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McLaren MP4-12C / 12C Spider I faults

6 faults documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.

Buy with care
Reliability
3.5/5

6 known faults

Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports

  1. Takata passenger airbag recall (United States)

    Manufacturer recall

    In the United States, McLaren recalled 2012 MP4-12Cs (654 vehicles in the NHTSA file, in hot and humid regions): the Takata inflator of the passenger airbag can rupture when deployed and throw metal fragments at the occupants. The remedy is a free replacement of the passenger airbag (about 5 hours). This is a US recall: have it checked against the serial number with McLaren.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Wiper motor seizure recall (United States)

    Manufacturer recall

    NHTSA recall 13V-541 covers 2012-2014 MP4-12C Spiders and coupés sold or registered in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas: in high heat and humidity, the wiper motor brushes swell and seize, reducing visibility in the rain. Free replacement of the motor (about 2 hours). AutoGuide counts 376 cars affected. This is a US recall: have it checked against the serial number.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. Faulty IRIS infotainment system

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    The first cars had a first-generation IRIS screen, criticised at launch; McLaren no longer provides updates for it (Top Gear). Phone Bluetooth can make it crash, and IRIS 2 can be fitted as an upgrade for around £3,000 (Top Gear). RAC reports that IRIS units on early cars were not fully functional and recommends testing it.

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  4. Temperamental touch-sensitive door openers

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    The first cars open by means of a touch sensor under the bodywork: What Car? and RAC find it problematic, especially in the rain. Top Gear believes the problem often comes from incorrect use. 2013 cars have real buttons, which cannot be fitted to older cars (RAC).

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  5. Worn suspension hydraulic actuators

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Each wheel has a hydraulic actuator: wear can trigger a PCC warning light or a height readjustment when the car is stationary. Top Gear puts one actuator at around £850 and all four at around £1,800. Automonitor cites $10,000 to $15,000 per wheel for hydraulic suspension failures on the 12C and 650S, listing it among common faults between 40,000 and 80,000 miles (figures from that site, in dollars).

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  6. Gearbox oil leak (seal)

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Top Gear mentions a known gearbox sealing defect: an oil leak affecting about 5% of cars according to one specialist, and as the gearbox is sealed the dealer can only replace it. Thorney Motorsport attributes the leak to poor-quality main shaft bearings in the Graziano gearbox and offers a rebuild for £9,500; by its account a complete replacement costs £14,500 excluding VAT. These prices in pounds come from a workshop that sells the repair.

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports

  1. Takata passenger airbag recall (United States)

    Manufacturer recall

    In the United States, McLaren recalled 2012 MP4-12Cs (654 vehicles in the NHTSA file, in hot and humid regions): the Takata inflator of the passenger airbag can rupture when deployed and throw metal fragments at the occupants. The remedy is a free replacement of the passenger airbag (about 5 hours). This is a US recall: have it checked against the serial number with McLaren.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Wiper motor seizure recall (United States)

    Manufacturer recall

    NHTSA recall 13V-541 covers 2012-2014 MP4-12C Spiders and coupés sold or registered in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas: in high heat and humidity, the wiper motor brushes swell and seize, reducing visibility in the rain. Free replacement of the motor (about 2 hours). AutoGuide counts 376 cars affected. This is a US recall: have it checked against the serial number.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. Faulty IRIS infotainment system

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    The first cars had a first-generation IRIS screen, criticised at launch; McLaren no longer provides updates for it (Top Gear). Phone Bluetooth can make it crash, and IRIS 2 can be fitted as an upgrade for around £3,000 (Top Gear). RAC reports that IRIS units on early cars were not fully functional and recommends testing it.

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  4. Temperamental touch-sensitive door openers

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    The first cars open by means of a touch sensor under the bodywork: What Car? and RAC find it problematic, especially in the rain. Top Gear believes the problem often comes from incorrect use. 2013 cars have real buttons, which cannot be fitted to older cars (RAC).

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  5. Worn suspension hydraulic actuators

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Each wheel has a hydraulic actuator: wear can trigger a PCC warning light or a height readjustment when the car is stationary. Top Gear puts one actuator at around £850 and all four at around £1,800. Automonitor cites $10,000 to $15,000 per wheel for hydraulic suspension failures on the 12C and 650S, listing it among common faults between 40,000 and 80,000 miles (figures from that site, in dollars).

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  6. Gearbox oil leak (seal)

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Top Gear mentions a known gearbox sealing defect: an oil leak affecting about 5% of cars according to one specialist, and as the gearbox is sealed the dealer can only replace it. Thorney Motorsport attributes the leak to poor-quality main shaft bearings in the Graziano gearbox and offers a rebuild for £9,500; by its account a complete replacement costs £14,500 excluding VAT. These prices in pounds come from a workshop that sells the repair.

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports

  1. Takata passenger airbag recall (United States)

    Manufacturer recall

    In the United States, McLaren recalled 2012 MP4-12Cs (654 vehicles in the NHTSA file, in hot and humid regions): the Takata inflator of the passenger airbag can rupture when deployed and throw metal fragments at the occupants. The remedy is a free replacement of the passenger airbag (about 5 hours). This is a US recall: have it checked against the serial number with McLaren.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Wiper motor seizure recall (United States)

    Manufacturer recall

    NHTSA recall 13V-541 covers 2012-2014 MP4-12C Spiders and coupés sold or registered in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas: in high heat and humidity, the wiper motor brushes swell and seize, reducing visibility in the rain. Free replacement of the motor (about 2 hours). AutoGuide counts 376 cars affected. This is a US recall: have it checked against the serial number.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. Faulty IRIS infotainment system

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    The first cars had a first-generation IRIS screen, criticised at launch; McLaren no longer provides updates for it (Top Gear). Phone Bluetooth can make it crash, and IRIS 2 can be fitted as an upgrade for around £3,000 (Top Gear). RAC reports that IRIS units on early cars were not fully functional and recommends testing it.

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  4. Temperamental touch-sensitive door openers

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    The first cars open by means of a touch sensor under the bodywork: What Car? and RAC find it problematic, especially in the rain. Top Gear believes the problem often comes from incorrect use. 2013 cars have real buttons, which cannot be fitted to older cars (RAC).

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  5. Worn suspension hydraulic actuators

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Each wheel has a hydraulic actuator: wear can trigger a PCC warning light or a height readjustment when the car is stationary. Top Gear puts one actuator at around £850 and all four at around £1,800. Automonitor cites $10,000 to $15,000 per wheel for hydraulic suspension failures on the 12C and 650S, listing it among common faults between 40,000 and 80,000 miles (figures from that site, in dollars).

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  6. Gearbox oil leak (seal)

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Top Gear mentions a known gearbox sealing defect: an oil leak affecting about 5% of cars according to one specialist, and as the gearbox is sealed the dealer can only replace it. Thorney Motorsport attributes the leak to poor-quality main shaft bearings in the Graziano gearbox and offers a rebuild for £9,500; by its account a complete replacement costs £14,500 excluding VAT. These prices in pounds come from a workshop that sells the repair.

    Versions
    Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 600 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Coupé 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 3.8 V8 biturbo 625 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Price and diagnose repairs

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the McLaren MP4-12C / 12C Spider I (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

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