ON THE FREEWAY, NO COLLISION OF ANY SORT. OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR STARTED LEAKING OIL BY THE FRONT TIRE. APPARENTLY A RECALL IS IN EFFECT FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT NO FIX IS AVAILABLE YET. RECALL SUMMARY CAN BE SEEN HERE: HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/CARS/PROBLEMS/RECALLS/RECALLSUMMARY.CFM?RCL_CAMPAIGN_ID=11V510000&PROD_ID=215286&MODULETYPE=VEHICLE&MAKE=LOTUS&MODEL=ELISE&VEH_MODEL_YEAR=2005&SEARCHTYPE=DRILLDOWN NOTE: CAN'T GET EXACT MILEAGE OF CAR BECAUSE IT REQUIRES TURNING THE ENGINE ON. *TR
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-12
- VIN: SCCPC11125H
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING ON AUTO HAS BEEN A MESS SINCE NEW, AUTO TOWED 15 TIMES FOR MECHANICAL REASONS AND ADDITION TIMES TOW TRUCK WAS COMING AND CAR WOULD START. SHIFTER BROKE OFF AT 2,000 MILES, TRANSAXLE WAS REPLACED AT ABOUT 20,000 MILES ALARM SYSTEM, ALTERNATOR,SPEAKERS,TURN INDICATORS, FRONT STEERING BOX (RACK), VEHICLE COMPUTER (SPEED INDICATED ON DASH HAS BEEN AT LEST 15% HIGH SINCE TRANSAXLE WAS REPLACED)-- HAVE ALL FAILED. LOTUS DEALERSHIPS WHERE NEVER ABLE TO LOCATE OR FIX WIRING PROBLEM (FOX VALLEY, AURORA IL ANOTHER LAKE FOREST HAS NO AUTHORIZED LOTUS MECHANIC.) LOTUS USA INC. COVERED MOST UNTIL WARRANTY EXPIRED ,NOW WILL NOT RETURN PHONE CALLS OR E-MAILS (OVER 15 SENT IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF.). AUTO NOW HAS 26,666 MILES AND HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE AUGUST OF 2010. IT WILL NOT PAST WISCONSIN EMISSIONS SO I AM UNABLE TO GET LICENSE PLATES ALSO IT WILL CHANGE LANES OFF A STRAIGHT LINE WITHOUT WARNING. AUTO WAS NEVER ON A TRACK AND ALWAYS STORED IN A HEAT AND RODENT CONTROLLED AREA. A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT WORKED ON AUTO STATED "THE WIRING HARNESS APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN PULLED AND INSTALLED THROUGH OUT THE AUTO WITH OUT REGARD TO SHARP EDGES OR CARE IN ANYWAY", HE FOUND NO RODENT DAMAGE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-19
- VIN: SCCPC11125H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,WHEELS
- Summary: OEM OIL COOLING LINE CRIMP LET GO THAT IS IN FRONT WHEEL WELL TO OIL COOLER. ENGINE OIL POURED ALL OVER FRONT TIRE AND BRAKES. EVEN AT 15 MPH I LOST CONTROL. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN FATAL IF DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-03-29
- VIN: SCCPC11105H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS IS A COMPLAINT FOR A 2005 LOTUS ELISE OIL LINE FAILURE. I PREVIOUSLY REPORTED TWO OIL LINE FAILURES TOGETHER BUT IN RETROSPECT SHOULD HAVE REPORTED THEM INDIVIDUALLY AS THEY OCCURRED AT SEPARATE TIMES. THE FIRST OIL LINE FAILURE OCCURRED ON 3/29/2010. I CAME OUT TO MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT AND THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDER IT. I DID NOT EVER SEE A DROP OF OIL FROM THE CAR PREVIOUSLY. I PAID 1,066 TO GET THE DRIVER SIDE OIL LINE REPAIRED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OIL LINE SHOULD BE FIXED BUT I WAS NOT TOLD THAT IF IT FAILED WHILE DRIVING THAT I COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. THE PASSENGER SIDE OIL LINE DID INDEED FAIL 4 MONTHS LATER BUT THIS TIME WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY GOING 55 MPH. THE ENTIRE OIL CAPACITY OF THE ENGINE SPRAYED ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND REAR TIRES AS WELL AS THE WINDSHIELD. NOT ONLY WAS IT LIKE DRIVING ON A SHEET OF ICE, I COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE LANE NEXT TO ME AS I SLID INTO IT. I WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR AND PULL OVER. BY THE TIME I PULLED OVER THE ENGINE WAS RUINED REQUIRING ME TO PAY APPROXIMATELY 8,000 FOR A NEW ENGINE AND NEW OIL LINES. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE CAR SHOWING THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR COVERED IN OIL. UPDATED 08-29/11 *BF *KB UPDATED 05/03/12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-01
- VIN: SCCPC11155H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LOTUS ELISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,200. THE RIGHT REAR OIL LINE AT THE METAL FITTING IS CURRENTLY LEAKING OIL. UPDATED 10/28/11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-15
