IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2015–2018 McLaren 570S / 540C / 570GT

We've identified 7 known issues that can affect the 2015–2018 McLaren 570S / 540C / 570GT. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

7
Known Issues
1
Serious
6
Moderate
0
Minor

The 2015–2018 period has 3 more issues than the McLaren 570S / 540C / 570GT average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

SSG Gearbox Main Shaft Bearing Wear

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

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.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £5,000–£15,000Affects: 2015–2021Often appears around: 30k-60k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Transmission fault warnings
  • •Loss of gears or difficulty selecting gear
  • •Whining noise from gearbox
  • •Oil leaks from gearbox casing

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓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

Paint Bubbling / Corrosion

ModerateBodywork & Rust

Aluminum panels can suffer from oxidation under the paint, typically starting at the edges of the doors or wheel arches.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £1,000–£2,500 per panelAffects: 2015–2021Often appears around: Age and climate related

Typical symptoms

  • •Small bubbles under the paint surface
  • •Flaking paint at panel edges

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Run your hand along the bottom edge of the doors
  • ✓Inspect the seams of the front and rear arches

Coolant Hose Clamp Leaks

ModerateCooling System

McLaren used a specific type of hose clamp that can loosen over time, leading to slow coolant leaks in the engine bay.

Most affected: All early Sports Series models

Estimated cost: £400–£800 (mostly labor)Affects: 2015–2018Often appears around: 10k-30k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Low coolant warning
  • •Antifreeze smell after driving
  • •Pink residue on undertrays

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check the header tank level
  • ✓Look for evidence of "Hose Clamp Tightening" in the service history

Door Latch and Soft-Close Failure

ModerateBodywork & Rust

The mechanism for the dihedral doors can become misaligned or the soft-close motor can fail, making the doors difficult to latch.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £500–£1,200 per doorAffects: 2015–2021Often appears around: Age-related

Typical symptoms

  • •Door won't close without force
  • •Soft-close doesn't pull the door in
  • •Squeaking during door operation

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test both doors multiple times
  • ✓Check for even panel gaps when closed

Door Hinge Cracking and Alignment

ModerateBodywork & Rust

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.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £2,200–£3,000 per pairAffects: 2015–2021Often appears around: 20k-40k miles or 4-6 years

Typical symptoms

  • •Door misalignment or uneven gaps
  • •Cracking noise when opening doors
  • •Paint wear on door edges from contact

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect hinge mounting points for cracks
  • ✓Check door panel gaps are consistent both sides
  • ✓Look for paint rubbing marks on door edges

Lightweight Windscreen Stress Fractures

ModerateBodywork & Rust

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.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £3,000–£4,500Affects: 2015–2021Often appears around: Age and climate related

Typical symptoms

  • •Spontaneous cracks without impact
  • •Cracks spreading from edges
  • •Cracks appearing after temperature changes

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓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

Front Damper Leaks

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The front dampers can develop leaks, causing a clunking noise when travelling over bumps at low speed. Refurbished items can cost over £1,500 per damper, and the work requires specialist alignment afterwards.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £1,500–£3,000 per pairAffects: 2015–2021Often appears around: 25k-50k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Clunking noise over bumps at low speed
  • •Front end feels less controlled
  • •Oil residue on damper body

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect front dampers for oil seepage
  • ✓Listen for clunks during low-speed manoeuvres
  • ✓Check ride height is consistent both sides

Buying Tips for the 2015 McLaren 570S / 540C / 570GT

  • ✓Inspect the bottoms of the dihedral doors for paint bubbling or "furring" (oxidation)
  • ✓Check for dampness around the radiators in the front wings; leaks are common
  • ✓Verify the door soft-close and latch mechanisms operate without squeaking
  • ✓Ask for a clutch "Snap" report to verify the health of the 7-speed SSG gearbox
2019–2021 McLaren 570S / 540C / 570GT

Browse 2015–2018 McLaren 570S / 540C / 570GT in our Directory

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Other McLaren 570S / 540C / 570GT Year Periods

2015–20182019–2021

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