2006 Lotus Elise Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2006 Lotus Elise.

20052007
Complaints
18
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Fatalities
—
Recalls
1

Worst 2006 Lotus Elise Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#17 complaints

Engine & Cooling

Avg mileage:26,680 mi
#22 complaints

Engine Problems

#32 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2006 Lotus Elise.

Engine & Cooling
7
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
26,680
Engine Problems
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Transmission / Drivetrain
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Rear
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2006 Lotus Elise. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2006 Lotus Elise

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~5,041 vehicles.

11V510000Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings · Engine & Cooling
~5,041 affected

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

2005200620072009

2006 Lotus Elise — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2006 Lotus Elise reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2006 Lotus Elise has 18 NHTSA complaints, 0 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Engine & Cooling with 7 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2006 Lotus Elise?
Top reported problems: Engine & Cooling (7 complaints, avg 26,680 mi); Engine Problems (2 complaints); Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System (2 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Lotus Elise?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 26,680 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
Does the 2006 Lotus Elise have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 5,041 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2006 Lotus Elise?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Lotus Elise reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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