Lotus Elise Recall R/1999/074: Possibility Of Fuel Leakage, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 4 Sep 1999
- Launched
- 213
- vehicles in the UK
- 1999/1R
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Lotus recalled Elise vehicles. The fuel line push fit connectors may not be to the manufacturers specification. The recall notice describes the fix as: affected vehicles are being recalled for replacement of the original fuel line connectors with quality assured versions. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The fuel line push fit connectors may not be to the manufacturers specification. In consequence it is possible that fuel leakage may occur and initiate an engine bay fire.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBILITY OF FUEL LEAKAGE Defect: The fuel line push fit connectors may not be to the manufacturers specification. In consequence it is possible that fuel leakage may occur and initiate an engine bay fire. Remedy: Affected vehicles are being recalled for replacement of the original fuel line connectors with quality assured versions.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: possibility of fuel leakage.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: affected vehicles are being recalled for replacement of the original fuel line connectors with quality assured versions.
Are You Affected?
Elise may be included. Lotus estimates 213 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 campaign code 1999/1R or the DVSA reference R/1999/074. 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 Lotus recall launched before it was R/1998/050 on 17 Jun 1998, for rear suspension toe link bolt may become loose. The one launched after it was R/2001/014 on 9 Feb 2001, for fuel may leak when filling and cornering. You can also see every Lotus recall, all recalls launched in 1999 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/1999/074, launched 4 September 1999. 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.