IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2021 McLaren 570S / 540C / 570GT

The final year of 570S production before the Artura replacement. These last cars are the most refined and best-maintained, with all accumulated improvements applied.

What changed for 2021

  • •Final production year
  • •All accumulated improvements applied
  • •Limited availability of low-mileage examples

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Paint bubbling
  • !Age-related condensation in lights
  • !Battery drain from electronics
6
Known Issues
1
Serious
5
Moderate
0
Minor

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £5,000–£15,000
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • 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
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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.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,000–£2,500 per panel
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • Run your hand along the bottom edge of the doors
  • Inspect the seams of the front and rear arches
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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.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£1,200 per door
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • Test both doors multiple times
  • Check for even panel gaps when closed
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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.

Est. Repair Cost: £2,200–£3,000 per pair
Warning Signs:

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

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

Est. Repair Cost: £3,000–£4,500
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • 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
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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.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,500–£3,000 per pair
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect front dampers for oil seepage
  • Listen for clunks during low-speed manoeuvres
  • Check ride height is consistent both sides
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2021 McLaren 570S / 540C / 570GT

  • ✓The 2021 models are the most desirable 570S variants
  • ✓Check for evidence of garage storage and low mileage
  • ✓Verify all maintenance has been performed on schedule
2019–2020
Check a 2021 McLaren 570S / 540C / 570GT by Registration