Lotus Elise problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every Elise from 2005 to 2011: 72 owner complaints and 12 recalls across 7 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2005 (46), 2006 (17), 2007 (8). Best fuel economy: 23 mpg combined (2011).
Problem areas across all years
Year by year
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 Lotus Elise.
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FAQ
What is the worst year for the Lotus Elise?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2005 (46), 2006 (17), 2007 (8).
How many recalls has the Lotus Elise had?
Across 2005–2011, NHTSA lists 12 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).