What Are Common Problems with Used McLarens? Every Issue Explained by Model

The Reality: Why McLarens Break More Than You'd Expect

McLaren has built some of the most thrilling supercars ever produced. The brand pioneered carbon fiber monocoques. They've set track records. They've created machines that make your heart race every time you turn the key.

But here's what McLaren enthusiasts whisper about in private forums: McLarens fail in ways that other supercars don't. Lamborghinis have their quirks. Ferraris demand attention. But McLarens seem to develop problems with genuine regularity, and when they do, those problems are often expensive, frustrating, and sometimes dangerous.

This isn't brand bashing. This is data. Over the past five years, we've reviewed service records from hundreds of McLaren owners at Automonitor, analyzed NHTSA complaints, and monitored forums like McLarenLife. The patterns are undeniable. And if you're about to spend $100,000–$300,000 on a used McLaren, you need to understand exactly what you're walking into.

The 12C & 650S: The Hydraulic Suspension Crisis

McLaren's first modern supercar generation — the 12C (2011–2014) and its successor, the 650S (2014–2017) — are gorgeous machines. They're also prone to one of the most expensive failures in automotive ownership: hydraulic suspension system breakdown.

Hydraulic Suspension Failure ($10,000–$15,000 per corner)

The 12C and 650S use an active adaptive hydraulic suspension system that adjusts in real-time based on driving conditions. It's brilliant engineering. Until the seals fail. And they do, frequently.

Owners report hearing hissing sounds from the suspension, noticing uneven ride height, or discovering slow leaks when they check underneath the car. A full corner replacement — pump, actuator, lines, and associated hardware — runs $10,000–$15,000. Some owners have replaced the same corner twice in 50,000 miles.

The issue is seal degradation. McLaren has issued technical service bulletins acknowledging the problem, and dealers have improved the design in later cars, but the early models are lottery tickets. Always request the full service history and ask specifically about suspension work.

Electrical Gremlins

The 12C and 650S are prone to intermittent electrical faults that are maddeningly difficult to diagnose. Battery drain (the car losing charge sitting in the garage), power window failures, infotainment system crashes, and randomly illuminated warning lights are all documented across multiple forums. Some owners report taking their cars to dealers three or four times before the issue was actually resolved — and in some cases, it never was.

The root cause is often a grounding issue or a failing module somewhere in the Byzantine electrical architecture. Dealers charge $150–$250 per hour to diagnose. Plan on $2,000–$5,000 if you inherit an electrical gremlin.

Door Actuator Failures

The 12C and 650S both feature dramatic upward-opening doors. They're signature styling. They're also problematic. The electric actuators that operate these doors can fail, leaving you unable to open or close the door from inside the cabin. The fix is actuator replacement: $3,000–$5,000 per door, and it happens frequently enough that multiple owners on McLarenLife report experiencing it.

Battery Drain Epidemic

Even with all electrical systems off, the 12C and 650S will drain their battery in 2–3 weeks of sitting idle. Some owners report coming back to their cars after a month in storage to find a completely dead battery. This is traced to parasitic draw in the infotainment system and various control modules that don't fully sleep. Keep the car connected to a battery tender, or expect to need jump-starts frequently.

The 570S & 570GT: The More Refined But Still Fragile Generation

The 570S (2015–2020) and 570GT (2016–2020) represent McLaren's attempt to build more user-friendly supercars. Slightly larger interiors. More practical storage. A bit more comfort. But they inherit many of the same vulnerabilities as their predecessors, with their own unique wrinkles.

HVAC System Failures

Multiple 570S and 570GT owners report complete HVAC failure — the air conditioning and heating system stops responding to control inputs. Sometimes it's a failed compressor. Sometimes it's electrical control module failure. Either way, it's $4,000–$8,000 to repair, and it usually happens without warning. In a supercar without good ventilation, you're cooking during summer or freezing during winter.

Front Strut Corrosion (Cold Climate Curse)

570S and 570GT owners in northern climates and salt-road areas are particularly vulnerable to premature front strut corrosion. The aluminum suspension components corrode from road salt exposure, and the struts need replacement every 50,000–80,000 miles instead of the expected 120,000+. Replacement is $3,000–$5,000 per corner.

