1991 Lotus Elan: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 Lotus Elan: 1 recall, 13 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #02V199000 · 2002 · 546 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel tanks can leak.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank. Owner notification began August 26, 2002.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel system (12): the most common themes are leaks (9).
- Speed control / throttle (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1991 Lotus Elan has 13 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 3 Elan model years for complaints (2.8× the average Elan year). Complaints peaked in 2002 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old. Neighboring years: 1992 (0 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1991 Lotus Elan.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1991 Lotus Elan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1991 Lotus Elan. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1991 Lotus Elan problems?
Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (12), speed control / throttle (1), visibility (wipers, glass) (1).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Lotus Elan get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 Lotus Elan repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.