IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2014–2017 McLaren 650S

We've identified 6 known issues that can affect the 2014–2017 McLaren 650S. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

6
Known Issues
1
Serious
4
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

PCC Hydraulic Accumulator Wear

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

The nitrogen-filled accumulators are wear items with a 3-5 year lifespan. When they fail, the car feels excessively stiff (often called riding on "wagon wheels"). This also causes steering "dead spots" as the system loses pressure regulation. While dealers charge £3,000+, specialists like Thorney Motorsport offer full sets for ~£1,500–£1,800.

Most affected: Coupe, Spider

Estimated cost: £1,500–£1,800 (Specialist Set)Affects: 2014–2017Often appears around: 15k-35k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Harsh ride in "Normal" mode
  • •"Wagon wheels" feel
  • •Excessive body roll
  • •Suspension warnings
  • •Steering dead spots

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test drive on varying road surfaces
  • ✓Check service history for accumulator replacement

Gearbox Coolant Weep and Input Shaft Seal

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

A slow drip of pink coolant from the gearbox housing indicates the input shaft seal at the clutch/coolant interface is breaking down. Caught early, it is a straightforward seal replacement. If ignored, coolant migrates into clutch oil, causing dual-clutch judder and slipping, requiring a full clutch pack rebuild.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £800–£3,000 (Seal) / £4,000–£6,000 (Clutch rebuild)Affects: 2014–2017Often appears around: 20k-40k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Pink coolant drip from gearbox housing
  • •Clutch judder on pull-away
  • •Clutch slipping under load

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the bottom of the gearbox housing for pink residue
  • ✓Check clutch feel during slow-speed manoeuvres
  • ✓Look for coolant level drops

Nose-Lift Motor Failure

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The front-end lift system uses an electric motor that can seize or fail, leaving the car stuck in either the raised or lowered position. Driving with a seized lift motor in the raised position risks damage to the mechanism at speed.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £1,000–£2,000Affects: 2014–2017Often appears around: 25k-50k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Nose-lift will not raise or lower
  • •Grinding noise from front axle when operating lift
  • •Lift warning light on dashboard

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Activate the nose-lift repeatedly and listen for motor strain
  • ✓Check the front underside for scuffs suggesting infrequent lift use
  • ✓Verify operation on both cold start and after driving

Carbon Fiber Panel Repair Costs

ModerateBodywork & Rust

The 650S uses carbon fiber body panels and structural elements. Minor parking damage or stone chips that would be cheap to repair on an aluminium or steel car can require specialist carbon repair or full panel replacement, which is disproportionately expensive.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £2,000–£10,000+ per panelAffects: 2014–2017Often appears around: Age and use related

Typical symptoms

  • •Visible cracks or chips in carbon panels
  • •Delamination of clear coat over carbon
  • •Water ingress through damaged panel seams

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect all carbon fiber panels closely under direct light
  • ✓Check for previous repair evidence (mismatched weave or paint texture)
  • ✓Verify the front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser for stone damage

Door Strut Failure

ModerateBodywork & Rust

The dihedral doors use gas struts that gradually lose pressure over five to seven years. Once the strut fails, the door droops and can drop on a person or adjacent vehicle, damaging the body panel where it meets the rocker.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £600–£1,200 per pairAffects: 2014–2017Often appears around: 5-7 years age-related

Typical symptoms

  • •Door droops when opened
  • •Door will not stay in the upright position
  • •Squeaking during door operation

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Open each door and observe if it holds position
  • ✓Check for scuffs on the door bottom edge from previous drops
  • ✓Listen for gas hissing from struts

IRIS Infotainment Lag and Glitches

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The IRIS 2 system is better than the original but can still suffer from slow boot-up times and connectivity issues.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £200–£800 (Software/Module)Affects: 2014–2017Often appears around: N/A

Typical symptoms

  • •Screen freezes
  • •Navigation system lag
  • •Bluetooth pairing failure

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test all infotainment functions during the test drive

Buying Tips for the 2014 McLaren 650S

  • ✓Verify the PCC accumulators have been replaced if the car is over 5 years old
  • ✓Check the condition of the Alcantara interior; it can wear heavily on high-use areas
  • ✓Ensure the active aero and DRS systems operate without hesitation
  • ✓Check for any signs of paint bubbling on the aluminum panels

Browse 2014–2017 McLaren 650S in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2014–2017 McLaren 650S vehicles.

View 2014–2017 Directory

Other McLaren 650S Year Periods

2014–2017

Looking at a specific 2014 McLaren 650S?

Enter the registration number to check its full MOT history, outstanding finance, write-off status, and more.

Free Vehicle Check