VehicleVerdict

2008 Lotus Elise problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2008 Lotus Elise — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Elise years?

Elise NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted54 complaints2005: 54 complaints2006: 18 complaints2007: 10 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints
Elise NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Elise years to avoid →

Does the 2008 Lotus Elise have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V280000EngineMay 27, 2014 · 860 units

Defect

Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from November 2007 to July 2011, and 2011 Evora vehicles manufactured September 2010 through September 2011. The oil cooler hose may detach from its fitting.

Consequence

A detached oil hose could spray oil on a tire, increasing the risk of a crash, or it could spray oil throughout the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil cooler hose fittings on the Elise and Exige vehicles and will replace the oil cooler hose assemblies on the Evora vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-800-245-6887. Lotus' number for this recall is 201401R (Elise/Exige), and 2014/02R (Evora). Note: This recall is an expansion of recalls 11V-510 and 13V-041.

13V041000EngineFebruary 5, 2013 · 451 units

Defect

Lotus is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from December 1, 2006, through October 31, 2007. The oil cooler line may become detached from its fitting.

Consequence

A detached oil line could spray oil on a tire, increasing the risk of a crash, or it could spray oil throughout the engine compartment increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil cooler hose fittings and the entire lateral oil cooler hose, free of charge. The safety recall began on March 4, 2013. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-800-245-6887.

2008 Lotus Elise — common questions

Is the 2008 Lotus Elise reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Lotus Elise have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Lotus Elise. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lotus Elise years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Elise years to avoid are 2005. The cleanest record among Elise years belongs to 2011.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.