Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2017 McLaren 650S

The final year of 650S production before the 720S replacement. These last cars are the most refined and best-maintained, with all accumulated improvements applied.

What changed for 2017

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

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !PCC accumulator deterioration
  • !Paint bubbling
  • !IRIS glitches
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.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,500–£1,800 (Specialist Set)

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £800–£3,000 (Seal) / £4,000–£6,000 (Clutch rebuild)

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,000–£2,000

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £2,000–£10,000+ per panel

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £600–£1,200 per pair

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£800 (Software/Module)

Buying Tips for 2017 McLaren 650S

  • The 2017 models are the most desirable 650S variants
  • Check for evidence of garage storage and low mileage
  • Verify all maintenance has been performed on schedule