2009 Lotus Elise: common problems and reliability
One of the better Elise years.
The best Lotus Elise year (few owner reports). All Elise years
1 owner complaint, most about service brakes. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2009 Elise?The 2009 Lotus Elise has 1 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic.
Safety record for the 2009 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Lotus Elise vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Elise years only. How we score it
Is 2009 a good year for the Elise?
Across the 4 Elise model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2009) to 46 (2005). With 1 complaints, the 2009 Elise sits below 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 2009 Elise
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 14V280000Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from November 2007 to July 2011, and 2011 Evora vehicles manufactured September 2010 through September 2011. The oil cooler hose may detach from its fitting.
wheels:hub
Campaign 09V179000LOTUS IS RECALLING 87 MODEL YEAR 2009 ELISE AND EXIGE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 2008 THROUGH MAY 5, 2009. THE REAR HUB FLANGE BOLTS ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY BE UNDER-TORQUED AND MAY BECOME LOOSE. IF THAT OCCURS, AN INSECURE HUB COULD LEAD TO DEGRADATION IN VEHICLE HANDLING, AND A RUBBING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.
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 2009 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Elise against its rivals
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