McLaren's most reliable supercar and the brand's best-selling model. The M838TE twin-turbo V8 is mechanically robust with turbo failures being extremely rare. Unlike earlier McLarens with troublesome hydraulic suspension, the 570S uses conventional adaptive dampers. Main concerns are electrical gremlins (key not found errors, window bugs), notorious windscreen stress fractures requiring €5,000-6,000 replacement, and coolant hose clamp failures. Carbon ceramic brake replacement is eye-wateringly expensive at €15,000-20,000. Extended warranty strongly recommended – typical repairs easily exceed €10,000 per incident.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€2,900 - €5,400/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€1,900-3,000
Risk buffer
€1,000-2,400
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Windscreen stress fracture€5,000 - €6,000
Lightweight glass cracks spontaneously from stress – not stone chips · more· less
This is a well-documented McLaren issue affecting 570S and 720S models. Stress fractures typically run vertically from the top center about two-thirds down the windscreen with no stone chips visible. Some owners report going through 3-5 windscreens, with cracks occurring while the car sits in the garage. Suspected causes include chassis tolerance issues in hand-built cars, thinner glass for weight savings, improper sealant application, or a loose screw in the windscreen frame top rail. McLaren changed suppliers but the problem persists. Extended warranty does not cover glass – only factory warranty covers stress fractures. One owner on their 5th windscreen in under 50,000 km. Not covered by extended warranty after factory warranty expires.
Coolant hose clamp failure€800 - €2,500
Original Oetiker clamps lose tension, causing rapid coolant loss · more· less
The 570S's air-to-water intercoolers sit next to extremely hot exhaust catalytic converters. Under hard driving, this creates extreme coolant temperatures and pressure in the coolant tank, which can crack the tank or cause hose clamps to fail. Original factory Oetiker clamps are known to lose tension over time. Common leak points include lower radiator hoses, 90-degree heater hose, and hose connections at the gearbox cooler. Water pump can also leak from the weep hole – look for blue coolant stains at the bottom of the pump. Repair requires draining and refilling the entire cooling system, ideally with a vacuum filler to prevent air bubbles. Specialists recommend replacing all original clamps with high-quality constant tension worm gear clamps preventatively. Water pump housing can develop corrosion buildup. One owner's coolant leak damaged the flywheel requiring a €20,000+ repair (covered under warranty).
Carbon ceramic brake replacement€15,000 - €20,000
OEM carbon ceramic rotors are extremely expensive to replace · more· less
McLaren dealer pricing for front and rear carbon ceramic rotors runs €15,000-20,000 for the complete set. Pad replacement alone costs €1,400-1,600 per axle at dealers, or €1,000 front / €900 rear using Pagid racing pads at specialists. For street driving, carbon ceramics show virtually no wear over tens of thousands of kilometers. Track use typically gives 10-20 full track days. Aftermarket alternatives exist: Racing Brake offers carbon ceramic replacements for around €10,000 for the full set, while Girodisc iron disc conversions run around €3,200 for all four rotors (requiring new pads). Refurbishment option: Surface Transforms charges €600 per rotor plus shipping and can refurbish up to 3 times per rotor's lifetime. Budget €100-150/year amortized replacement cost for street use, significantly more for track use.
Intermittent key not found errors, windows rolling down unexpectedly · more· less
The 570S has fewer electrical issues than earlier McLarens (12C/650S) but still experiences gremlins. "Key not found" errors occur even when the key is present, preventing use of the lift menu. Common causes: interference from phones/dashcams operating on 433 MHz, faulty key sensors in the car, or low key fob battery. McLaren advises placing the key in the front seat pocket. Windows may roll down unexpectedly after closing the door or fail to auto-roll up. Some owners report complete electrical loops where the car won't stop locking/unlocking itself and honking. After battery disconnection, window relearn procedures are often required. The car's systems can "act spooky" when battery voltage drops – keep on a CTEK Lithium-compatible trickle charger when parked. Battery drains within 7-14 days without a charger. Most electrical issues resolve when battery voltage is maintained properly. Door latch/window switch repair: €300-700 depending on parts and labor.
