On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel tanks can leak.
1991-1994 · 3 model years
Lotus Elan Problems by year
Owners have filed 14 complaints about the Lotus Elan across 3 model years, and it has 1 recall. The 1991 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (13), while 1994 has far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the fuel system, followed by the acceleration & cruise control.
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Elan complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common Elan problems
Lotus Elan recalls 1
Latest Elan complaints
FUEL TANK LEAKS WHEN OVER 1/2 FILLED
GAS TANK LEAKS FUEL IF YOU FILL IT UP.
While parked on a hill and gas tank is full, fuel leaks out. If tank is half full and on a hill, fuel doesn't leak out. Contacted dealer, cannot fix problem.*Ak consumer has to fill the gas tank to 1/2 of it's capacity to avoid smells and spillage. *Jg
Near the top of the fuel tank there is a crack. When filling vehicle up with fuel it leaks. Took vehicle to dealer and had it repaired. *Ak dealer replaced the fuel tank, it was split on one side. Window regulator broke and was inoperative. *Slc
Fuel tank cracked, and was leaking fuel. Contacted dealer, and dealer fixed it twice, but problem still occurs.*Ak
Apperantly this is a known issue with the lotus elan fuel tank. Lotus wants to charge me for repairing something they know is faulty due to poor design. I have spoken with other elan owners and some have paid the fee for the new tank as well as the service charges totalling over $1,000. I along with all the other owners would like lotus to step up and take responsibility for this. *Ak
Questions about the Lotus Elan
Which Lotus Elan years have the most problems?
Which Lotus Elan years have the fewest complaints?
Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 1994 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other Elan years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.
What are the most common Lotus Elan problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the fuel system (12), acceleration & cruise control (1), transmission & drivetrain (1) most often.
How many recalls does the Lotus Elan have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall across all Lotus Elan model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data