Lotus Elise Recall R/1998/050: Rear Suspension Toe Link Bolt May Become Loose, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Book soon
- How serious
- 17 Jun 1998
- Launched
- 3,780
- vehicles in the UK
- R/1998/050
- DVSA reference
Lotus recalled Elise vehicles built between 1 June 1996 and 30 June 1998. Rear suspension toe link to hub carrier securing bolt may become loose and cause unstable handling. The dealer will remove and examine the subject securing bolt renew bolt where found necessary ensure that threads are clean apply approved locking compound refit and tighten bolt to the specified torque. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Rear suspension toe link to hub carrier securing bolt may become loose and cause unstable handling.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK BOLT MAY BECOME LOOSE Defect: Rear suspension toe link to hub carrier securing bolt may become loose and cause unstable handling. Remedy: Remove and examine the subject securing bolt renew bolt where found necessary ensure that threads are clean apply approved locking compound refit and tighten bolt to the specified torque.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: rear suspension toe link bolt may become loose.
The Fix
The dealer will remove and examine the subject securing bolt renew bolt where found necessary ensure that threads are clean apply approved locking compound refit and tighten bolt to the specified torque.
Are You Affected?
Elise built between 1 June 1996 and 30 June 1998 may be included. Lotus estimates 3,780 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Lotus, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Lotus.
- Book with any franchised Lotus dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/1998/050. See how to get a Lotus recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| EliseBolts securing the fuel rail to the cyclinder head may fail | Urgent | R/2019/412 | |
| EliseReduction of braking efficiency | Urgent | R/2016/223 | |
| 211, Elise, Evora, ExigeRisk of fire | Urgent | R/2014/066 | |
| EliseWheel hub may become insecure | Book soon | R/2009/057 | |
| Elise, ExigeGear lever may break | Low | R/2005/186 |
This is one of 17 Lotus recalls in DVSA’s data. The one launched after it was R/1999/074 on 4 Sep 1999, for possibility of fuel leakage. You can also see every Lotus recall, all recalls launched in 1998 and suspension recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/1998/050, launched 17 June 1998. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.