Lotus Elise Recall R/2001/063: Steering Rack May Be Susceptible To Premature Wear And Possible Tooth Damage, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 16 Jun 2001
- Launched
- 338
- vehicles in the UK
- 2001/3R
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Lotus recalled Elise vehicles built between 1 September 1998 and 31 January 1999. A batch of steering rack assemblies has been identified as having been built with rack bars which have been subjected to an incorrect heat treatment rendering them susceptible to premature wear and possible tooth damage. The dealer will renew if this is confirmed as within the suspect batch the steering rack assembly. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
A batch of steering rack assemblies has been identified as having been built with rack bars which have been subjected to an incorrect heat treatment rendering them susceptible to premature wear and possible tooth damage.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: STEERING RACK MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO PREMATURE WEAR AND POSSIBLE TOOTH DAMAGE. Defect: A batch of steering rack assemblies has been identified as having been built with rack bars which have been subjected to an incorrect heat treatment rendering them susceptible to premature wear and possible tooth damage. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles for a check of the steering rack assembly batch number. If this is confirmed as within the suspect batch the steering rack assembly is to be renewed.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: steering rack may be susceptible to premature wear and possible tooth damage.
The Fix
The dealer will renew if this is confirmed as within the suspect batch the steering rack assembly.
Are You Affected?
Elise built between 1 September 1998 and 31 January 1999 may be included. Lotus estimates 338 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 2001/3R or the DVSA reference R/2001/063. 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/2001/014 on 9 Feb 2001, for fuel may leak when filling and cornering. The one launched after it was R/2002/074 on 22 Jul 2002, for engine management. You can also see every Lotus recall, all recalls launched in 2001 and steering recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2001/063, launched 16 June 2001. 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.