- Lotus is recalling 5,037 2005-'06 Elises and Exiges because of a fire risk, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- The oil cooler line may become detached from its fitting and could spray oil throughout the engine compartment, Lotus said.
- Lotus said it is not aware of any injuries or deaths related to the defect.
WASHINGTON — Lotus is recalling 5,037 2005-'06 Elises and Exiges because of a fire risk, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
"The oil cooler line may become detached from its fitting," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "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."
Lotus said it is not aware of any injuries or deaths related to the defect.
Lotus told the federal government it has been using a different supplier since May 2010 "for reasons unrelated to the detachment issue." It said that company research "has not indicated that the components from the new supplier demonstrate the concerns at issue."
Lotus will reimburse any U.S. owner of the 2005-'06 Elise or Exige who incurred costs to fix the problem, it said. No date has been set for the recall. Lotus dealers will "repair the vehicle as necessary," the company said. Owners can contact Lotus at 1-800-245-6887.
Inside Line says: If you own the aforementioned Lotus Elise or Exige, be aware that a recall is in the works.
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maxmd says:
03:38 AM, 11/28/2011
@gtrguy2012 I'm sorry what? all current honda civic's are made in the UK and are one of the most reliable cars on the planet.
As for the elise the only thing that has ever been an issue as been very minor engine "fault" which I would like to add is produced in the US. Buffalo, West Virginia to be exact.
paladins42 says:
03:18 PM, 11/01/2011
@gtrguy2012
You want talk talk reliability how about the gtr transmission problems, warranty issues, etc.. Just to name a few and that's just one car not the brand as a whole.
k55 says:
10:25 AM, 11/01/2011
this is one hot car.
dmpete says:
03:19 AM, 11/01/2011
Every car goes through recalls, EVERY car, this situation is no different.
heartlessbstrd says:
06:34 PM, 10/31/2011
You'll have to overlook this one - the British charter stipulates that all vehicles must lose a certain amount of oil; this is simply lotus trying to make their quota to avoid fines.
says:
02:46 PM, 10/31/2011
Really gtrguy2012?
A simple fix poses a reliability comment? It's more of a design flaw, which btw Lotus has pro-actively handled by changing supliers. Its a Lotus with a Toyota engine...I dont own one but I'd have to side with sharpend's comment..."It's the most reliable car I've owned by far."
sharpend says:
02:20 PM, 10/31/2011
Sounds like a minor fix.
Btw, the only problem I had with my Elise was to get a new battery. It's the most reliable car I've owned by far.
gtrguy2012 says:
12:09 PM, 10/31/2011
Same old British reliability.