1991 Lotus Elan Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 92%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the fuel system of the 1991 Lotus Elan, 92% of the 13 complaints for this model year. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Apperantly this is a known issue with the Lotus ELAN fuel tank. Lotus wants to charge me for repairing something they know is faulty due to poor design. I have spoken with other ELAN owners and some have paid the fee for the new tank as well as the service charges totalling over $1,000. I along with all the other owners would like Lotus to step up and take responsibility for this.”
NHTSA complaint #758628, filed 2002-02“When filled with gas, the fuel tank leaks from the left-hand side of the tank; leaking fuel is a fire hazard and gas odor in car is annoying. I suspect that the tank neck has cracked at its juction to the tank body as reported by other owners. I contacted Lotus cars, who insisted that I take it to a dealer for inspection before any remedies may be considered. …”
NHTSA complaint #716338, filed 1999-12“While parked on a hill and gas tank is full, fuel leaks out. If tank is half full and on a hill, fuel doesn't leak out. Contacted dealer, cannot fix problem. Consumer has to fill the gas tank to 1/2 of it's capacity to avoid smells and spillage.”
NHTSA complaint #8007015, filed 2002-04“Near the top of the fuel tank there is a crack. When filling vehicle up with fuel it leaks. Took vehicle to dealer and had it repaired. Dealer replaced the fuel tank, it was split on one side. Window regulator broke and was inoperative.”
NHTSA complaint #8006942, filed 2002-04“When gas tank was filled fuel leaked on ground and fumes entered vehicle. Fumes were so strong that consumer felt sick and pulled over. Vehicle leaked so much fuel in gas station that employee was going to bill the consumer. Dealer, Lotus was not admitting there was a problem. Fuel tank would have to be replaced. If vehicle was in an accident it would diffintently blow up. Top of fuel tank has a crack in it, consumer states this seems to be a common problem with all 1991 elans.”
NHTSA complaint #894598, filed 2001-08Related recalls
- 02V199000Jul 25, 2002On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel tanks can leak.Covers: Lotus Elan 1991–1992
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 12 | 92% |
Other parts of the 1991 Lotus Elan
← All problems reported for the 1991 Lotus Elan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology