M MILEMARK Brands Repair costs Guides

Lotus Elise

2005–2009 only

70 classified complaints 3 recalls

2005–2009 Lotus Elise models have 70 classified complaints on record for these years specifically, plus 3 recalls. The most common issue in this range is Oil consumption and leaks, typically surfacing around 34,000 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 2005–2009 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Lotus Elise report for every year combined.

What breaks, and when — 2005–2009 only

Oil consumption and leaks · Engine 47 complaints

Median onset: 34,000 miles.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues.

Which other vehicles have oil consumption problems? →
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan · Engine 7 complaints

Median onset: 35,844 miles.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · Typical repair: $260–$1,910 nationally.

Blower motor and blend-door actuators · Heating and A/C 5 complaints

Median onset: 15,800 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · Typical repair: $150–$460 nationally.

Wiring harness, grounds and connectors · Electrical 3 complaints

Median onset: 1,100 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues.

Control arms, ball joints and bushings · Suspension 2 complaints

Median onset: 53,992 miles.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · Typical repair: $230–$700 nationally.

Master cylinder and booster · Brakes 2 complaints

Median onset: 30,694 miles.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues.

Manual clutch, flywheel and hydraulics · Transmission 1 complaints

Median onset: 3 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · Typical repair: $1,070–$1,980 nationally.

Body control and other modules · Electrical 1 complaints

Median onset: 18,200 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 2005–2009 model years. See the full Lotus Elise report for every year and full specs/safety data.