Clutch pack replacement€6,000 - €8,000
Dual-clutch transmission clutch pack wears with use, especially track driving · more· less
The Graziano 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is generally strong and reliable. Clutch pack replacement costs around €6,000-7,000 for parts and labor. Typical lifespan varies greatly: 50,000-100,000 km for street use, significantly less for track use. Symptoms include slippage, rough shifts, or clutch smell. The gearbox has one known weakness: poor quality main shaft bearings can wear prematurely. Rather than replacing the entire transmission (extremely costly), specialists offer rebuild services including upgraded main shafts, bearings, and seals for around €5,000-8,000 plus removal/installation labor. Clutch fluid service recommended every 32,000 km using McLaren FFL-4 spec fluid. Gearbox oil service every 64,000 km. Dealer clutch fluid service costs €1,200-1,400, or €400 in parts for DIY. Most 570S owners report no gearbox issues through the first 50,000-80,000 km with proper maintenance.
Spark plug/ignition coil failure€800 - €1,500
Misfires at high RPM/full throttle indicate failing coils or fouled plugs · more· less
Common symptom is a flashing check engine light when at full throttle over 160 km/h. Factory spark plugs don't handle the M838TE's high cylinder pressures well, especially on modified cars. Misfires cause rough idle and power fluctuations. Replacement recommendations: NGK ILKR8E6 spark plugs gapped at 0.6mm perform better than OEM. For ignition coils, Delphi GN10325 coils are identical to OEM Bosch but with improved build quality – the spring contacts are properly attached and don't cause electrical arcing like OEM coils can. Always replace spark plugs when doing coil packs since the engine is already accessible. Factory spark plug replacement interval is around 40,000 km, but many owners replace earlier (25,000-30,000 km) to prevent misfires. Set of 8 coil packs from McLaren dealer: €600-800. Aftermarket Delphi coils: €400-500 for the set. Labor: 2-3 hours. Budget €800-1,000 for plugs and coils at an independent specialist, or €1,200-1,500 at a McLaren dealer.
Adaptive damper failure€1,400 - €1,700
Conventional dampers (not hydraulic like other McLarens) can leak or fail · more· less
Important distinction: The 570S uses conventional adaptive dampers, NOT the complex hydraulic suspension system found in the 12C/650S/675LT. This makes the 570S significantly more reliable than other McLarens in terms of suspension. However, the adaptive dampers can still develop leaks or electronic actuator failures. Symptoms include harsh ride, uneven ride height, suspension warning lights, or leaking fluid from damper bodies. Shock absorber replacement: €1,400-1,700 per corner including parts and labor. Suspension spring: €600-700 each plus labor. The damper installation isn't difficult but you'll need to recharge the hydraulic system afterwards, typically requiring a dealer visit. 2017-2019 models are considered the sweet spot for reliability. The 570S stacks up much better reliability-wise than the 12C and 650S which suffered frequent hydraulic suspension failures costing €5,000-10,000 to repair.
Door latch actuator failure€500 - €1,200
Water intrusion shorts actuators, doors won't open or close properly · more· less
Water intrusion can short door lock sensors or actuators. Soft-close latches on 2016 models are particularly problematic with intermittent failures. Symptoms: door won't open despite hearing actuator working, warning messages requiring manual release, or door won't latch properly. Emergency release strap is located over the driver's left shoulder. The 570S latch is completely different from the 12C/Tesla latch. Dealers recommend replacing latches in pairs as mismatched serial numbers can cause issues. Replacement parts are often on backorder – this is a well-known McLaren issue. Troubleshooting: there's a fuse box behind the driver's seat with a 10-amp door latch fuse. Removing it for 2 minutes and reinstalling can clear codes. Resetting the body control module by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes may also help. Check wiring harness connections for corrosion. Part replacement cost: €500-700 per latch plus 2-3 hours labor. If both latches need replacement: €1,000-1,200 total at a specialist.
Fuel injector failure€1,500 - €3,000
Clogged or sticking injectors cause misfires, rough idle, power loss · more· less
Fuel injector issues are rare but serious when they occur. Symptoms include misfires (often on one bank of cylinders only), rough idle, engine not revving past 4,000 RPM, or intermittent power loss. A clogged injector causes the ECU to over-compensate by increasing duty cycle. Diagnosis is challenging as symptoms mimic bad coils or spark plugs. One owner reported misfires in cylinders 1-4, cleaned injectors and replaced plugs/coils, but problem persisted. According to a McLaren brand manager, only about a dozen 570S cars have needed injector replacement – this is not a common issue. When it does occur, professional cleaning or replacement is required. Removal of injectors requires significant labor due to mid-engine packaging. Cleaning service at specialist: €1,500-2,000. Complete injector replacement: €2,500-3,000 including labor. Prevention: use premium fuel (98 RON minimum) and add fuel system cleaner every 10,000 km. Early 570S models (2015-2016) had some cases of ticking noise from fuel rail/injectors requiring upgraded parts under warranty.
