Elise (2005)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
2ZZ
1.8LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
Lotus Elise Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Lotus Elise, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Recalls (2)
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE GEAR LEVER MAY BREAK.
Alternatives in Sports Car
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2005-2005 Lotus Elise complaints?
Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2005 Lotus Elise. The systems they name most often are the engine, the cooling system and the transmission.
Is the 2005-2005 Lotus Elise a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2005 Lotus Elise. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2005 Lotus Elise have?
NHTSA has 46 owner complaints on file for the 2005-2005 Lotus Elise as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2005-2005 Lotus Elise?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2005-2005 Lotus Elise vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Lotus Elise?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the cooling system and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Elise have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2005 Lotus Elise. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 46 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-18.