Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (328 km/h)
Fuel, maker's test (10.7 L/100 km)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a high-risk, high-reward ownership profile.
7 problems reported (3 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentBuild Quality & Interior Failures
Interior trim pieces breaking, delaminating, or falling off; leather dash splitting; alcantara detaching; cheap plastic switches/visors failing.
- Very frequentElectrical & Infotainment Problems
Infotainment system crashes requiring reboots; screen freezes; "key not found" errors; window switch failures; poor native infotainment software; lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Very frequentGeneral Reliability & Costly Repairs
Unpredictable breakdowns; expensive and lengthy repairs; parts wait times of months; high labor costs; reputation for stranding owners.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentWear & Tear Item Failure
Bushings, springs, accumulators, wheel speed sensors, and downpipes wearing out or failing at relatively low mileage (e.g., ~20,000 miles).
- RecurrentLow Ground Clearance
Frequent bottoming out on driveways and speed bumps, making it impractical for daily use on unknown roads.
- IsolatedRust Issues
Mentioned as a problem area on some vehicles.
- IsolatedPaint Quality Issues
Thin clear coat and other paint defects noted.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version (e.g., Coupe vs. Spider, standard vs. 600LT). Owner discussions focus more on model-year considerations and warranty status rather than trim superiority.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ferrari 458 Italia, Ferrari 488 GTB, Lamborghini Huracan, Audi R8 (V10) and Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a high-risk, high-reward ownership profile. The vehicle is widely praised for its driving dynamics, described as feeling "light, tight, and a lot of fun," with handling frequently compared favorably to a Lotus Elise or Exige but with significantly more power. Its aesthetic appeal, presence, and "head-turning factor" are consistently highlighted as major positives. However, this is heavily counterbalanced by very frequent and severe criticism regarding build quality, reliability, and ownership costs. The consensus indicates that when the car functions correctly, it delivers an exceptional and engaging supercar experience, but a significant portion of owners report encountering expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating mechanical and cosmetic issues that severely impact ownership satisfaction.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as an "entry-level" or "baby McLaren" supercar, offering a more accessible price point for the brand, particularly on the used market. It is frequently compared to the Audi R8 and Huracan, with owners noting the McLaren provides better visibility and a more "livable" day-to-day experience but suffers from worse perceived reliability. Versus the Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06, it is acknowledged to have superior aesthetics and brand prestige but is considered significantly less reliable and more expensive to maintain. Compared to Ferraris like the 458, it is often seen as a more modern, tech-forward alternative but lacks the brand cachet, natural aspiration, and perceived build quality. The driving experience is often described as more agile and engaging than heavier German alternatives but less special or robust than some Italian rivals.
Recommended configurations
A Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle with a factory McLaren warranty is very strongly recommended, if not deemed essential, to mitigate repair costs. Independent pre-purchase inspections are emphasized. For potential daily use, the Spider variant is mentioned for its open-top experience, but with significant caveats about practicality. No specific drivetrain or option packages are highlighted as must-haves beyond comprehensive warranty coverage.
General recommendations
Only suitable for buyers who have thoroughly budgeted for high and unpredictable maintenance costs, including annual service budgets of $2,000-$5,000 USD without major repairs, and potential transport costs if far from a dealer. Strongly recommended for driving enthusiasts who prioritize handling feel and engagement over luxury refinement or absolute reliability. NOT recommended as a primary or only vehicle. NOT recommended for owners who are not mechanically sympathetic or prepared for complex procedures (e.g., electronic oil level checks). NOT recommended without a comprehensive warranty. Potential buyers are advised to test drive extensively to evaluate ground clearance issues and ergonomics. Aggressive negotiation on purchase price is expected due to steep depreciation.
Remarks
The vehicle's notorious depreciation is directly linked to its reputation for reliability issues and historical brand perception problems post-2010 relaunch. Owner experiences are highly bimodal: some report trouble-free ownership, while others report catastrophic, repeated failures. This suggests significant variability in build quality or prior maintenance. The complexity of the vehicle demands specialized knowledge and care, moving it beyond a typical ownership proposition. The 570S Spider ceased production in 2021, so later model years do not benefit from ongoing factory quality control improvements. Analysis based on approximately 60 substantive owner discussions and comparisons.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2019Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 0 | structure |
| 2017 | 2 | 1 | latches/locks/linkages |
| 2016 | 1 | 1 | engine |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices2 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2017 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V141000
McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2012-2013 MP4-12C, 2014-2016 650s, 2015-2016 675 LT, 2014-2015 P1 and 2015-2017 570 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
2016 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V141000
McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2012-2013 MP4-12C, 2014-2016 650s, 2015-2016 675 LT, 2014-2015 P1 and 2015-2017 570 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Specifications
3.8 V8 SSG
3.8L 8-cylinder · 570 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2017–2021