SkipThatYearREAL DATA. SMARTER CAR DECISIONS.
← New search

2006 Lotus Elise

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →
17Owner complaints

Model-year median: 1

1Recall campaigns

View recall details →

1Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
46
200517
20068
20070
20081
2009
Compare all Elise years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Engine And Engine Cooling
11Engine
2Unknown Or Other
2Power Train
1Steering
1
All reported categories
Suspension
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 14 of 17 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

11 reports
Clear category filter
13,000 miles · Mar 30, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LOTUS ELISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V510000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE TO FIND OUT HOW TO PURSUE REPAIRS. TH…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LOTUS ELISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V510000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE TO FIND OUT HOW TO PURSUE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. ..UPDATED 01/25/16 *BF UPDATED 01/28/16.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10453531

10,000 miles · Mar 28, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LOTUS ELISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING ABNORMALLY. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE OIL FILTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT TH…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LOTUS ELISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING ABNORMALLY. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE OIL FILTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V510000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA ODI #10453317

40,000 miles · Mar 6, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

OIL COOLER HOSE SEPARATED FROM FITTING AT THE SANDWICH PLATE ON THE ENGINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10450517

Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

AS I WAS PULLING ONTO MY STREET, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH. I IMMEDIATELY FOUND A PLACE TO STOP AND PARK THE CAR, AT WHICH TIME I NOTICED THE SMELL OF OIL IN THE CABIN. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED OIL ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE & WHEEL, AND APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES AFTER PARKING THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL…

Read full complaint

AS I WAS PULLING ONTO MY STREET, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH. I IMMEDIATELY FOUND A PLACE TO STOP AND PARK THE CAR, AT WHICH TIME I NOTICED THE SMELL OF OIL IN THE CABIN. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED OIL ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE & WHEEL, AND APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES AFTER PARKING THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HALF OF THE CAR. MY ONLINE SEARCH FOR A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT HAS LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT I EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE OIL COOLER LINES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10441035

Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

OIL COOLER SUPPLY LINE CONNECTED TO THE SANDWICH PLATE WHERE THE OIL FILTER SCREWS IN, ON MY 06 LOTUS ELISE BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE COUPLING, SPRAYING OIL EVERYWHERE AND PERMANENTLY DAMAGING MY ENGINE. THE ENGINE ONLY HAS 50K MILES ON IT, AND NOW IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. NEW MOTOR, AND LABOR COSTING OVER 6000 DOLLARS TO FIX…

Read full complaint

OIL COOLER SUPPLY LINE CONNECTED TO THE SANDWICH PLATE WHERE THE OIL FILTER SCREWS IN, ON MY 06 LOTUS ELISE BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE COUPLING, SPRAYING OIL EVERYWHERE AND PERMANENTLY DAMAGING MY ENGINE. THE ENGINE ONLY HAS 50K MILES ON IT, AND NOW IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. NEW MOTOR, AND LABOR COSTING OVER 6000 DOLLARS TO FIX. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY LOTUS, AS NUMEROUS LOTUS OWNERS ARE REPORTING THIS AND DISCUSSING THIS ON THE ONLINE FORUMS. BEING THE 2ND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, I AM NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY AND ALL THE REPAIR COST ARE COMING OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. I WISH THERE WAS SOME WAY I CAN GET SOME COMPENSATION BACK FROM LOTUS, AS I ONLY PUT 5K MILES ON THE CAR BEFORE THIS HAPPENED... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10424209

30,000 miles · Aug 23, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, AND AFTER ABOUT HALF OF A MILE I STARTED TO SMELL BURNING OIL AND THOUGHT TO MYSELF "BOY, I'M GLAD THAT SMELL ISN'T COMING FROM MY CAR!" I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 55 MPH. I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW A THICK TRAIL OF OIL FOLLOWING ME AND LOOKED AT MY OIL LIGHT AND SAW THAT IT WAS ON. I IM…