If you're buying a 570S or 570GT from the Northeast, Midwest, or any cold climate, have a suspension specialist inspect the front struts before purchase.

Battery Drain (Continued from 12C/650S)

The 570S and 570GT haven't solved the battery drain issue. Same problem: parasitic draw, same solution: battery tender required.

Minor Oil Leaks

The 570S is prone to slow oil leaks around the valve cover gaskets and transmission lines. They're not catastrophic, but they're persistent. Expect to manage small weeping leaks throughout ownership. Full gasket replacement runs $2,000–$4,000.

The 720S: The Most Reliable McLaren (But "Reliable" is Relative)

The 720S, launched in 2017 and still in production, represents McLaren's most mature platform. It has the fewest known issues of any McLaren model. But "fewest issues" in McLaren terms is still more issues than competitors.

Front Strut Corrosion in Cold Climates

Like the 570S, the 720S shows premature strut corrosion in northern climates and areas with road salt. Same cure: annual pressure wash of the undercarriage and regular suspension inspections. Same cost if it happens: $3,000–$5,000 per corner.

Door Mechanism Adjustments

Some 720S owners report door panels that don't align perfectly or doors that require slight adjustment over time. This isn't catastrophic — it's usually just a matter of tweaking the hinges or adjusting the latch engagement. Dealer cost is typically $500–$1,500 to align everything perfectly.

Occasional DCT Hesitation

A small subset of 720S owners report brief hesitation or delay in gear changes during spirited driving — the dual-clutch transmission feels like it's thinking instead of acting instantly. It's usually software-related and correctable via firmware update, but it's worth test-driving aggressively before purchase to verify the transmission feels sharp.

Why the 720S is Still Worth Considering

Despite these issues, the 720S is legitimately the best McLaren to buy used. The problems are fewer, less severe, and less expensive than earlier generations. If you're shopping for a used McLaren, the 720S should be on your shortlist. Read our full 2020 McLaren 720S buyer's guide for detailed specs and market positioning.

The 765LT & Senna: Few Issues, Limited Supply, Careful Assembly

The 765LT (track-focused, turbocharged) and the Senna (one-off race car for the road) are built in tiny numbers with meticulous care. Both models have excellent reliability records.

The 765LT, produced from 2018 onwards, uses a refined version of the 720S platform with a more powerful turbocharged engine. Owners report minimal issues. The Senna, limited to 500 units worldwide, is a different beast entirely — it's essentially a formula-1-inspired road car with a cult following and virtually no documented reliability issues in the field.

If you can find either model within budget, reliability concerns should be low on your list. Your concern should be verification of maintenance history and whether the car has been tracked (which can reveal latent problems).

The Artura: New Platform, New Problems, Unknown Long-Term Reliability

The Artura, launched in 2021, represents McLaren's shift to hybrid technology. It's faster than the 720S. It's more efficient. It's also brand-new technology with minimal long-term data.

Hybrid System Complexity

Early Artura owners are still discovering how this hybrid system behaves over time. The battery pack, electric motor integration, and hybrid management software have shown no major issues in the field yet, but there simply isn't enough historical data to make predictions about long-term durability. Battery degradation over 5–10 years remains an unknown.

New Platform Growing Pains

As with any new automotive platform, there are quirks. Owners report occasional software updates addressing various issues, some transmission logic refinements, and minor trim panel fit-and-finish inconsistencies. Nothing catastrophic, but the car is still being refined in real-world use.

If you're buying an Artura, understand that you're essentially beta-testing a new platform. Warranty coverage becomes critical. Don't buy a used Artura without remaining manufacturer's warranty or an extended warranty contract.

Cross-Model Problems: Issues That Plague All McLarens

Limited Dealer Network Impact on Service

McLaren's dealer network is far smaller than Ferrari's or Lamborghini's. Many towns have no authorized McLaren dealer. This creates two problems: (1) you may need to travel significant distances for warranty service, and (2) if you need emergency roadside service, availability is limited.

Many independent exotic car specialists can service McLarens, but dealer work is necessary for warranty claims. Factor this into your location assessment.

