Lotus Elise 2006 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 2006 problems
The Lotus Elise, a lightweight sports car produced by Lotus Cars, is known for its performance and handling. However, like any vehicle, it can have its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 2006 Lotus Elise, based on complaints from owners:
- Suspension wear: The Lotus Elise's suspension can wear quickly, especially if the car has been driven hard. This can lead to a less comfortable ride and potential safety issues. It is essential to check the suspension components for wear and tear, including bushings, ball joints, and wishbones.
- Roof leaks: The clip-on roof of the Lotus Elise can leak, causing water intrusion into the cabin. This can lead to damage to the interior and potential electrical issues. It is crucial to inspect the roof for any signs of leaks and ensure a proper fit.
- Immobiliser troubles: The immobiliser system in the Lotus Elise has experienced troubles in the past. It is essential to check the service history for signs of electrical glitches and ensure the immobiliser is functioning correctly.
- Radiator hose leaks: Radiator hoses in the Lotus Elise have a habit of leaking. It is crucial to inspect the radiator hoses thoroughly and keep an eye on the car's temperature gauge to prevent overheating.
- Head gasket issues: Head gaskets in the Lotus Elise can blow, leading to severe engine damage. It is vital to check under the engine cover for signs of oil in the coolant and check for water or a white residue under the oil filler cap, which are both sure signs of trouble.
- Electronics and interior issues: Aging electronics can cause problems over time, while interior trim pieces can become brittle and crumble, or cause squeaks and rattles. The trunk release cable can snap, and on early cars, the side windows can fall out of alignment. Water getting into the cabin through the roof’s weather stripping is common.
- Brake rotors: Brake rotors on the Lotus Elise have a short life, especially if the car is driven hard or taken to the track. It is crucial to check the brake rotors for wear and replace them if necessary before purchasing the car.
- Rear suspension issues: In a small number of cases, owners who have tracked their Elise have reported toe link failures in the rear suspension. This is something to keep in mind, especially if you plan to take your Elise to the track.
- Bodywork repairs: The front bodywork of the Lotus Elise consists of a single large fiberglass clamshell, and the same is true for the rear. Repairing or replacing one of these pieces can be prohibitively expensive, often leading to the car being totaled by the insurance company. It is essential to be cautious when driving the Elise and avoid any potential damage to the bodywork.
These are some of the most common problems reported by Lotus Elise owners. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these issues, and it is essential to be aware of them when considering purchasing a 2006 Lotus Elise.
What is the top speed of the Lotus Elise 2006?
This delivers a cracking new entry-level car, capable of taking you from 0 - 60 mph in just 5.8 grin-inducing seconds (0 - 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds) and onto a top speed of 128 mph (205 km/h), law permitting!
Are Lotus Elise easy to work on?
The Lotus Elise is a complicatedly easy car to work on. Complicated in the sense that it has a fragile, fiberglass body that is a P.I.T.A. to remove the first time. But absolutely a joy once off as the entire drivetrain, top to bottom is exposed for very easy access.
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.
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).