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, AND AFTER ABOUT HALF OF A MILE I STARTED TO SMELL BURNING OIL AND THOUGHT TO MYSELF "BOY, I'M GLAD THAT SMELL ISN'T COMING FROM MY CAR!" I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 55 MPH. I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW A THICK TRAIL OF OIL FOLLOWING ME AND LOOKED AT MY OIL LIGHT AND SAW THAT IT WAS ON. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. THERE WAS OIL COVERING THE RIGHT REAR TIRE, BRAKE ASSEMBLY, AND SUSPENSION. THE REMAINING TWO OR THREE QUARTS CAME OUT WHILE I WAS CALLING THE TOW TRUCK. THE SHOP MECHANICS SAID THAT THE OIL COOLER HOSE SLIPPED OUT OF IT'S CRIMP AND HE SHOWED ME A PHOTOGRAPH. I FOUND OUT LATER THAT THERE IS NO EASY FIX. ACCORDING TO THE EXPERTS IN THE LOTUSTALK FORUMS, IT'S COMMON FOR THE CRIMPS TO COME UNDONE. ALTHOUGH I HAD SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE IN TIME TO AVOID A COMPLETE SEIZE UP, THE REPAIR COST WILL STILL BE AROUND $2000 TO REPLACE THE HOSES AND CLAMPS. MOST OF THE COST IS FROM LABOR BECAUSE IT'S DIFFICULT TO PULL THE HOSES THROUGH AND THE FRONT CLAMSHELL NEEDS TO BE REMOVED. THERE ARE AFTERMARKET KITS TO REPLACE THESE OIL COOLER HOSE/CLAMP SYSTEMS. I HAVEN'T FIGURED OUT HOW I'M GOING TO DO THE REPAIRS YET BECAUSE THE NEAREST LOTUS DEALER IS $250 MILES AWAY. ALTHOUGH I WAS UNINJURED, I CAN SEE HOW THIS COULD CAUSE INJURIES - EITHER FROM THE BRAKE ROTORS GETTING COATED WITH OIL, FIRES, OR THE ENGINE SEIZING UP IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY. THE LOTUS ELISE IS A GREAT CAR, BUT THE OIL COOLER HOSE CLAMPS IN THE EARLIER MODELS ARE A BIG PROBLEM! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10421090

45,860 miles · Jul 28, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

OIL COOLER LINE CRIMP FITTING FAILED AT THE SANDWICH PLATE ADAPTER WHILE DRIVING ONTO A HIGHWAY RAMP. CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE APPEARED IN REARVIEW MIRROR AND OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. TURNED VEHICLE ENGINE OFF AND REPAIRED MYSELF BY MODIFYING THE CRIMP THAT FAILED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10415515

38,827 miles · May 19, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE HOSE CONNECTING THE TWO OIL COOLERS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR FAILED ON THE FREEWAY. I FELT THE CAR DANGEROUSLY LOSING TRACTION ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER AND I ALSO SAW THE OIL LIGHT COMING ON, AND PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. I HAD TO REPLACE THE HOSE, IT COST ME $775. TWO WEEKS FROM THAT, THE HOSE FITTING FAILED AGAIN, MY C…

Read full complaint

THE HOSE CONNECTING THE TWO OIL COOLERS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR FAILED ON THE FREEWAY. I FELT THE CAR DANGEROUSLY LOSING TRACTION ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER AND I ALSO SAW THE OIL LIGHT COMING ON, AND PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. I HAD TO REPLACE THE HOSE, IT COST ME $775. TWO WEEKS FROM THAT, THE HOSE FITTING FAILED AGAIN, MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW, WHO KNOWS HOW MUCH THE DAMAGE IS NOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10402119

35,000 miles · Mar 17, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LOTUS ELISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL LINE HOSE FITTINGS CONNECTION FAILED CAUSING THE OIL TO SPILL ONTO THE ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE FROM THE OIL THAT SPILLED ON THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE HE NOTICED …

