Lotus recalling certain 2011 Evora S models for possible oil leak, fire

Mon, 29 Jul 2013

Last year about 80 examples of the 2011 Lotus Evora S were recalled over an issue with the oil feed pipe. The same number of 2011 Evora S', but with different manufacture dates, are back in the recall box again for a very similar issue; this time it's the engine oil cooler hose that could rupture and spray oil either onto the rear wheels or a hot engine part. Neither of those cases is good, and the latter could potentially lead to a fire.

Lotus is working on a solution, so a recall date hasn't been announced. The bulletin below from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has more information.
Report Receipt Date: JUL 16, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V314000
Component(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 80

Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s): 2011 LOTUS EVORA
Manufacturer: Lotus Cars USA, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Lotus Cars USA, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2011 Evora supercharged vehicles equipped with a manual transmission and manufactured September 2010 through September 2011. The engine oil cooler hose may chafe and rupture resulting in oil loss.

CONSEQUENCE:
Engine oil may be ejected onto the road or rear wheels which could cause a reduction in vehicle control and potential engine failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Engine oil sprayed onto a heat source may also lead to a vehicle fire.

REMEDY:
The remedy for this recall campaign is still under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-770-476-6564. Lotus' campaign number is 2013/03R.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Jonathon Ramsey