Recall 11V510 covers 5,041 2005-2007 Lotus Exige S, Elise, and Exige vehicles for a detached oil cooler line. Repair is free at any franchised Lotus dealer.
Lotus is recalling 5,041 2005-2007 Elise, Exige, and Exige S vehicles because an oil cooler line can detach from its fitting. A detached line can spray oil onto a tire or through the engine compartment, increasing crash or fire risk, and the Lotus dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The oil cooler line on the 2005-2007 Lotus Elise, Exige, and Exige S carries engine oil between the engine and the oil cooler. The cooler helps control oil temperature, and the line has to stay sealed at its fitting so oil keeps circulating through the engine instead of leaking out.
On included Lotus vehicles, the oil cooler line separates from its fitting. Once the line comes loose, pressurized engine oil escapes at the connection point. That leaves less oil available for lubrication and cooling, and it also leaves oil where it does not belong, including under the vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. After the line detaches, an owner is more likely to notice oil on the ground, a sudden oil smell, or an oil-pressure warning after the problem has already started.
Who's affected?
Spans the Elise, Exige, and Exige S across 2005-2007, with engine cooling and hose or line fittings listed in scope.
| 2007 Lotus Exige S | Engine and engine cooling |
|---|---|
| 2005 Lotus Elise | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2005 Lotus Elise | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2007 Lotus Elise | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2007 Lotus Elise | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2006 Lotus Exige | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2006 Lotus Exige | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2006 Lotus Elise | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2006 Lotus Elise | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2005 Lotus Exige | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2005 Lotus Exige | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2007 Lotus Exige S | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| Units affected | 5,041 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A detached oil line can spray oil onto a tire, which raises the risk of a crash. It can also send oil through the engine compartment, which raises the risk of a fire. Schedule the repair soon and avoid driving if oil is leaking. Repair will be free at any franchised Lotus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2005-2007 Lotus Elise, Exige, or Exige S is included in this recall.
- Wait for Lotus owner instructions before booking repair work if your VIN is included.
- Contact a franchised Lotus dealer to ask about the free oil-cooler-line repair that secures the line so oil does not spray onto a tire or into the engine compartment.
- Bring the recall notice if Lotus mailed one. If not, reference recall number 11V510 when you call.
- Watch for oil leaks or an oil smell, and avoid driving the vehicle until a Lotus dealer gives repair guidance for your VIN.
What happens at the repair
When the dealer remedy is available, a Lotus technician will inspect the oil cooler line and the fitting where it attaches, then repair the vehicle as needed so the line is secured. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Contact a Lotus dealer with the recall number and ask what remedy instructions are open for your VIN before scheduling service.
Timeline
| October 14, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 9, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V510?
Recall 11V510 covers 5,041 2005-2007 Lotus Exige S, Elise, and Exige vehicles with an oil cooler line that can detach from its fitting. A detached line can spray oil on a tire or through the engine compartment, increasing crash or fire risk. Lotus dealers will repair affected vehicles for free.
What should I do if my 2005-2007 Lotus Exige S, Elise, or Exige is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V510. If it is, contact a franchised Lotus dealer to schedule the oil cooler line repair. Reference recall number 11V510 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Lotus will repair affected vehicles as necessary free of charge at a franchised Lotus dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is oil spraying where it does not belong. If the oil cooler line detaches, oil can spray onto a tire, increasing crash risk, or spread through the engine compartment, increasing fire risk. Have the dealer complete the free repair if your VIN is included.
What if I bought my Lotus used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Exige S, Elise, or Exige is included, then give recall number 11V510 to the Lotus dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V510000 |
|---|---|
| Lotus customer service | 1-800-245-6887 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V510 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V510000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →