Lotus Elise recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 10 safety recalls naming the Lotus Elise, launched from 1998 to 2020. Most recalls cover only cars built in certain dates or chassis number ranges, so check a specific car on GOV.UK's recall check.
Lotus Elise recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 10
- 1998 to 2020
- Latest recall
- 20 February 2020
- R/2019/412
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every Lotus Elise recall
Newest first. The concern is the part or system affected, the defect is what can go wrong, and the remedy is what the manufacturer does to put it right.
BOLTS SECURING THE FUEL RAIL TO THE CYCLINDER HEAD MAY FAIL.
R/2019/412, launched 20 February 2020, 762 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Bolts securing the fuel rail to the cylinder head may fail.
Remedy: The spacers and fuel rail securing bolts will be replaced with new revised parts
REDUCTION OF BRAKING EFFICIENCY
R/2016/223, launched 29 September 2016, 56 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: An error in production of the brake master cylinder may cause a reduction in braking efficiency.
Remedy: Replace the brake master cylinder on affected vehicles.
RISK OF FIRE
R/2014/066, launched 15 November 2014, 1,258 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 211, Evora, Exige
Defect: The oil cooler pipes may detach from their fittings and deposit oil in the engine compartment on the road/tyres which can lead to increased risk of fire and loss of vehicle control. Only the pipes with the smooth bore ferrules are affected.
Remedy: Elise Exige and 211: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and repair or replace the oil cooler hoses. Evora: it is proposed that the oil cooler hose assemblies will be replaced with hoses that incorporate the current production released end fittings in accordance with Lotus workshop procedures.
WHEEL HUB MAY BECOME INSECURE
R/2009/057, launched 1 June 2009, 288 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The bolts securing the rear wheel hubs to the suspension may not have been correctly tightened.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and check bolts for correct torque and if necessary remove and re-install bolts.
GEAR LEVER MAY BREAK
R/2005/186, launched 8 February 2006, 764 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Exige
Defect: It has been found that there is a small risk that the gear lever may break if subjected to high handling force.
Remedy: Recall the likely to be affected vehicles and where necessary replace the gear lever and associated parts.
FRONT BRAKE CALIPER BOLTS CONCERN
R/2002/066, launched 5 August 2002, 94 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: There is a slight chance that one or more of the tapped holes for the four bolts securing the two halves of the brake caliper body together has not been threaded through the full depth of the hole. The structural integrity of any such caliper may be compromised with the risk of fatigue failure of the caliper occurring after an extended period.
Remedy: Check the caliper tapped holes. If any incomplete threading is found the brake caliper is to be replaced.
STEERING RACK MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO PREMATURE WEAR AND POSSIBLE TOOTH DAMAGE.
R/2001/063, launched 16 June 2001, 338 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: A batch of steering rack assemblies has been identified as having been built with rack bars which have been subjected to an incorrect heat treatment rendering them susceptible to premature wear and possible tooth damage.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles for a check of the steering rack assembly batch number. If this is confirmed as within the suspect batch the steering rack assembly is to be renewed.
FUEL MAY LEAK WHEN FILLING AND CORNERING
R/2001/014, launched 9 February 2001, 1,509 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Exige
Defect: The hose connecting a spigot on the filler neck to the fuel tank top surface has been found to be of an incorrect material specification. The suspect hoses have a reduced resistance to tearing and rupturing forces exacerbated by careless or incorrect fitting.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and replace fuel filler breather hose with modified type.
POSSIBILITY OF FUEL LEAKAGE
R/1999/074, launched 4 September 1999, 213 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The fuel line push fit connectors may not be to the manufacturers specification. In consequence it is possible that fuel leakage may occur and initiate an engine bay fire.
Remedy: Affected vehicles are being recalled for replacement of the original fuel line connectors with quality assured versions.
REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK BOLT MAY BECOME LOOSE
R/1998/050, launched 17 June 1998, 3,780 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Rear suspension toe link to hub carrier securing bolt may become loose and cause unstable handling.
Remedy: Remove and examine the subject securing bolt renew bolt where found necessary ensure that threads are clean apply approved locking compound refit and tighten bolt to the specified torque.
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
What to do next
If you own a Lotus Elise, check its registration on GOV.UK and ask a Lotus dealer whether any recall work is outstanding. If you are buying one, ask the seller for proof the work was done, and run a Motoring Insider history check for finance, write-offs and the MOT history.