2005 Lotus Elise Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 7%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,983miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the suspension of the 2005 Lotus Elise, 7% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,983 miles.
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.
“While making a left turn, a loud bang occurred with a strange feeling at the rear of the car and the car spun 180 deg. I got out of the car and saw the rear passenger car tire toed out at about 20 deg. The bolt connecting the toe control link to the chassis broke, causing the rear tire to move from its normal straight ahead position to an abnormal, exaggerated toe out position. The toe control link and securing bolt have not yet been replaced, but will be shortly.”
NHTSA complaint #10336245, filed 2010-06, 31,983 miles“Failure: broken toe link bolt. Event's leading to the failure: normal driving of the car on public streets. Consequences of the failure: rear wheel will move freely causing total loss of control of the car. This can cause an accident from minor injuries to both the car's occupants and innocent drivers around the car to severe penalties such as death(s). What was done to correct the failure: proper removal and cleaning of galvanized clumps (manufacture defect) where the toe link bolts to the chassis. …”
NHTSA complaint #10386462, filed 2011-03, 76,000 miles“Wiring on auto has been a mess since new, auto towed 15 times for mechanical reasons and addition times tow truck was coming and car would start. Shifter broke off at 2,000 miles, transaxle was replaced at about 20,000 miles alarm system, alternator,speakers,turn indicators, front steering box (rack), vehicle computer (speed indicated on dash has been at lest 15% high since transaxle was replaced)-- have all failed. Lotus dealerships where never able to locate or fix wiring problem (fox valley, aurora il another lake forest has no authorized Lotus mechanic.) Lotus USA inc. …”
NHTSA complaint #10447649, filed 2012-02, 1,100 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 3 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2005 Lotus Elise
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Lotus Elise
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