Recalls & faults: Lotus Series III Elise (2010-21)

Recalls: Lotus Series III Elise

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Lotus Series III Elise

2010-11 Lotus Series III Elise: leak from oil cooler hoses

In November 2014, a recall was issued for Lotus Series III Elise vehicles that were powered by the 2ZZ-GE engine and manufactured prior to 31 July 2011. In these vehicles, oil may leak from oil cooler hoses and pose a risk of fire. The VINs of the recalled vehicles are available at PRA 2014/14425.

2011-19 Lotus Elise Supercharged: fuel rail loosening and engine failure

In January 2020, recall campaign 2019/02R was issued for Lotus Elise vehicles that had supercharged 1.8-litre 2ZR-FE engines and were available for sale in Australia from 1 July 2011 to 31 December 2019. In these vehicles, plastic spacers between the fuel rail and cylinder head could expand and contract – this could cause a reduction in the clamping force of bolts which secured the fuel rail to the cylinder head, in turn causing the fuel rail to vibrate and loosen. If the fuel rail loosened, the engine could fail and fuel could leak onto the engine – this created a fire risk that posed a hazard to vehicle occupants and others. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18108.

Problems and faults: Lotus Series III Elise

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.