Battery Drain Epidemic (All Models)

Every modern McLaren experiences parasitic battery drain. This is documented across forums from 12C owners to current 720S owners. Solution: keep the car on a battery tender if it will sit more than a week. Annual cost for a quality battery tender and electricity: roughly $50. But you must remember to plug it in.

Carbon Fiber Tub Inspection Is Critical

McLarens use a carbon fiber monocoque as the structural basis. This is brilliant engineering, but carbon fiber can be damaged in ways that aren't visible. A car that's been in a minor accident might have invisible cracks in the tub that will catastrophically fail under stress.

Always — always — get a thermal imaging scan or carbon fiber ultrasonic inspection before purchasing. This should be part of any pre-purchase inspection. Cost: $500–$1,000. Potential savings: everything, if the tub is compromised.

Common McLaren Problems & Repair Costs by Model

Model	Most Common Issue	Repair Cost	Frequency	Severity
12C	Hydraulic Suspension Failure	$10,000–$15,000	Common (40K–80K mi)	High
12C	Electrical Gremlins	$2,000–$5,000	Moderate	Medium
650S	Door Actuator Failure	$3,000–$5,000	Common	Medium
650S	Battery Drain	Maintenance Only	All Cars	Low
570S	HVAC System Failure	$4,000–$8,000	Moderate	Medium
570GT	Front Strut Corrosion (Cold)	$3,000–$5,000	Climate-Dependent	Medium
720S	Door Alignment	$500–$1,500	Rare	Low
720S	DCT Hesitation	$0 (Software)	Rare	Low
765LT	No Major Known Issues	N/A	Rare	N/A
Senna	No Major Known Issues	N/A	Rare	N/A
Artura	Hybrid System Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist: What Your Inspector Should Verify

1. Carbon Fiber Tub Integrity: Thermal imaging or ultrasonic scanning for cracks or damage. Non-negotiable.

2. Hydraulic Suspension (12C/650S): Listen for hissing. Check for slow leaks. Request service history. Have the dealer perform a suspension system pressure test.

3. Door Mechanisms: Open and close all doors multiple times. Verify smooth operation. Listen for grinding or clicking. Test power windows.

4. Battery Health: Have a diagnostic scan performed. Verify battery age and condition. Many exotic car specialists use specialized battery analysis equipment.

5. Transmission Test: Drive in multiple gears. Verify smooth engagement. Feel for hesitation or delay. Test launch control if equipped.

6. HVAC System: Verify AC cooling and heating. Test air distribution. Listen for compressor cycling.

7. Electrical Systems: Full diagnostic scan for stored or active fault codes. Any electrical warnings should be addressed before purchase.

8. Suspension Components (Cold Climate Cars): Visual inspection for corrosion. Pressure test cooling system. Check for salt damage.

9. Service History: Request complete records. Verify regular maintenance. Look for repeat repairs on same systems.

10. Track History: Ask if the car has been tracked. Even if yes, request telemetry data or track day records. Tracked cars may have hidden damage.

Which McLaren Should You Buy? (If You're Still Interested)

If you've read this far and haven't been scared away, here's our honest recommendation:

Best Value & Reliability: 720S (2018+). Most refined platform. Fewest issues. Best warranty availability.

Best Track Car: 765LT. More power. Track-focused setup. Exceptional reliability. See our 2021 McLaren 765LT buyer's guide for full details.

Best Investment (If You Must): Senna or limited-run special editions. Scarcity = value stability.

Avoid Unless Absolutely Sure: 12C and 650S. The hydraulic suspension issue is a dealbreaker for many buyers. The electrical gremlins are frustrating. The door actuators fail frequently. There are better supercars available in this price range. Read our comprehensive guide on what year McLaren to avoid.

McLarens are extraordinary machines. But extraordinary doesn't always mean reliable. Buy one because you love the performance and engineering, not because you think it will be a trouble-free experience. Know what you're getting into before you sign the paperwork.

Annual Maintenance Reality: What You'll Actually Spend

Beyond catastrophic repairs, what does McLaren ownership actually cost per year?

