2006 Lotus Elise: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Elise years.
17 owner complaints, most about engine and engine cooling. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2006 Elise?The 2006 Lotus Elise has 17 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and engine.
Safety record for the 2006 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2006 Lotus Elise vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Elise years only. How we score it
Is 2006 a good year for the Elise?
Across the 4 Elise model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2009) to 46 (2005). With 17 complaints, the 2006 Elise sits about the same as the model's median of 17.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2006 Elise
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 11V510000LOTUS 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.
What owners say across generations
Extremely positive sentiment among owners, characterized by an almost universal appreciation for its raw, engaging, and pure driving experience.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Elise. See the full Elise owner picture and every model year.
Other Elise model years
Compare every Elise year side by side to see how 2006 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Elise against its rivals
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