Lotus Elise 2006 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
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Lotus Elise 2006 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Lotus Elise 2006 complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Lotus Elise 2006.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-11
- VIN: SCCPC11146H
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I HAVE AN INQUIRE IN REGARD TO MY 2006 LOTUS ELISE (VIN [XXX]) OIL LINE ISSUE THAT HAPPENED ON 12/11/13. I WAS DRIVING NORMALLY AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALL THE SUDDEN. I PULLED OVER SHORTLY AFTER. WHILE WAITING FOR THE TOW TRUCK, I ALREADY CAN SEE THAT THE ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND FOUND THAT THE OIL LINE WAS DIS-ATTACHED FROM THE CONNECTOR. I HAD BEEN TRYING TO THE CALLED THE LOTUS USA # 1800-245-6887 SINCE THE INCIDENT (12/11/13). I CALLED ON 3 DIFFERENT DAYS (12/11/13, 12/20/13, AND 12/23/13); CALLED 5-6 TIMES, AND LEFT 3 VOICE MESSAGES TO [XXX] WITH MY NAME, THE INQUIRY, AND MY PHONE #, AND UNTIL TO DATE (11/24/13) NO ONE EVER CALLED BACK. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-14
- VIN: SCCPC11176H
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY HAD NO TIME FRAME AS TO WHEN THE NECESSARY PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,300.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-01
- VIN: SCCPC11156H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE TO FIND OUT HOW TO PURSUE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. ..UPDATED 01/25/16 *BF UPDATED 01/28/16.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-03-14
- VIN: SCCPC11126H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V510000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-13
- VIN: SCCPC11166H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL COOLER HOSE SEPARATED FROM FITTING AT THE SANDWICH PLATE ON THE ENGINE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-12-22
- VIN: SCCPC11196H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AS I WAS PULLING ONTO MY STREET, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH. I IMMEDIATELY FOUND A PLACE TO STOP AND PARK THE CAR, AT WHICH TIME I NOTICED THE SMELL OF OIL IN THE CABIN. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED OIL ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE & WHEEL, AND APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES AFTER PARKING THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HALF OF THE CAR. MY ONLINE SEARCH FOR A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT HAS LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT I EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE OIL COOLER LINES. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-15
- VIN: SCCP11176HL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL COOLER SUPPLY LINE CONNECTED TO THE SANDWICH PLATE WHERE THE OIL FILTER SCREWS IN, ON MY 06 LOTUS ELISE BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE COUPLING, SPRAYING OIL EVERYWHERE AND PERMANENTLY DAMAGING MY ENGINE. THE ENGINE ONLY HAS 50K MILES ON IT, AND NOW IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. NEW MOTOR, AND LABOR COSTING OVER 6000 DOLLARS TO FIX. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY LOTUS, AS NUMEROUS LOTUS OWNERS ARE REPORTING THIS AND DISCUSSING THIS ON THE ONLINE FORUMS. BEING THE 2ND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, I AM NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY AND ALL THE REPAIR COST ARE COMING OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. I WISH THERE WAS SOME WAY I CAN GET SOME COMPENSATION BACK FROM LOTUS, AS I ONLY PUT 5K MILES ON THE CAR BEFORE THIS HAPPENED... *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-19
- VIN: SCCPC11116H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, AND AFTER ABOUT HALF OF A MILE I STARTED TO SMELL BURNING OIL AND THOUGHT TO MYSELF "BOY, I'M GLAD THAT SMELL ISN'T COMING FROM MY CAR!" I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 55 MPH. I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW A THICK TRAIL OF OIL FOLLOWING ME AND LOOKED AT MY OIL LIGHT AND SAW THAT IT WAS ON. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. THERE WAS OIL COVERING THE RIGHT REAR TIRE, BRAKE ASSEMBLY, AND SUSPENSION. THE REMAINING TWO OR THREE QUARTS CAME OUT WHILE I WAS CALLING THE TOW TRUCK. THE SHOP MECHANICS SAID THAT THE OIL COOLER HOSE SLIPPED OUT OF IT'S CRIMP AND HE SHOWED ME A PHOTOGRAPH. I FOUND OUT LATER THAT THERE IS NO EASY FIX. ACCORDING TO THE EXPERTS IN THE LOTUSTALK FORUMS, IT'S COMMON FOR THE CRIMPS TO COME UNDONE. ALTHOUGH I HAD SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE IN TIME TO AVOID A COMPLETE SEIZE UP, THE REPAIR COST WILL STILL BE AROUND $2000 TO REPLACE THE HOSES AND CLAMPS. MOST OF THE COST IS FROM LABOR BECAUSE IT'S DIFFICULT TO PULL THE HOSES THROUGH AND THE FRONT CLAMSHELL NEEDS TO BE REMOVED. THERE ARE AFTERMARKET KITS TO REPLACE THESE OIL COOLER HOSE/CLAMP SYSTEMS. I HAVEN'T FIGURED OUT HOW I'M GOING TO DO THE REPAIRS YET BECAUSE THE NEAREST LOTUS DEALER IS $250 MILES AWAY. ALTHOUGH I WAS UNINJURED, I CAN SEE HOW THIS COULD CAUSE INJURIES - EITHER FROM THE BRAKE ROTORS GETTING COATED WITH OIL, FIRES, OR THE ENGINE SEIZING UP IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY. THE LOTUS ELISE IS A GREAT CAR, BUT THE OIL COOLER HOSE CLAMPS IN THE EARLIER MODELS ARE A BIG PROBLEM! *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-03
