Investigations
Engine Oil Cooler Line Detachment
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE11022 — closed, opened 2011-07-18 and involving the LOTUS ELISE.
NHTSA investigation PE11022 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2011-07-18 and currently closed. The subject of record is LOTUS ELISE, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for LOTUS. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2011-11-03 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE11022 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "On October 14, 2011, Lotus Cars USA Inc. notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it will conduct a safety recall (11V-510) to address concerns with engine oil cooler lines detaching from its crimped fitti..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time.
Investigation Summary
On October 14, 2011, Lotus Cars USA Inc. notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it will conduct a safety recall (11V-510) to address concerns with engine oil cooler lines detaching from its crimped fitting on MY 2005-2006 Lotus Elise vehicles. In its 573 report to ODI, Lotus indicated that they have identified instances where the oil cooler lines would detach from their fittings. Lotus attributes this condition to a majority of single supplier affected parts built from June 2004 to November 2006. Lotus states that the cause of the failure is an inadequate process by which the hose is crimped into its fitting by the supplier. In October 2006 the supplier implemented an improved crimping process. Reports indicated that this condition can occur while driving or while the vehicle is stationary with the engine running. In cases where the failure occurred while driving, oil would be expelled under pressure and could come into contact with the tires and or brake friction surfaces, potentially causing a loss of braking or vehicle control. One crash and one vehicle fire were also reported with no injuries. Additionally Lotus indicated that the same condition can occur in MY 2005-2006 Exige vehicles as well. These vehicles are also included in the recall. The action taken by Lotus is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. This investigation is therefore closed.
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.