Lotus Elise Recall R/2016/223: Reduction Of Braking Efficiency, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 29 Sep 2016
- Launched
- 56
- vehicles in the UK
- 201601R
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Lotus recalled Elise vehicles built between 14 March 2016 and 28 September 2016. An error in production of the brake master cylinder may cause a reduction in braking efficiency. The dealer will replace the brake master cylinder on affected vehicles. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
An error in production of the brake master cylinder may cause a reduction in braking efficiency.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: REDUCTION OF BRAKING EFFICIENCY Defect: An error in production of the brake master cylinder may cause a reduction in braking efficiency. Remedy: Replace the brake master cylinder on affected vehicles.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause a reduction in braking efficiency.
The Fix
The dealer will replace the brake master cylinder on affected vehicles.
Are You Affected?
Elise built between 14 March 2016 and 28 September 2016 may be included. Lotus estimates 56 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 201601R or the DVSA reference R/2016/223. 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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/2014/066 on 15 Nov 2014, for risk of fire. The one launched after it was R/2018/310 on 30 Nov 2018, for steering column cartridge screw requires tightening. You can also see every Lotus recall, all recalls launched in 2016 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2016/223, launched 29 September 2016. 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.