The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating the 2005 to 2006 model year Elise for oil cooler leaks. This investigation covers 4,400 models and was sparked by 17 complaints from owners about an errant oil line in the Lotus Elise. The problem lies in the oil cooler that can leak on to the tires, coating them in oil and causing serious handling issues.
The NHTSA, in a document filed Friday on its Web site, said it received 17 complaints from owners who reported that an oil-cooler line ruptured and sprayed oil on the wheel assemblies and or within the engine bay.
“Consumers allege the condition can create a loss of vehicle control and one complaint alleges the vehicle caught fire,” according to the document.
“The oil line released from its fitting on the front right oil cooler, wetting the tire with oil,” one owner reported. “The car spun and left the road. No damage occurred.”
The agency was not aware of any injuries, but one car did leave the road and catch on fire. A NHTSA investigation doesn’t mean a full recall has been issued, just that your friends in the fed are looking into the matter.
Source: The New York Times
