NHTSA Service Bulletin 11026524: 2023-2025 Lotus Emira
Official manufacturer communication context for 2023-2025 Lotus Emira, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Brake pad to rotor stiction damage caused by incorrect vehicle storage maintenance. REASON - Prolonged contact between brake pads and rotors (discs) can result in them sticking to each other (also referred to as brake stiction). This could result in the brake pad material pulling away from its backing plate when the vehicle is eventually moved. Brake stiction occurs when the vehicle remains stationary for extended time periods and can also be exacerbated by: - Long term storage in a moist environment. - The presence of chemical contaminates (such as those found in some cleaning products). - Salt contaminated moisture in coastal regions. Background - Brake stiction is a known issue for sports cars such as the Emira. This is caused by several factors such as the specific chemical composition of the brake pad/rotor material as well as the brake pad, caliper and rotor geometry set up required to achieve the desired braking performance characteristics expected from a sports car. The Lotus Emira was designed and developed as a high-performance sports car and the engineering selection of a mixed metal pad material, the dimensions, and other specifications were tested and approved by the attributes team as well as tested to meet the stringent vehicle homologation targets across the regions, and durability requirements. ACTION - Due to a small number of complaints where brake pad separation has occurred caused by stiction on very low mileage cars, Lotus wishes to confirm to their importers and retail partners the importance of following the vehicle stock maintenance guidelines. Also refer to the Dynamic section in long term storage check list attached to the end of this bulletin. As well as to stress that after any cleaning the vehicle it should be driven to dry the brakes, and vehicles should not be exposed to prolonged high humidity or stored in wet areas. To ensure ongoing enjoyment of the product, a specific recommendation was included in the customer handbook under the vehicle maintenance and care section: NOTE: To prevent binding between the brake pads and discs as well as avoiding any potential corrosion, it is recommended to drive the vehicle for a short distance immediately after washing.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 11026524?
Brake pad to rotor stiction damage caused by incorrect vehicle storage maintenance. REASON - Prolonged contact between brake pads and rotors (discs) can result in them sticking to each other (also referred to as brake stiction). This could result in the brake pad material pulling away from its backing plate when the vehicle is eventually moved. Brake stiction occurs when the vehicle remains stationary for extended.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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