The New York Times - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating oil-cooler leaks on 4,400 Lotus Elise sports cars from the 2005-6 model years after receiving complaints from owners saying that a tire became coated with oil, causing handling problems.
In a document filed Friday on its Web site, the safety agency 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 or fires related to the condition.