- VIN: SCCPC11176H
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: OIL LEAKING FROM UNDER THE CAR IN THE FRONT CLAM AREA. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-12
- VIN: SCCPC11176H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL COOLER LINE CRIMP FITTING FAILED AT THE SANDWICH PLATE ADAPTER WHILE DRIVING ONTO A HIGHWAY RAMP. CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE APPEARED IN REARVIEW MIRROR AND OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. TURNED VEHICLE ENGINE OFF AND REPAIRED MYSELF BY MODIFYING THE CRIMP THAT FAILED. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-25
- VIN: SCCPC11106H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE HOSE CONNECTING THE TWO OIL COOLERS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR FAILED ON THE FREEWAY. I FELT THE CAR DANGEROUSLY LOSING TRACTION ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER AND I ALSO SAW THE OIL LIGHT COMING ON, AND PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. I HAD TO REPLACE THE HOSE, IT COST ME $775. TWO WEEKS FROM THAT, THE HOSE FITTING FAILED AGAIN, MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW, WHO KNOWS HOW MUCH THE DAMAGE IS NOW. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-03-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: SCCPC11186H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE FROM THE OIL THAT SPILLED ON THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE HE NOTICED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT PUT THE FIRE OUT HIMSELF AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE OIL LINE HOSE CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT BE REPAIRED FOR AT LEAST FOUR WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-08
- VIN: SCCPC11136H
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ON MY 2006 LOTUS ELISE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I WASN'T IN A POSITION TO PULL OVER FOR A FEW MORE MILES DOWN THE ROAD. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR LOCKED UP AND STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. OIL WAS IN THE TIRES AND ALL OVER THE BACK OF THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE OIL HOSE CAME LOSE, CAUSING THE OIL TO SPEW OUT OF THE CAR. THE CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, AND I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE AFTER BRINGING MY CAR TO LOTUS OF S.F. MULTIPLE TIMES TO RECEIVE OTHER WARRANTY WORK ON THE CAR. NOW THE ENGINE IS NOT WORKING RIGHT. I'M VERY UPSET AS LOTUS NEVER ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE, ESPECIALLY WHILE MY CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. IT LOOKS LIKE THE CAR IS GOING TO NEED A NEW ENGINE. ALL IT WAS A HOSE CRIMP THAT CAME LOSE, WHY COULDN'T THEY HAVE LET ME KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE FIXED BY LOTUS! MANY OTHER PEOPLE ON LOTUSTALK.COM HAVE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE SOON SO THAT I CAN HAVE THIS CAR FIXED WITHOUT HAVING TO POCKET OUT MY MONIES FOR ANEW ENGINE! *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-12
- VIN: SCCPC11146H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN I NOTICED OIL LIGHT CAME ON. DROVE CAR TO NEARBY SERVICE STATION AND NOTICED REAR PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE WAS COVERED IN OIL AND THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF OIL UNDER CAR. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED OIL COOLER LINE. SEVERAL SOURCES (WEB FORUM, MECHANIC) HAVE TOLD ME THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE IN THESE CARS. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS FAILURE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF TRACTION, OR ENGINE FIRE UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-25
- VIN: SCCPC11156H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BADLY WORN SECOND CAM CAUSING MISFIRE. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-06
- VIN: SCCPC11146H
