Common McLaren Problems
McLaren road cars offer class-leading performance and technology, but they require a proactive ownership style. Known for "Super Series" accumulator issues and "Sports Series" paint corrosion, these cars are best owned with a comprehensive warranty (McLaren Extended or specialist schemes like Thorney).
Common McLaren trouble spots
- •Accumulator Failure: Nitrogen-filled suspension accumulators fail, causing a harsh ride.
- •Paint Corrosion: Aluminum oxidation causes bubbling on door bottoms and arches.
- •IRIS Glitches: Temperamental infotainment system prone to freezing and lag.
- •Coolant Hose Leaks: Loose clamps on early cars often cause slow coolant loss.
What to check on used McLarens
- ✓Perform a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) to check for paint bubbling, radiator leaks, and suspension health
- ✓Verify if the car has a current McLaren Extended Warranty; this is highly valued in the UK used market
- ✓Check for "Suspension Fault" warnings; the ProActive Chassis Control (PCC) accumulators are wear items
- ✓Hold the center button for 15 seconds to hard-reboot the IRIS infotainment system if it freezes
Select a McLaren Model
McLaren 750S
The 750S is a comprehensive evolution of the 720S, cherry-picking the best of the 765LT. It uses PCC III suspension and weighs less than its predecessor. While mechanically improved, early cars have shown software and build quality niggles.
McLaren Artura
McLaren's first production plug-in hybrid, combining a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for 680 PS combined. The MCLA carbon fibre chassis is new. Early cars had significant launch issues including fuel system recalls and software problems, but 2024+ cars are substantially improved.
McLaren GT
McLaren's take on a Grand Tourer. It is more usable than its siblings but still shares the core mid-engined architecture and its associated complexities. Generally considered one of the more reliable McLarens.
McLaren 720S / 765LT
A performance powerhouse with the complex ProActive Chassis Control II system. While very capable, the hydraulic accumulators are a known wear item.
McLaren 570S / 540C / 570GT
The core of the "Sports Series." Generally more mechanically simple than the Super Series (no hydraulic suspension), but still suffers from bodywork and minor electrical niggles.
McLaren 650S
An evolution of the 12C with P1-inspired styling and more robust mechanicals. It still uses the complex PCC suspension and is sensitive to electrical health.
McLaren 12C
The original modern McLaren is now one of the more accessible ways into the brand, but it must be bought on specialist history rather than badge appeal. Many early software issues were improved over time, yet accumulator health, cooling leaks, and electrical condition still define ownership.
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