- VIN: SCCPC11155H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I BOUGHT MY CAR USED FROM A PRIVATE SELLER IN PENNSYLVANIA. AFTER DOING THE FIRST OIL CHANGE MYSELF I NOTICED THE WAS OIL SEEPING FROM ONE OF THE OIL LINE FITTINGS AT THE SANDWICH PLATE. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG LOTUS' YEARS 2005-2007, AND CAN RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE OIL LINE AT SPEED CAUSING A CRASH OR FIRE. IT HAS ALSO BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT THE NHTSA IS PERFORMING AN INVESTIGATION ON THIS ISSUE. *KB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-02
- VIN: SCCPC111X5H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LOTUS ELISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE; HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE OIL LINE WAS LEAKING AT THE FITTING WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE11022 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSE) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,881.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-15
- VIN: SCCPC11155H
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DURING A TIRE ROUTINE TIRE CHANGE, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL OIL STAIN CREEPING UP THE INSIDE OF THE FENDER WELL ON THE LEFT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THE OIL COOLER WAS LEAKING AT THE FITTING AND A NEW FITTING WAS INSTALLED TO CORRECT. THE LEAK OCCURRED RATHER SUDDENLY AS THE CAR HAD JUST BEEN IN THE BODY SHOP TO HAVE SOME MINOR BODYWORK FIXED (NON-STUCTURAL AND NOT ABLE TO HAVE CAUSED THE LEAK). AT THE TIME OF THE BODYWORK REPAIRS TIME, LESS THAN 300 MILES PRIOR, THE LEAK WAS NOT PRESENT. IF THE LEAK HAD BEEN PRESENT, THE SUBSEQUENT OIL WOULD HAVE CAUSED POOR PAINT FINISH. WHICH WAS NOT THE CASE. DID NOT THINK TO REPORT THE INCIDENT UNTIL NOW, BECAUSE I JUST BECAME AWARE OF A NY TIMES ARCTICLE REPORTING ON NHSTA INVESTIGATION OF OTHER SIMILAR MODEL YEAR LOTUS ELISE/EXIGE CARS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-10
- VIN: SCCPC111X5H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FAILURE OF OIL LINE CONNECTOR. SPREAD OIL OVER FRONT BRAKE, SO AS TO MAKE CAR STOP POORLY. HAS HAPPENED TWICE: ONCE WHEN CAR WAS 1 MONTH OLD, NOW 6 YRS LATER. *TT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-14
- VIN: SCCPC11195H
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY CAR IS AN EARLY 2005 LOTUS ELISE WITH TWIN OIL COOLERS. THE BYPASS HOSE CONNECTING TO THE DRIVER SIDE OIL COOLER STARTED TO LEAK OIL AT A FAIRLY FAST PACE. THIS HOSE CONNECTS FROM THE LEFT OIL COOLER TO THE RIGHT COOLER UNDERNEATH THE CLAMSHELL. COSTS TO FIX THIS SERIOUS ISSUE OUT OF WARRANTY ARE EXTREMELY HIGH AS THEY RECOMMEND REPLACING THE ENTIRE OIL COOLER AND HOSE SYSTEM. THERE ARE NOW NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME OR SIMILAR (BASED ON HOSE AND/OR TWIN/SINGLE OIL COOLER SETUPS) ON VARIOUS FORUMS AND SUBMITTED COMPLAINT FORMS TO THE US DOT NHTSA.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-30
- VIN: SCCPC11165H
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS THROUGH CITY TRAFFIC WHEN THE OIL INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE RODE AND CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL. SHOWED IT WAS EMPTY WITH OIL SPILLING ON THE GROUND. TOWED IT TO A REPAIR SHOP TO DISCOVER THAT THE OIL HOSE FITTING HAD BROKEN OFF THE ENGINE CAUSING THE OIL LOSS. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE FUNCTION HAD I NOT PULLED OVER. I HAD THE OIL HOSE REPLACED AND REPLACED THE REMAINING HOSES AS WELL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-03-24
- VIN: SCCPC11185H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I SUDDENLY SMELLED OIL AND LOOKED DOWN TO SEE MY OIL PRESSURE LIGHT COME ON. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND FOUND OIL COMING OUT OF THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF THE CAR ONTO THE RIGHT FRONT AND REAR TIRES. UPON HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOULD THEY FOUND THAT THE INCOMING OIL LINE INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OIL COOLER HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE CONNECTOR. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-03-24
