Lotus Elise, Exige Recall R/2005/186: Gear Lever May Break, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 8 Feb 2006
- Launched
- 764
- vehicles in the UK
- 2006/01R
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Lotus recalled Elise, Exige vehicles built between 21 January 2004 and 8 February 2005. There is a small risk that the gear lever may break if subjected to high handling force. The recall notice describes the fix as: recall the likely to be affected vehicles and where necessary replace the gear lever and associated parts. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
There is a small risk that the gear lever may break if subjected to high handling force.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: GEAR LEVER MAY BREAK Defect: It has been found that there is a small risk that the gear lever may break if subjected to high handling force. Remedy: Recall the likely to be affected vehicles and where necessary replace the gear lever and associated parts.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: gear lever may break.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: recall the likely to be affected vehicles and where necessary replace the gear lever and associated parts.
Are You Affected?
Elise, Exige built between 21 January 2004 and 8 February 2005 may be included. Lotus estimates 764 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 2006/01R or the DVSA reference R/2005/186. 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 | |
| EliseFront brake caliper bolts concern | Urgent | R/2002/066 |
This is one of 17 Lotus recalls in DVSA’s data. The Lotus recall launched before it was R/2002/066 on 5 Aug 2002, for front brake caliper bolts concern. The one launched after it was R/2009/057 on 1 Jun 2009, for wheel hub may become insecure. You can also see every Lotus recall and all recalls launched in 2006.
Source: DVSA recall R/2005/186, launched 8 February 2006. 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.