Most reliable McLaren, but still expensive when things break
The 570S is widely considered McLaren's most reliable model. The M838TE V8 is mechanically robust with minimal engine failures reported. Unlike earlier McLarens with problematic hydraulic suspension, the 570S uses conventional adaptive dampers. Most issues are electrical gremlins and wear items rather than catastrophic failures. However, when repairs are needed, costs are high due to mid-engine packaging and expensive parts. Extended warranty (€3,000-4,000/year) strongly recommended as a single major repair can exceed €10,000. Most owners report smooth ownership during the first 50,000 km, but beyond that, age and wear-related repairs become more common.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Complete service history
Verify all annual services completed at McLaren dealer or authorized specialist. Missing service history is a red flag.
Cold start test
Engine must be completely cold. Listen for unusual noises, rough running, or misfires during first 5 minutes.
Extended test drive (minimum 30 minutes)
Include varied speeds and conditions. Many issues only appear when the car is fully warmed up.
Windscreen inspection
Carefully inspect for any stress cracks, especially running vertically from the top center. Ask about windscreen replacement history.
Carbon fiber body panels
Check for cracks, repairs, or paint mismatches. McLaren's lightweight construction is expensive to repair properly.
Specific for this vehicle
Test all electrical systems thoroughly
Try starting with key fob in different locations. Check for "key not found" errors. Test windows – do they roll down unexpectedly? Try all door locks/unlocks multiple times. Bring your phone and test for interference.
Check for coolant leaks in engine bay
Look for blue coolant stains at hose connections, especially lower radiator hoses, heater hoses, and at the bottom of the water pump. Check coolant reservoir level and condition – should be clean, not brown or rusty. Ask if original Oetiker hose clamps have been replaced with constant tension clamps.
Inspect adaptive dampers for leaks
Look at each damper body for any signs of oil leaking or misting. Check for uneven ride height side-to-side. Test suspension by driving over bumps – should be compliant, not harsh or clunky.
Check for misfire codes or CEL history
Ask for diagnostic scan. History of misfire codes may indicate spark plug, coil, or injector issues. During test drive at full throttle (if safe/legal), watch for flashing check engine light.
Inspect underside for scraping damage
Due to low ground clearance, check front splitter, underbody panels, and exhaust for scraping. Cars without nose lift system will show more damage. Severe scraping can indicate accident damage.
Test dual-clutch gearbox thoroughly
Drive for at least 20 minutes to get transmission fully warmed up. Feel for smooth shifts in all gears. Listen for clunking during shifts. Check for slipping under acceleration. Smell for clutch odor after aggressive driving.
Verify recall completion
2020 models: brake banjo bolt recall (SRC 00 C 001). 2015-2017 models: Takata airbag recall. Contact McLaren with VIN to verify all recalls completed.
Inspect carbon ceramic brakes (if equipped)
Check rotor thickness and condition. Look for chips or cracks (small surface cracks are normal). Excessive wear means €15,000-20,000 replacement is coming. Ask about track use history – track miles wear brakes significantly faster.
Check door latch operation
Open and close each door 10+ times. Test soft-close if equipped. Should operate smoothly without warnings. Check for water stains around door seals indicating water intrusion issues.
Verify extended warranty eligibility
If car is under 10 years old with under 120,000 km, it's eligible for McLaren extended warranty. Car must pass McLaren dealer inspection (€1,000-1,200). Factor extended warranty cost (€3,000-4,000/year) into ownership budget.
Contact McLaren customer service at +44 (0) 1483 662 000 (UK) or your local McLaren dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The brake banjo bolt recall is critical for safety – missing holes prevent brake fluid supply to one corner's caliper, causing brake failure and the vehicle to pull during braking.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years unlimited mileage)Expired on all 2015-2021 models
McLaren Extended Warranty eligibilityUnder 10 years old, under 120,000 km
Pre-purchase inspection required€1,000-1,200 at McLaren dealer
All 2015-2021 McLaren 570S models are now outside their original 3-year factory warranty. Extended warranty through McLaren is available for cars under 10 years old with under 120,000 km. The car must pass a McLaren dealer inspection before approval. Extended warranty coverage is comprehensive including drivetrain, suspension, and electrical systems, with unlimited claims. Important: windscreen stress fractures and oil leaks are NOT covered by extended warranty. Third-party warranties available for €2,500-3,500/year but carefully verify coverage exclusions. Given typical repair costs (€5,000-20,000 per incident), extended warranty is strongly recommended for most owners.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.