Lotus Elise Recall R/2002/066: Front Brake Caliper Bolts Concern, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 5 Aug 2002
- Launched
- 94
- vehicles in the UK
- 2002/1R
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Lotus recalled Elise vehicles built between 1 July 2001 and 31 August 2001. There is a slight chance that one or more of the tapped holes for the four bolts securing the two halves of the brake caliper body together has not been threaded through the full depth of the hole. The dealer will check the caliper tapped holes. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
There is a slight chance that one or more of the tapped holes for the four bolts securing the two halves of the brake caliper body together has not been threaded through the full depth of the hole. The structural integrity of any such caliper may be compromised with the risk of fatigue failure of the caliper occurring after an extended period.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: FRONT BRAKE CALIPER BOLTS CONCERN Defect: There is a slight chance that one or more of the tapped holes for the four bolts securing the two halves of the brake caliper body together has not been threaded through the full depth of the hole. The structural integrity of any such caliper may be compromised with the risk of fatigue failure of the caliper occurring after an extended period. Remedy: Check the caliper tapped holes. If any incomplete threading is found the brake caliper is to be replaced.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: front brake caliper bolts concern.
The Fix
The dealer will check the caliper tapped holes.
Are You Affected?
Elise built between 1 July 2001 and 31 August 2001 may be included. Lotus estimates 94 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 2002/1R or the DVSA reference R/2002/066. 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/2002/094 on 22 Jul 2002, for brake pipe chafing. The one launched after it was R/2005/186 on 8 Feb 2006, for gear lever may break. You can also see every Lotus recall, all recalls launched in 2002 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2002/066, launched 5 August 2002. 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.