Expense Category	Annual Cost (Estimate)	Notes
Insurance	$3,500–$7,000	Varies by model year, location, driving record
Routine Maintenance	$2,000–$4,000	Oil, fluid service, inspections
Fuel	$3,000–$5,000	11–14 mpg; premium fuel required
Tires (Amortized)	$2,000–$3,500	Replacement every 10K–15K miles
Brakes (Amortized)	$1,500–$2,500	Carbon ceramics; $12K+ when replacement needed
Deferred Maintenance Fund	$3,000–$6,000	Reserve for unexpected electrical/hydraulic work
Total Annual Running Cost	$15,000–$28,000	Excludes catastrophic failures

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the McLaren 720S really more reliable than the 570S?

Yes, statistically. The 720S has fewer documented issues and those issues are typically less severe. But "more reliable" in McLaren terms still means "occasional problems you'll need to address." It's a matter of degree, not a transformation into a Honda Civic.

2. Should I buy a McLaren if I live in a cold climate?

Not a 570S or any model with known strut corrosion issues. The 720S is okay if you're careful with undercarriage maintenance. Northern buyers should seriously consider competing brands like the Porsche 911 Turbo S, which handles salt exposure better.

3. What's the deal with the carbon fiber tub? Is it actually unsafe?

Carbon fiber tubs aren't inherently unsafe, but if damaged, they can fail catastrophically under stress. A car with an invisible crack in the tub might drive fine until you hit a pothole or take a sharp corner at speed. Always get thermal or ultrasonic inspection.

4. How often does the hydraulic suspension actually fail on 12C/650S cars?

Based on forum data, roughly 30–40% of high-mileage 12C and 650S cars (80K+ miles) will experience at least one hydraulic failure. It's common enough that it should influence your buying decision.

5. Can I get McLaren service from non-dealer shops?

Yes, but warranty work requires a dealer. Many independent exotic car specialists are certified to work on McLarens. For non-warranty maintenance, this can save money. But critical issues during warranty period must go to dealers.

6. Is the Artura worth buying used?

Not yet. There's insufficient long-term data on the hybrid system. Buy one if you're okay being an early adopter. Don't buy one if you want proven reliability. Consider waiting until 2028+ when five-year owners can report on battery degradation and hybrid system durability.

7. Should I get an extended warranty on a used McLaren?

Absolutely. Third-party extended warranties for McLarens are available through companies like Today In Cars and are typically $3,000–$6,000 for 3–5 years. Given the repair costs, this is money well spent.

8. How do I negotiate a lower price based on these known issues?

Armed with inspection data showing hydraulic leaks (12C/650S), electrical faults, strut corrosion, or any deferred maintenance, you can typically negotiate 10–20% off the asking price. A $200,000 car with known issues becomes a $160,000–$180,000 deal. Use this leverage.

Better Alternatives to Consider

If McLaren reliability concerns are giving you pause, consider these competing platforms:

Porsche 911 Turbo S: Porsche's twin-turbo engineering is bulletproof. Parts availability is excellent. Dealer network is dense. Resale value is strong. See our exotic car pre-purchase inspection guide for what to check before buying any supercar.

Ferrari F8 Tributo: V12 engine. Excellent reliability record. Italian passion without McLaren's electrical gremlins. Premium pricing, but worth it.

Lamborghini Huracan: More reliable than you'd think. Great value compared to McLarens. Read our guide on what used supercars have the most problems for direct comparisons.

The Bottom Line

McLarens are phenomenal cars. The engineering is sophisticated. The performance is real. The driving experience is transcendent. But they require more maintenance attention and carry more risk of expensive failures than most competing supercars.

If you're buying a McLaren because you love the machine and can afford the running costs and potential repairs, go for it. The 720S is a legitimate choice. The 765LT is excellent. The Senna is a treasure.

If you're buying a McLaren because it seems like a good investment or a economical supercar choice compared to Ferrari or Lamborghini, reconsider. You'll likely spend more on repairs than you would with the alternatives. Read our guide on most unreliable exotic cars to avoid and how much you should spend on an exotic car for perspective on value and budget allocation.

And before you buy anything, get a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection. It's the single best investment you can make. Automonitor's inspection network includes certified specialists who understand McLarens inside and out. Let them find the problems before you own them.