2005 Lotus Elise Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2005 Lotus Elise.
Worst 2005 Lotus Elise Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2005 Lotus Elise.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 18 | 1 | 1 | 30,634 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 5 | — | — | 35,060 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 5 | — | — | 20,854 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 4 | — | — | 24,325 mi | |
| ENGINE | 3 | — | — | 70,764 mi | |
| VISIBILITY | 3 | 1 | — | 16,433 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN | 2 | — | — | 26,812 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 2 | — | — | 14,300 mi | |
| SUSPENSION:REAR | 2 | — | — | 53,992 mi | |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 | — | — | 48,646 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS | 1 | — | — | 14,000 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 1 | — | — | 18,293 mi | |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 1 | — | — | 9,105 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY | 1 | — | — | — | |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 | — | 1 | 41,187 mi | |
| SUSPENSION | 1 | — | — | 1,100 mi | |
| VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM | 1 | — | — | 23,000 mi | |
| WHEELS | 1 | — | — | 26,000 mi |
Recalls for 2005 Lotus Elise
2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~10,082 vehicles.
LOTUS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELISE AND EXIGE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2006. THE OIL COOLER LINE MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM ITS FITTING.
LOTUS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELISE AND EXIGE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2006. THE OIL COOLER LINE MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM ITS FITTING.
Other Lotus Elise Years
Wider context: See the full Lotus Elise reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2005 Lotus Elise
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99