- VIN: SCCPC111X5H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: AFTER READING OF SERIOUS OIL LINE FITTING FAILURES ON MY MODEL OF CAR, I INSPECTED MY OIL LINE FITTINGS AND FOUND ONE THAT WAS LEAKING. IF THIS FITTING HAD FAILED TO THE POINT WHERE THE HOSE CAME OFF (WHICH HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS), IT WOULD HAVE SPRAYED OIL IN FRONT OF MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND RUINED MY ENGINE. I REPAIRED IT WITH A NEW FITTING THAT IS MORE SECURE THAN THE FACTORY FITTING. I ALSO MADE MEASUREMENTS (USING DIGITAL CALIPERS) OF THE ORIGINAL FITTING CRIMP BEFORE I REMOVED IT, AND ANOTHER FITTING ON THE CAR THAT WASN'T LEAKING OIL. THE MEASUREMENTS SHOWED THAT THE LEAKING FITTING WAS NOT CRIMPED AS TIGHTLY AS THE ONE THAT WASN'T LEAKING. I RECOMMEND THAT THE ORIGINAL CRIMP SPECIFICATIONS BE REVIEWED (THE ORIGINAL SPECIFICATION MAY NOT BE TIGHT ENOUGH), AND THAT A RECALL BE ISSUED TO, AT A MINIMUM, MEASURE THE ACTUAL CRIMP SIZE ON ALL SIX OIL LINE FITTINGS ON THE CAR TO SEE IF ANY ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED. IF THEY ARE NOT, THEN THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED OR RECRIMPED (IF THAT CAN BE DONE PROPERLY). *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-03-10
- VIN: SCCPC11155H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE INSPECTION FOUND OIL IS LEAKING AT OIL HOSE CONNECTOR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT CRIMPING OF ADAPTER TO OIL HOSE. EVENTUALLY THIS WILL LEAD TO OIL HOSE DISCONNECTION AND A LOSS OF ENGINE OIL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-22
- VIN: SCCPC111X5H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY 2005 LOTUS ELISE EXPERIENCED A COOLANT LEAK IN THE P/N A12E0017F ALUMINUM U-TUBE DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUBBING ON A OIL FITTING THAT THE TUBE WAS RESTING ON. DUE TO THE ENGINE VIBRATION AND SHAKING, THE U-TUBE WORE THROUGH THE TUBE WALL COMPLETELY ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK OUT. THE U-TUBE IS LOCATED ON THE FRONT SIDE OF THE ENGINE AND RUBS ON A OIL LINE FITTING. BASED ON AN ONLINE FORUM (LOTUSTALK) AND OTHER LOTUS ELISE/EXIGE OWNERS, THE U-TUBE RUBBING IS NOT AN ISOLATED. APPARENTLY, SOME ELISES/EXIGES HAVE THE U-TUBE ZIP-TIED TO THE OIL LINE FITTING, BUT THE RUBBING IS STILL APPARENT AND ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A COOLANT LEAK WILL OCCUR. MY ELISE WAS NOT ZIP-TIED, WHICH NO DOUBT ACCELERATED THE WEARING AND RESULTING LEAK. I DECIDED TO MAKE A REPORT SINCE IT LOOKS LIKE LOTUS OWNERS ARE STILL IDENTIFYING THE RUBBING AND APPLY DO-IT-YOURSELF FIXES. I REPAIRED MINE AT MY OWN EXPENSE AND STARTED A THREAD ON LOTUSTALK TO HELP OTHER OWNERS PROTECT THEIR CARS FROM EVER LEAKING LIKE MINES. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-28
- VIN: SCCPC11105H
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FAILURE: BROKEN TOE LINK BOLT. EVENT'S LEADING TO THE FAILURE: NORMAL DRIVING OF THE CAR ON PUBLIC STREETS. CONSEQUENCES OF THE FAILURE: REAR WHEEL WILL MOVE FREELY CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT FROM MINOR INJURIES TO BOTH THE CAR'S OCCUPANTS AND INNOCENT DRIVERS AROUND THE CAR TO SEVERE PENALTIES SUCH AS DEATH(S). WHAT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE: PROPER REMOVAL AND CLEANING OF GALVANIZED CLUMPS (MANUFACTURE DEFECT) WHERE THE TOE LINK BOLTS TO THE CHASSIS. MOREOVER, REPLACEMENT OF THE TOE-LINK JOINT, NUTS AND BOLTS, AND ENSURE THEY ARE PROPERLY TORQUED TO MANUFACTURES SPECIFICATION. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-05
- Crash: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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. NO DAMAGE OCCURRED AND THE CAR WAS TOWED FROM THE MEDIAN AND THE LINE WAS REPAIRED. I SELECTED THE YES RESPONSE TO WAS THERE A CRASH BASED ON THE CAR LEAVING THE ROAD. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-28
- VIN: SCCPC11125H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL LINE FAILURE IN LOTUS ELISE - GOT RED "ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LOW" LIGHT, PULLED OVER, CLAMP/HOSE HAD BLOWN OUT AND OIL SPILLED OUT EVERYWHERE. *LN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-13
