2009 Lotus Elise problems

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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'.

2009 Lotus Elise

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Common 2009 Lotus Elise problems

The Lotus Elise, known for its lightweight and agile handling, has been a popular choice for sports car enthusiasts since its introduction in the mid-90s. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common issues and problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems with the 2009 Lotus Elise, based on complaints from owners:

  • Roof leaks: The clip-on roof of the Lotus Elise can leak, allowing water to enter the cabin. This can be a particular problem in wet or humid conditions, and can lead to mold and mildew growth if not addressed promptly. It's important to check the roof for signs of leaks, such as water stains or dampness in the cabin.
  • Immobilizer issues: Immobilizers have experienced troubles in the past, so it's important to check the service history for signs of electrical glitches. This can be a particular concern for those buying a used Lotus Elise, as immobilizer issues can be difficult and expensive to fix.
  • Radiator hose leaks: Radiator hoses have a habit of leaking, so it's important to check them thoroughly and keep an eye on the car's temperature gauge. Leaking radiator hoses can lead to overheating, which can cause serious engine damage if not addressed promptly.
  • Head gasket failures: Head gaskets can blow, so it's important to check under the engine cover thoroughly to make sure you're not buying a car that's on the way out. Signs of head gasket failure include oil in the coolant and check under the oil filler cap for water or a white residue, both sure signs of trouble.
  • Aging electronics: The Lotus Elise's aging electronics can cause problems over time, leading to issues such as intermittent electrical faults or malfunctioning components. It's important to check all electrical systems and components for signs of wear or failure.
  • Interior trim issues: Interior trim pieces can become brittle and crumble, or cause squeaks and rattles. This can be a particular concern for those buying a used Lotus Elise, as interior trim issues can be difficult and expensive to fix.
  • Trunk release cable: The trunk release cable can snap, so it's important to check the trunk release mechanism for signs of wear or failure.
  • Side windows: On early cars, the side windows can fall out of alignment. This can lead to issues with window operation and water ingress.
  • Brake rotors: Brake rotors are said to have a short life, so it's important to check them before buying. This can be a particular concern for those planning to track their Lotus Elise, as brake wear can be accelerated by high-speed driving.
  • Rear suspension toe link failures: In a small number of cases, owners who have tracked their Elise have reported toe link failures in the rear suspension. This can lead to handling issues and reduced safety.
  • Bodywork: 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.

It's important to note that not all Lotus Elises will experience these problems, and that many owners have reported positive experiences with the car. However, it's always a good idea to be aware of potential issues when buying a used car, and to take steps to address them promptly if they do arise.

2009 Lotus Elise engine

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).

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.

Does the Lotus Elise have a Rover engine?

Rover makes the ideal engine for the Lotus Elise. It is light and compact. It was originally conceived as a 1.4 liter in an all-alloy, belt-driven twin-cam 16-valve K16 version and was later enlarged by a longer stroke to 1,796cc for the MGF.

2009 Lotus Elise 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:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Lotus Elise vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2009 Lotus Elise complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Lotus Elise.

