2007 Lotus Elise Problems
The 2007 Lotus Elise has only 8 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls, but the data is too sparse for strong conclusions. Based on 8 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2007 Lotus Elise has 8 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2007 Lotus Elise Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2007 Lotus Elise trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
LOTUS ELISE 2007 has 8 NHTSA complaints, with engine problems accounting for 7. Two recalls were issued. Data is limited, so pre-purchase inspection is critical. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Lotus
- Model
- Elise
- Model year
- 2007
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 8
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
Common problems
Most common 2007 Lotus Elise problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Fuel/Propulsion System
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Fuel/Propulsion System, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2007 Lotus Elise?
The 2007 Lotus Elise may be worth considering for enthusiasts, but the low complaint count limits reliability insights. Pre-purchase inspection is essential, especially for the engine.
Engine problems dominate complaints, so buyers should prioritize engine health before purchase.
May Suit
This year may suit collectors or weekend drivers who accept higher maintenance risks.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a daily driver with proven reliability should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2007 Lotus Elise
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for signs of failure or poor maintenance.
- Check fuel system components for leaks or faults.
- Examine transmission and drivetrain for unusual noises or wear.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, fuel, and transmission.
- Test drive to check for drivetrain issues.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2007 Lotus Elise, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2007 Lotus Elise shows 8 total complaints, with engine problems accounting for 7 of them. Two recalls were issued for this model year. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: With only one model year analyzed, no comparison to other years is possible.
Recall context: Two recalls indicate known issues that should be verified as repaired before purchase.
- Engine problems account for 7 of 8 total complaints.
- Fuel/propulsion system has 2 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain has 1 complaint.
- Engine Problems (7 complaints)
- Fuel/Propulsion System (2 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (1 complaint)
Full breakdown
All 2007 Lotus Elise complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2007 Lotus Elise. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2007 Lotus Elise. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
THE 2007+ LOTUS ELISE/ EXIGE ARE ALL EQUIPPED WITH A SHIFTER THAT IS PRONE TO FAILURE. I HAVE PERSONALLY HAD A BROKEN SHIFTER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS STUCK AT THE 3RD GEAR AND ALMOST GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT. MANY HAVE ALSO REPORTED THE SAME SITUATION. IT'S BELIEVED T…
I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS IN THE #1 LANE WHEN I SMELLED BURNING OIL. I HADN'T NOTICED THE CAR PERFORMING DIFFERENTLY SO I LOOKED AHEAD TO THE FORWARD CARS FOR THE 'GROSS POLLUTER' CAUSING THE SMELL. I DIDN'T SEE ANYONE WITH MY FIRST FORWARD INSPECTION. I THEN…
I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND MOVED INTO THE #2 LANE AND WAS ACCELERATING. I LOOKED OUT MY REARVIEW MIRROR AND SAW WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A DUST CLOUD BEHIND ME. I LOOKED AT THE ROAD IN FRONT OF ME EXPECTING TO SEE SOME DIRT ON THE ROAD, BUT THERE WASN'T ANY. I LOOKED BACK AND IT SEEMED T…
SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. RECEIVED NEW ENGINE FROM LOTUS 4/21/2012 AND HAD ABOUT 700 MILES ON NEW ENGINE. WAS DRIVING ON RESIDENTIAL STREET IN MID GEARS. NOTED SOME ODD ENGINE RATTLING NOISES BRIEFLY. SECONDS LATER, STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE WHICH DISSIPATED. THEN SAW FL…
AWARE OF NHTSA RECALL # 11V-510 HAVING RECEIVED LETTER FROM LOTUS CARS USA BUT WAS TOLD THIS VEHICLE WAS PROBABLY NOT AFFECTED. MONITORED FOR SIGNS OF OIL LEAKAGE ANYWAY BUT SAW NOTHING: NO CHANGE IN OIL LEVEL ON DIPSTICK CHECKS, NO SIGNS OF OIL UNDER CAR. WHILE ACCELERATING O…
WAS DRIVING MY 2007 LOTUS ELISE WHEN THE OIL HOSE PULLED OUT OF THE CRIMPED FITTING AT THE RIGHT REAR CONNECTION TO THE ENGINE JUST ABOVE THE OIL FILTER. THIS CAUSED ALL OF THE OIL TO QUICKLY LEAVE THE ENGINE AND COAT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. I WAS LUCKY I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A …
DRIVING IN SECOND GEAR AND CHANGING INTO THIRD GEAR THE RADIATOR EXPLODED AND SPLASHED HOT COOLANT ALL OVER THE WINDSHIELD. FORTUNATELY I HAD THE ROOF ON, OTHERWISE THE HOT COOLANT COULD HAVE LANDED ON ME OR MY 8 YR. OLD SON. LOTUS USES A TERRIBLY DESIGNED RADIATOR THAT HAS PLAST…
1. NOTHING WAS OBVIOUS LEADING YOU TO THE EVENT. 2. FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED ONCE, BUT CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE. 3. ENGINE WAS REPLACED ENTIRELY. *TR
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2007 Lotus Elise.
Safety recalls
2007 Lotus Elise recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2007 Lotus Elise. Two recalls indicate known issues that should be verified as repaired before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2007 Lotus Elise buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2007 Lotus Elise reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 8 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2007 Lotus Elise may be worth considering for enthusiasts, but the low complaint count limits reliability insights. Pre-purchase inspection is essential, especially for the engine. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Lotus Elise?▾
#1: Engine Problems (7 complaints). #2: Fuel/Propulsion System (2 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (1 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2007 Lotus Elise?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2007 Lotus Elise?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2007 Lotus Elise, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 8 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2007 Lotus Elise have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2007 Lotus Elise. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Two recalls indicate known issues that should be verified as repaired before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2007 Lotus Elise?▾
The 2007 Lotus Elise may be worth considering for enthusiasts, but the low complaint count limits reliability insights. Pre-purchase inspection is essential, especially for the engine. Engine problems dominate complaints, so buyers should prioritize engine health before purchase. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Lotus Elise reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.