2005 Lotus Elise engine problems
27 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2005 Lotus Elise, which is 50% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 27 50% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 29,000 miles 25 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 8 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 10 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 4 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 0 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 25 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 29,000 miles, and 88% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash, 1 fire.
What owners wrote
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.
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 problems in other years
- 2011
- 2010
- 2009
- 2008
- 2007
- 2006
- 2005