- VIN: SCCPC11195H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ON STARTING MY CAR IN THE MORNING, THE PASSENGER SIDE OIL COOLER HOSE FROM THE ENGINE TO THE FRONT OIL COOLER SEPARATED AT THE REAR CRIMP, QUICKLY DRAINING ALL OF THE OIL. THE OIL WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND AS I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF THE ENGINE MADE A COUPLE OF RATTLING NOISES. ON ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HOSE, I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND THE PART IN STOCK, LEADING ME TO HAVE NEW HOSES MADE BY A HYDRAULIC SHOP. THE FAILURE IS AT A MINIMUM RESPONSIBLE FOR A COSTLY REPAIR AND CLEAN UP, THAT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS DUE TO PARTS AVAILABILITY, AND IN A WORST CASE MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO OIL ON THE TIRES, AS WELL AS ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO LOSS OF OIL. MY CAR IS A 2005 ELISE WITH 55,000 MILES. *TR
Lotus Elise 2005 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Lotus Elise 2005.
- Manufacturer: LOTUS CARS LTD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A DETACHED OIL LINE COULD SPRAY OIL ON A TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, OR IT COULD SPRAY OIL THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
- 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 1-800-245-6887.
- Manufacturer: GROUP LOTUS PLC
- Components: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE GEAR LEVER MAY BREAK.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE INABILITY TO CHANGE GEARS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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.
Positive Lotus Elise 2005 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about Lotus Elise 2005 problems:
Lotus Elise Common Issues/Problems? | The Lotus Cars Community
Jan 2, 2016 ... Lotus Elise Common Issues/Problems? · 1. These cars have large (i.e. dangerous) blind spots. · 2. The horns are way too weak (quiet). · 3. The ...
Is the Elise reliability really that bad? : r/lotus
Jan 17, 2024 ... Is the Elise reliability really that bad? · both headlight mounts failed (held on with zip ties, very common). · one front turn signal mount ...
How reliable is the Elise? | The Lotus Cars Community
Aug 17, 2006 ... The Elise is very reliable. It has a toyota engine and drivetrain. I drive the car daily and have no problems (12,000 miles total). I change the ...
Lotus Elise Buyer's Guide - S2 Common Issues, Problems, Pricing
Jun 23, 2020 ... The trunk release cable can snap, and on early cars, the side windows can fall out of alignment. There was even a recall to fix gear shifters ...
Is anyone having problems with their Lotus Elise? - Quora
Nov 2, 2010 ... Almost everyone regretted it. Depending on where you lived and when you drove it, the frames had a tendency to rust out. Because it had a ...
Other years of Lotus Elise
Are you having problems with your Lotus Elise 2005?
Francesco Gottlieb 2024-11-26
Picked up the car 2 weeks ago. Performs exceptionally well. Handles like it's on rails. Very quick. Comfortable driving position. Exterior styling is second to none. Interior is a bit sparse, but, heh, it's a sports car. Amazing how many 'thumbs up' one gets!! Can't wait until the spring and do some real, open air motoring.
Cecil Collins 2024-11-23
What a fantastic sports car package! It's lightweight, has fantastic performance, Kart-like handling, and high-tech construction.
Tristian Schneider 2024-10-07
It's been three years since I deposited for my starlight black Lotus Elise, and I still can't wipe the smile off my face!
Raul O'Kon 2024-10-01
If you're looking for a car that's truly unique and unlike anything you've ever seen or driven before, then this is the car for you! However, if you're someone who prefers to keep a low profile and not draw too much attention to yourself, then this may not be the car for you. It definitely stands out in a crowd of cars, even those that are 3-4 times more expensive. The car is incredibly quick and handles better than any other car I've ever driven. Getting in and out with the roof on can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you're tall, but it's definitely worth it. I had to wait 17 months to get it, but it was absolutely worth the wait!
Mack Nikolaus 2024-09-15
Definitely the car to buy.