McLaren Artura Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs
The McLaren Artura is McLaren’s first plug-in hybrid supercar, blending incredible performance with cutting-edge technology. While it represents a big leap forward for the brand, like any high-performance machine, it comes with a few known issues. This guide covers the most common problems reported by owners and what you can expect to pay to fix them in the UK.
1. Warranty and Maintenance Costs
McLaren includes a five-year factory warranty and two years of free servicing for Artura owners. After that, servicing costs increase significantly.
- Routine annual servicing typically costs between £1,500 and £2,500
- Major services at around 30,000 miles can cost £5,500 to £6,500
Independent garages may offer some savings, but most owners stick to main dealers during the warranty period.
2. Infotainment and Electronics Issues
Some owners have reported minor glitches with the infotainment system and control stalks.
Common problems:
- Frozen or unresponsive touchscreen
- Cruise control not functioning correctly
- Occasional audio dropouts
Repair costs:
- Software update or reset: £200 to £400
- Replacing infotainment hardware or steering column switches: £500 to £1,200
Most problems are resolved under warranty or with dealer software updates.
3. Hydraulic Suspension Warnings
The Artura uses a sophisticated hydraulic damping system for superior handling. However, some owners have seen warning lights or experienced minor calibration faults.
Repair costs:
- Suspension recalibration: £300 to £800
- Hydraulic system parts or sensor replacement: £500 to £1,500
These issues are rare and usually appear early if they happen at all.
4. Battery Drain and Electrical Glitches
Like many supercars, the McLaren Artura may suffer from battery drain if left unused for extended periods. Owners recommend using a trickle charger.
Repair cost:
- Replacing the 12-volt battery: £300 to £600
Proper storage and regular use can help avoid this problem.
5. Exterior Trim and Roof Glass
Some owners have reported minor problems with the electrochromic roof glass or exterior trim.
Common complaints:
- Small cracks in the glass
- Seals allowing minor water ingress
- Lower panels prone to stone chips
Repair costs:
- Roof glass panel: £800 to £1,500
- Trim or panel repair and respray: £500 to £1,500
Paint protection film is highly recommended for preserving the finish.
6. Brake and Tyre Wear
Arturas come with high-performance carbon ceramic brakes and wide tyres that wear quickly under spirited driving.
Repair costs:
- Brake pads per axle: £1,200 to £3,000
- Carbon ceramic disc replacement (full set): £6,000 to £10,000
- Full tyre set: £1,200 to £2,500
- Wheel alignment and balancing: £300
Track use accelerates wear significantly.
7. Owner Feedback
Online communities such as McLarenLife and Reddit show that most Artura owners are happy with reliability, especially during the warranty period.
“Had mine for 6 months now. No faults, software was a bit clunky at first but it’s been sorted.”
“Service is expensive but expected. The car itself is amazing. No regrets so far.”
Repair Cost Summary – McLaren Artura (UK)
| Issue | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing | £1,500 to £2,500 |
| Major 3-year service | £5,500 to £6,500 |
| Infotainment repair | £200 to £1,200 |
| Suspension recalibration | £300 to £800 |
| Hydraulic part replacement | £500 to £1,500 |
| 12V battery replacement | £300 to £600 |
| Roof glass or trim repair | £800 to £1,500 |
| Brake pads (per axle) | £1,200 to £3,000 |
| Carbon ceramic discs (full set) | £6,000 to £10,000 |
| Tyre replacement (4 tyres) | £1,200 to £2,500 |
| Wheel alignment & balancing | £300 |
Tips for Owners and Buyers
- Keep the car plugged into a trickle charger if unused for more than a week.
- Stick to official service intervals to maintain warranty and resale value.
- Use paint protection film on the front end and lower panels to avoid chips.
- Ensure any pre-owned car has full dealer service history.
- Set aside a maintenance budget of £3,000 to £5,000 per year after the free servicing period ends.
Final Thoughts
The McLaren Artura is an exciting leap forward in supercar technology, offering hybrid power, stunning design, and thrilling performance. While some early cars had minor teething issues, McLaren has addressed most problems quickly through updates and warranty support. As long as you’re prepared for the costs of high-end maintenance, the Artura can be a reliable and rewarding supercar to own.
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