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LOTUS ELISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL LINE HOSE FITTINGS CONNECTION FAILED CAUSING THE OIL TO SPILL ONTO THE ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE FROM THE OIL THAT SPILLED ON THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE HE NOTICED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT PUT THE FIRE OUT HIMSELF AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE OIL LINE HOSE CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT BE REPAIRED FOR AT LEAST FOUR WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA ODI #10390528

40,400 miles · Oct 25, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN I NOTICED OIL LIGHT CAME ON. DROVE CAR TO NEARBY SERVICE STATION AND NOTICED REAR PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE WAS COVERED IN OIL AND THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF OIL UNDER CAR. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED OIL COOLER LINE. SEVERAL SOURCES (WEB FORUM, MECH…

Read full complaint

WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN I NOTICED OIL LIGHT CAME ON. DROVE CAR TO NEARBY SERVICE STATION AND NOTICED REAR PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE WAS COVERED IN OIL AND THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF OIL UNDER CAR. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED OIL COOLER LINE. SEVERAL SOURCES (WEB FORUM, MECHANIC) HAVE TOLD ME THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE IN THESE CARS. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS FAILURE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF TRACTION, OR ENGINE FIRE UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES.

NHTSA ODI #10363130

Official recalls

1

11V510000 · Engine And Engine Cooling; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

Oct 14, 2011

LOTUS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELISE AND EXIGE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2006. THE OIL COOLER LINE MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM ITS FITTING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A DETACHED OIL LINE COULD SPRAY OIL ON A TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, OR IT COULD SPRAY OIL THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: LOTUS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LOTUS AT 1-800-245-6887.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

LOTUS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELISE AND EXIGE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2006. THE OIL COOLER LINE MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM ITS FITTING.

Consequence: A DETACHED OIL LINE COULD SPRAY OIL ON A TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, OR IT COULD SPRAY OIL THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: LOTUS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LOTUS AT 1-800-245-6887.

Engine And Engine Cooling

LOTUS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELISE AND EXIGE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2006. THE OIL COOLER LINE MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM ITS FITTING.

Consequence: A DETACHED OIL LINE COULD SPRAY OIL ON A TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, OR IT COULD SPRAY OIL THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: LOTUS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LOTUS AT 1-800-245-6887.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE11022 · Engine Oil Cooler Line Detachment

Opened Jul 18, 2011 · Closed Nov 3, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

On October 14, 2011, Lotus Cars USA Inc. notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it will conduct a safety recall (11V-510) to address concerns with engine oil cooler lines detaching from its crimped fitting on MY 2005-2006 Lotus Elise vehicles.In its 573 report to ODI, Lotus indicated that they have identified instances where the oil cooler lines would detach from their fittings.Lotus attributes this condition to a majority of single supplier affected parts built from June 2004 to November 2006.Lotus states that the cause of the failure is an inadequate process by which the hose is crimped into its fitting by the supplier.In October 2006 the supplier implemented an improved crimping process.Reports indicated that this condition can occur while driving or while the vehicle is stationary with the engine running.In cases where the failure occurred while driving, oil would be expelled under pressure and could come into contact with the tires and or brake friction surfaces, potentially causing a loss of braking or vehicle control. One crash and one vehicle fire were also reported with no injuries.Additionally Lotus indicated that the same condition can occur in MY 2005-2006 Exige vehicles as well. These vehicles are also included in the recall.The action taken by Lotus is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.This investigation is therefore closed.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