2012-03-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-03-15
  • VIN: SCCPC11119H
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: MOMENTARY BRAKE FAILURE YESTERDAY. THIS HAPPENED TO MY WIFE. SHE'S COMMUTED WITH THE CAR TO WORK 3 TIMES A WEEK, 90 MILES ROUND TRIP FOR 7+ MONTHS, LOGGING MANY THOUSANDS OF MILES, AND MUCH MORE THAN I HAVE. ALSO SHE HAS BEEN DRIVING STICK FOR 17 YEARS, AND ROUTINELY DRIVES SPORTS CARS (MINI COOPER S, Z3). 70 MPH (IN 70 ZONE) CRUISING IN #2 LANE REASONABLE FOLLOWING DISTANCE. TRAFFIC AHEAD BEGINS TO SLOW QUICKLY. APPLIED BRAKE. NOTHING. BELIEVE PEDAL DID NOT TRAVEL ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. CHANGED TO #3 LANE TO AVOID COLLISION WITH CAR IN FRONT. REAPPLIED BRAKE. NOTHING. CHANGED TO #4 LANE. TRIED MOVING FOOT OVER IN CASE WRONG PEDAL WAS BEING PUSHED, AND THROTTLE REVVED CONFIRMING SHE HAD BEEN APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL. APPLIED BRAKE A THIRD TIME, AND IT WORKED CORRECTLY, AS IF THERE HAD NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM. I CHECKED FLUID IN RESERVOIR (FULL, COLOR VERY CLEAR, LAST CHANGED 9 MONTHS AGO WITH MOTUL 5.1 SYNTHETIC FLUID(NOT 5, NOT SILICON)). FRONT PADS WERE CHANGED 1 MONTH ~800+ MILES AGO. SHE CAN'T BE POSITIVE THAT THERE WAS ZERO BRAKING EFFECT, BUT SHE WAS VERY SURE THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING IN THEIR NORMAL FASHION. AT NO TIME DURING HER HARD BRAKE PRESSURE DID THE ABS GIVE THE PULSING SENSATION IN THE PEDAL. NO IDIOT LIGHTS FOR BRAKES OR ABS CAME ON. DEALERSHIP TOOK THE REPORT SERIOUSLY, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE OR FIND ANY FAILED COMPONENT OR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. *TR

2009 Lotus Elise recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2009 Lotus Elise.

2014-05-27
  • Manufacturer: Lotus Cars USA, Inc.
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
  • Summary: Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from November 2007 to July 2011, and 2011 Evora vehicles manufactured September 2010 through September 2011. The oil cooler hose may detach from its fitting.
  • Consequence: A detached oil hose 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 replace the oil cooler hose fittings on the Elise and Exige vehicles and will replace the oil cooler hose assemblies on the Evora vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-800-245-6887. Lotus' number for this recall is 201401R (Elise/Exige), and 2014/02R (Evora). Note: This recall is an expansion of recalls 11V-510 and 13V-041.
2009-05-26
  • Manufacturer: LOTUS CARS USA, INC.
  • Components: WHEELS:HUB
  • Summary: LOTUS IS RECALLING 87 MODEL YEAR 2009 ELISE AND EXIGE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 2008 THROUGH MAY 5, 2009. THE REAR HUB FLANGE BOLTS ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY BE UNDER-TORQUED AND MAY BECOME LOOSE. IF THAT OCCURS, AN INSECURE HUB COULD LEAD TO DEGRADATION IN VEHICLE HANDLING, AND A RUBBING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.
  • Consequence: IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT ADDRESSED PROMPTLY, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A CRASH.
  • Remedy: LOTUS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LOTUS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-245-6887.

Negative 2009 Lotus Elise car reviews

  1. Mauricio Carter 2024-11-26

    The car is definitely fun to drive, but I did have a bit of trouble getting in despite my height of 5'7

  2. Earnest Olson 2024-10-15

    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 looking for a car that prioritizes performance above all else, the Elise is an excellent choice. I personally love my Elise.

  3. Kelvin Heidenreich 2024-05-17

    Hi there! Just wanted to share my experience with this car. I bought it brand new and have only put on 2200 miles per year. Unfortunately, I did have a few issues with it such as the headlight flying out when the car was only a week old and the radiator hoses blowing three times, which left me stranded on the side of the road. However, I'm hopeful that the manufacturer will address these issues and improve the build quality. Thanks for listening!

Positive 2009 Lotus Elise car reviews

  1. Raymundo Buckridge 2025-01-06

    I absolutely love my first ever purchased car! I test drove several models including the Cayman, 911, Corvette (base, not Z06) and even had a Z3 in college, but this car surpasses them all. I knew I had to have it after just one drive. Despite living and working in Malaysia, I took advantage of my 2-month summer break in the US to purchase this car and drove it from Houston to Chicago overnight to drop it off with my family. The 1000-mile journey in 15 hours was a breeze and I felt very little discomfort throughout the trip. The only discomfort I experienced was from my left arm resting on the door sill for hours on end. However, the thrill of driving a car with such impressive performance and still getting 28 mpg made it all worth it!

  2. Bell Kemmer 2024-10-20

    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!

  3. Efren Shields 2024-10-19

    I have owned many other performance cars, including Porsche, Ferrari, and Lambo, among others. This car is an honest race car for the street. I have a touring pack, sport pack, and two tops. The only issue I had was a high-speed shimmy (120mph+) that I was able to fix by indexing the tires. This is not uncommon, as I had to do the same thing with my Ferrari and Porsche 996 GT3. I just ordered the Turbo kit from Force Fed to increase the horsepower from 190 to 275. Does it need it? Not really, but it's just more fun to be had. The car handles stock better than most prepared GT3 cars. This is the best value for money out there, bar none.

  4. Edd Stehr 2024-07-16

    This is a truly amazing car! I currently drive a BMW Z3, which I really like, but the Lotus Elise blows it out of the water. The body styling, acceleration, and cornering are all top-notch, and it's hard to find a car that can match it for under $150k. If you're a driving enthusiast, this car is an absolute must-have. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own one!

  5. Ike Hauck 2024-07-07

    I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed your Lotus Elise! It's definitely a car that brings a lot of joy and excitement. The handling is truly exceptional and it's amazing how it outperforms even much more expensive cars. Plus, with its reliable Toyota engine, maintenance is a breeze and parts are easy to find. It's great to know that this car is appreciating in value too - a testament to its unique and special qualities. If you haven't had the chance to drive a Lotus before, you're in for a real treat. And the best part? It's a very low maintenance and reliable car. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with us!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2009 Lotus Elise problems:

Going to look at an Exige today. Problems/issues to look for? | The ...
Going to look at an Exige today. Problems/issues to look for? | The ...
https://www.lotustalk.com/threads/going-to-look-at-an-exige-today-problems-issues-to-look-for.66758/

Jan 4, 2009 ... Are there any common problems or issues (especially serious ones) that are common to Exiges? Any good way to check if the car is straight and ...

Lotus Elise Buyer's Guide - S2 Common Issues, Problems, Pricing
Lotus Elise Buyer's Guide - S2 Common Issues, Problems, Pricing
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/a32758659/lotus-elise-buyers-guide/

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 ...

Exige Common Issues | The Lotus Cars Community
Exige Common Issues | The Lotus Cars Community
https://www.lotustalk.com/threads/exige-common-issues.124101/

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 ...

Why does everyone say they love Lotus cars but end up buying ...
Why does everyone say they love Lotus cars but end up buying ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/lhmyks/why_does_everyone_say_they_love_lotus_cars_but/

Feb 11, 2021 ... ... common it was and I don't think it resulted in any failure. ... problems you may need to deal with. ... Was going to buy a 2009 Lotus Elise SC that ...

Transmission Issues Resolved: Everyone with an Evora should read ...
Transmission Issues Resolved: Everyone with an Evora should read ...
https://www.lotustalk.com/threads/transmission-issues-resolved-everyone-with-an-evora-should-read-this.301385/

May 5, 2015 ... Hopefully the 400 won't need that level of dis-assembly to get at the clutch. 2005 Lotus Elise- SOLD 6/9/07 2011 Lotus Evora - SOLD 4 ...

Other years of Lotus Elise

lotus elise 2005 photo
Elise 2005
Lotus

46

2

27

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
lotus elise 2006 photo
Elise 2006
Lotus

17

1

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
lotus elise 2007 photo
Elise 2007
Lotus

8

2

19

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
lotus elise 2009 photo
Elise 2009
Lotus

1

2

16

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2009 Lotus Elise photo