2005 Lotus Elise Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 11%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Lotus Elise, 11% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,300 miles. 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.
“Driving under normal conditions through city traffic when the oil indicator light came on. Pulled over to the side of the rode and checked the oil level. Showed it was empty with oil spilling on the ground. Towed it to a repair shop to discover that the oil hose fitting had broken off the engine causing the oil loss. This could have resulted in a total loss of engine function had I not pulled over. I had the oil hose replaced and replaced the remaining hoses as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10406588, filed 2011-06, 52,524 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 miles“Manual transmission popped unexpectedly out of 5th gear during hard driving causing driver to select wrong gear in attempt to regain control of vehicle. The placing of the transmission into 3rd gear by mistake LED to catastrophic over-revving of the engine with engine failure (total loss). Dealer had been advised regarding the popping out of gear prior to the fatal event and was unable to find problem. The engine was replace and in spite of dealer assessment the problem has continued. The problem now has worsened to grinding of the gears on simple driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10165085, filed 2006-08, 1,600 milesRelated recalls
- 05V571000Dec 29, 2005On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions, the gear lever may break.Covers: Lotus Elise 2005
Related service bulletins
- 10209516Mar 16, 2022Standard information required and procedures to be followed when reporting ECU & TCU faults. There is often insufficient, or inconsistent information received from dealers when…
- 10143124Feb 21, 2014Retrofitment of the latest level windscreen washer bottle/pump assembly to earlier models if required. Due to parts obsolescence the windscreen washer bottle/pump assembly fitted…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Lotus Elise
28 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsSuspension
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