On October 14, 2011, Lotus Cars USA Inc. notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it will conduct a safety recall (11V-510) to address concerns with engine oil cooler lines detaching from its crimped fitting on MY 2005-2006 Lotus Elise vehicles.In its 573 report to ODI, Lotus indicated that they have identified instances where the oil cooler lines would detach from their fittings.Lotus attributes this condition to a majority of single supplier affected parts built from June 2004 to November 2006.Lotus states that the cause of the failure is an inadequate process by which the hose is crimped into its fitting by the supplier.In October 2006 the supplier implemented an improved crimping process.Reports indicated that this condition can occur while driving or while the vehicle is stationary with the engine running.In cases where the failure occurred while driving, oil would be expelled under pressure and could come into contact with the tires and or brake friction surfaces, potentially causing a loss of braking or vehicle control. One crash and one vehicle fire were also reported with no injuries.Additionally Lotus indicated that the same condition can occur in MY 2005-2006 Exige vehicles as well. These vehicles are also included in the recall.The action taken by Lotus is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.This investigation is therefore closed.

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

On October 14, 2011, Lotus Cars USA Inc. notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it will conduct a safety recall (11V-510) to address concerns with engine oil cooler lines detaching from its crimped fitting on MY 2005-2006 Lotus Elise vehicles.In its 573 report to ODI, Lotus indicated that they have identified instances where the oil cooler lines would detach from their fittings.Lotus attributes this condition to a majority of single supplier affected parts built from June 2004 to November 2006.Lotus states that the cause of the failure is an inadequate process by which the hose is crimped into its fitting by the supplier.In October 2006 the supplier implemented an improved crimping process.Reports indicated that this condition can occur while driving or while the vehicle is stationary with the engine running.In cases where the failure occurred while driving, oil would be expelled under pressure and could come into contact with the tires and or brake friction surfaces, potentially causing a loss of braking or vehicle control. One crash and one vehicle fire were also reported with no injuries.Additionally Lotus indicated that the same condition can occur in MY 2005-2006 Exige vehicles as well. These vehicles are also included in the recall.The action taken by Lotus is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.This investigation is therefore closed.

Engine And Engine Cooling

On October 14, 2011, Lotus Cars USA Inc. notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it will conduct a safety recall (11V-510) to address concerns with engine oil cooler lines detaching from its crimped fitting on MY 2005-2006 Lotus Elise vehicles.In its 573 report to ODI, Lotus indicated that they have identified instances where the oil cooler lines would detach from their fittings.Lotus attributes this condition to a majority of single supplier affected parts built from June 2004 to November 2006.Lotus states that the cause of the failure is an inadequate process by which the hose is crimped into its fitting by the supplier.In October 2006 the supplier implemented an improved crimping process.Reports indicated that this condition can occur while driving or while the vehicle is stationary with the engine running.In cases where the failure occurred while driving, oil would be expelled under pressure and could come into contact with the tires and or brake friction surfaces, potentially causing a loss of braking or vehicle control. One crash and one vehicle fire were also reported with no injuries.Additionally Lotus indicated that the same condition can occur in MY 2005-2006 Exige vehicles as well. These vehicles are also included in the recall.The action taken by Lotus is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.This investigation is therefore closed.

Engine And Engine Cooling

On October 14, 2011, Lotus Cars USA Inc. notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it will conduct a safety recall (11V-510) to address concerns with engine oil cooler lines detaching from its crimped fitting on MY 2005-2006 Lotus Elise vehicles.In its 573 report to ODI, Lotus indicated that they have identified instances where the oil cooler lines would detach from their fittings.Lotus attributes this condition to a majority of single supplier affected parts built from June 2004 to November 2006.Lotus states that the cause of the failure is an inadequate process by which the hose is crimped into its fitting by the supplier.In October 2006 the supplier implemented an improved crimping process.Reports indicated that this condition can occur while driving or while the vehicle is stationary with the engine running.In cases where the failure occurred while driving, oil would be expelled under pressure and could come into contact with the tires and or brake friction surfaces, potentially causing a loss of braking or vehicle control. One crash and one vehicle fire were also reported with no injuries.Additionally Lotus indicated that the same condition can occur in MY 2005-2006 Exige vehicles as well. These vehicles are also included in the recall.The action taken by Lotus is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.This investigation is therefore closed.