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER INTO A GAS STATION AND FOUND THE MY DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WAS PUSHED UP INTO THE FENDER AND THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE HEADS HAD POPPED OF THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE UPPER CONTROL ARM TO THE WHEEL HUB. I POSTED THIS INFO ON A CAR FORUM AND FOUND THAT MY CAR IS NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS IS HAPPENING TO. ONE MEMBER POSTED A VIDEO THAT HAPPENED TO CATCH THE EVENT. THIS IS THE LINK TO THE FORUM THAT WILL CONTAIN EXTRA INFO. HTTP://WWW.ELISETALK.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=40858&HIGHLIGHT=CONTROL+ARM
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-01
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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. A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THIS PART CAUSES THE CAR TO BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE AND UNDRIVEABLE. IT IS A SERIOUS SITUATION WHERE SOMEONE COULD BE INJURED OR KILLED. LUCKILY NO ONE HAS OF YET. HERE IS AN INTERNET LINK THAT DESCRIBES THE ISSUE IN A LITTLE BETTER DETAIL, AND SHOWS WHAT HAPPENS TO THE TOE LINK. HTTP://WWW.ELISETALK.COM/FORUMS/SHOWPOST.PHP?P=392088&POSTCOUNT=34 HERE IS ALSO ANOTHER PICTURE OF A DIFFERENT FAILURE OF THIS PIECE. HTTP://WWW.1017.ORG/TEMP/TOELINK.JPG I UNDERSTAND THAT LOTUS SPORT HAS A FIX FOR THIS ISSUE, INCLUDING BETTER JOINTS, AND A SUSPENSION BRACE. I WOULD URGE THE NHTSA TO PRESSURE LOTUS INTO DOING A RETROFIT FOR EXISTING CARS, AND IMPROVE THE DESIGN GOING FORWARD. FOR SOME INFO ON THAT BRACE, HERE IS ONE INTERNET DISCUSSION. HTTP://WWW.ELISETALK.COM/FORUMS/SHOWPOST.PHP?P=179555&POSTCOUNT=1 THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. *JB
Lotus Elise 2006 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Lotus Elise 2006.
- 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.
Negative Lotus Elise 2006 car reviews
Positive Lotus Elise 2006 car reviews
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Driving and owning this vehicle is absolutely superb! The power of the small 1.8L engine is a perfect fit for this super light car. If you're not looking for all the unnecessary bells and whistles of modern cars and just want a free driving experience, this is one of the best cars to drive. Forget Porsche, just drive a Lotus!
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I have a collection of 10 vehicles, each with their own unique strengths. One of my personal favorites is the Lotus, which is an absolute blast to drive without breaking the bank. Specifically, I own the Sport model with a sport muffler. While it takes higher RPM to get the best performance, the car's flickability is truly outstanding. Gas mileage isn't a concern for me, but I still manage to get high 20's. Although the sport muffler is a bit too loud for my liking, it definitely adds an aggressive edge to the car's sound. I must also mention that my dealer has been absolutely awesome.
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In sum... a Pure Sports Car. You won't find luxury or comfort, but it's still perfectly comfortable for 1+ hour commutes. I'm so glad with the performance and handling. You might want to upgrade the stereo and watch out for potholes and steep inclines. The fuel economy is great... it's working out as our only car (for now).
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This car is awesome! It handles really well and is an absolute thrill to drive. While the gas mileage may not be the greatest, it's definitely worth it.
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WOW is all I can say! Looks outstanding drives amazing.
Additional sources
More sources of information about Lotus Elise 2006 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 ...
Exige Common Issues | The Lotus Cars Community
Feb 8, 2013 ... Lotus cars seem to have a few minor annoyances but not to many major issues. The biggest weakness are the oil lines, but that was rectified by ...
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 ...
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 ...
Other years of Lotus Elise
Are you having problems with your Lotus Elise 2006?
Darian Rutherford 2024-07-16
If you prioritize comfort in a car, the Elise may not be the best choice for you. However, if sublime handling is what you're after, the Elise is a purpose-built machine that delivers just that. Its exceptional handling is evident on any backroad or cloverleaf. The Elise's focus on performance means that it does not come packed with heavy luxury features, and the seats have minimal padding. Getting in and out of the car may require some advanced yoga training. If you're someone who values performance above all else, the Elise is a great choice. I personally love my Elise.
Quincy Marquardt 2024-02-05
The car is definitely fun to drive, but I did have a bit of trouble getting in despite my height of 5'7