McLaren 570S / 540C / 570GT Common Problems & Reliability
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.
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Detailed fault breakdown, symptoms, and estimated repair bills by production year.
Most Common McLaren 570S / 540C / 570GT Faults & Repair Costs
Paint Bubbling / Corrosion
Aluminum panels can suffer from oxidation under the paint, typically starting at the edges of the doors or wheel arches.
Small bubbles under the paint surface, Flaking paint at panel edges
- Run your hand along the bottom edge of the doors
- Inspect the seams of the front and rear arches
Coolant Hose Clamp Leaks
McLaren used a specific type of hose clamp that can loosen over time, leading to slow coolant leaks in the engine bay.
Low coolant warning, Antifreeze smell after driving, Pink residue on undertrays
- Check the header tank level
- Look for evidence of "Hose Clamp Tightening" in the service history
Door Latch and Soft-Close Failure
The mechanism for the dihedral doors can become misaligned or the soft-close motor can fail, making the doors difficult to latch.
Door won't close without force, Soft-close doesn't pull the door in, Squeaking during door operation
- Test both doors multiple times
- Check for even panel gaps when closed
Door Hinge Cracking and Alignment
The dihedral door hinges are under significant mechanical stress and can develop cracks over time. This affects door clearance and can damage surrounding paintwork. Hinge replacement requires careful recalibration of door alignment.
Door misalignment or uneven gaps, Cracking noise when opening doors, Paint wear on door edges from contact
- Inspect hinge mounting points for cracks
- Check door panel gaps are consistent both sides
- Look for paint rubbing marks on door edges
SSG Gearbox Main Shaft Bearing Wear
The 7-speed Graziano dual-clutch gearbox is generally reliable but has a known weakness in its main shaft bearings. When they collapse, gear selection becomes erratic and oil leaks can develop. A full gearbox rebuild is expensive but the issue is well understood by specialists.
Transmission fault warnings, Loss of gears or difficulty selecting gear, Whining noise from gearbox, Oil leaks from gearbox casing
- Check for transmission fault codes
- Listen for bearing whine during deceleration
- Inspect gearbox casing for oil seepage
- Verify smooth gear changes at low and high speed
Lightweight Windscreen Stress Fractures
McLaren uses thinner-than-normal glass to save weight, which makes the windscreen prone to spontaneous stress fractures. The glass can crack without any impact, typically from temperature changes or improper sealant application during a previous replacement.
Spontaneous cracks without impact, Cracks spreading from edges, Cracks appearing after temperature changes
- Inspect the windscreen for hairline cracks, especially at edges
- Check the rear window for similar fractures
- Ask if the glass has been replaced and by whom
Buying a used McLaren 570S / 540C / 570GT? Always check for hidden finance and write-off history.
Mechanical problems are only half the battle. Over 1 in 3 UK used cars checked have unpaid finance or accident write-off records that could cause you to lose the car or thousands in value.