MotorDeets

2006 Lotus Elise: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2006 Lotus Elise: 1 recall, 17 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
17owner complaints
0mention a crash
22best combined mpg
2006 Lotus Elise
Photo: Royian · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Engine & cooling, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #11V510000 · 2011 · 5,041 vehicles

What's wrong: The oil cooler line May become detached from its fitting.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles as necessary free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before December 19, 2011.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling11
Other / unknown2
Engine2
Steering1
Suspension1
Transmission & drivetrain1

What owners describe

The 2006 Lotus Elise has 17 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 7 Elise model years for complaints (1.7× the average Elise year). Complaints peaked in 2011 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 32,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (46 complaints, 2 recalls), 2007 (8 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.8 L 4-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive192722Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 Lotus Elise.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2006 Lotus Elise manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2006 Lotus Elise manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2006 Lotus Elise manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2006 Lotus Elise manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2006 Lotus Elise have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2006 Lotus Elise. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2006 Lotus Elise problems?

Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (11), other / unknown (2), engine (2).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Lotus Elise get?

EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 6-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2006 Lotus Elise repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Elise years

2005200620072008200920102011