McLaren 570S Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs
The McLaren 570S, launched in 2015, is one of the most accessible McLarens ever made. It combines extreme performance with a lighter and more road-friendly setup than its track-focused siblings. But like all high-end sports cars, the 570S does come with its share of issues and high running costs. This guide breaks down the most common problems and how much they cost to fix.
1. Service and Running Costs
Annual Service Costs:
- Minor service (oil, filters, basic check): £700 to £1,000 from a dealer, or £600 to £900 at a good independent shop.
- Major service (coolant, spark plugs, brake fluid, diagnostics): £1,200 to £1,500 every two years.
5-Year Ownership Estimate:
- Expect to spend around £1,400 to £1,500 per year just on regular maintenance if you drive moderately and don’t track the car.
2. Common Electrical Issues
The 570S has fewer gremlins than earlier McLaren models, but still has minor electronic quirks:
- Power window bugs – the windows may lower unexpectedly after you close the door.
- Key not found – intermittent key signal issues that can be fixed with software updates or key battery replacement.
- Door latch failures – water intrusion can short sensors or actuators.
Fix costs:
- Window switch or door latch: £300 to £700 depending on part and labor.
Most of these issues are annoying rather than serious, and often appear randomly.
3. Paint and Corrosion Problems
Several owners have reported bubbling paint around panel edges. This isn’t rust in the traditional sense, but poor paint prep or bonding on alloy panels.
- McLaren dealers may repair this under goodwill if you catch it early.
- Out-of-warranty paint correction or respray can cost £500 to £2,000 per panel.
4. Suspension Wear and Structural Issues
- Springs can snap over time, especially in colder climates or on rough roads.
- Door hinges may crack and become loose, usually after repeated wear.
- Front windshields are prone to cracking and can be expensive to replace.
Repair costs:
- Suspension spring: £650 each plus labor.
- Shock absorber: £1,500 to £1,700 per corner including labor.
- Door hinge replacement (pair): about £2,200.
These aren’t guaranteed to fail, but they are some of the more expensive repairs once the car is out of warranty.
5. Brakes and Tyres
- Carbon ceramic brakes, which come standard, can last 50,000 to 70,000 miles, but replacing them is expensive.
- Performance tyres wear quickly under hard driving.
Costs:
- Carbon ceramic brake replacement: £7,000 to £12,000 for full set.
- Set of four tyres: £1,200 to £2,500 depending on brand and size.
6. Engine and Fuel System
The 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 in the 570S is mostly bulletproof. Known issues are minimal.
- Some cars have experienced fuel vent hose leaks, fixed under warranty or for less than £300.
- Turbo failures are extremely rare.
Most engine-related repairs are covered under warranty, and post-warranty failures are rare unless abused.
7. Extended Warranty or Self-Insurance?
- McLaren Extended Warranty: £2,200 to £3,300 per year depending on coverage.
- Independent warranty (like Thorney Motorsport): £2,800 to £3,000 per year.
- Many owners choose to self-insure by putting aside £2,500 a year in case something big goes wrong.
With a reliable service history and smart ownership, the car can be affordable to maintain for a supercar—but you should always be prepared for a large, unexpected bill.
Real-World Costs Summary
| Repair Item | Typical Cost (UK) |
|---|---|
| Minor annual service | £700 to £1,000 |
| Major service (every 2 years) | £1,200 to £1,500 |
| Door latch/window fix | £300 to £700 |
| Suspension spring | £650 plus labor |
| Shock absorber | £1,500 to £1,700 each |
| Door hinge replacement | £2,200 (both sides) |
| Paint correction (per panel) | £500 to £2,000 |
| Brakes (carbon ceramic) | £7,000 to £12,000 |
| Tyres (full set) | £1,200 to £2,500 |
| Extended warranty | £2,200 to £3,300/year |
Ownership Tips
- Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a McLaren specialist. They’ll spot paint defects, suspension issues, or early signs of sensor faults.
- Keep the car on a battery tender when parked for long periods. Most electrical glitches happen when battery voltage drops.
- Use independent McLaren service centers. You can save 20 to 40 percent over main dealer costs without compromising on expertise.
- Budget at least £2,500 per year even if the car seems problem-free. A single shock or hinge can eat that entire budget in one go.
- Join owner communities like McLaren Life and forums to get real advice, trusted mechanics, and part sources.
Final Thoughts
The McLaren 570S is one of the most usable and reliable supercars you can own if you go in prepared. Most owners report smooth experiences during the first 30,000 to 50,000 miles, but beyond that, wear and age-related repairs do start to appear.
You don’t need to fear the car—but you do need to respect the ownership costs. With the right strategy, you can enjoy a 570S for years without losing sleep or breaking the bank.
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