Owning a McLaren 570S is as rewarding as it is demanding. Beneath its carbon-fibre body and twin-turbo V8 lies a machine that requires precision care to stay at its best. Like any high-performance car, it’s not immune to wear and tear. Knowing what can go wrong, why it happens, and how to prevent it helps owners protect both performance and long-term value.
Most Common Issues with the McLaren 570s
1. Turbo System & Engine Health
The turbochargers play a huge role in delivering the 570S’s sharp power delivery. Over time, seals can wear and small leaks in the boost system may appear. These issues often start subtly — a slight loss of power, faint whistling, or uneven acceleration.
To reduce risk:
- Replace fluids and filters at the intervals McLaren recommends
- Use premium-grade oil suited to high-heat conditions
- Have the turbo plumbing checked for cracks or leaks during every service
Workshops experienced with supercars, such as Matt Gates Automotive, note that small leaks or oil residue around the intercooler are early signs owners shouldn’t ignore.
2. Suspension Wear and Ride Control
The 570S’s sharp handling depends on suspension components working perfectly together. Bushings, dampers, and wishbones all take punishment under hard driving. As these parts soften or wear, the car may feel less precise through corners.
Signs of trouble include uneven tyre wear, knocks over bumps, or vague steering. Regular geometry checks and replacing worn rubber mounts keep the chassis tight and predictable.
3. Electrical and Sensor Faults
McLarens are loaded with sensors and electronic modules that control everything from stability systems to the digital dash. Electrical gremlins often show up as random warning lights, infotainment freezes, or faulty parking sensors.
Common causes include:
- Low or ageing battery
- Moisture or poor grounding in connectors
- Software needing updates
Keeping the car’s electronics maintained through a workshop with proper diagnostic tools ensures these faults are caught early rather than escalating into costly repairs.
4. Transmission and Clutch Problems
The dual-clutch transmission is brilliant when serviced correctly but unforgiving if neglected. Jerky shifts, hesitation, or vibration can point to clutch wear or hydraulic pressure issues.
Owners should follow factory intervals for gearbox oil changes and avoid aggressive throttle use before the car is fully warmed up. Routine servicing by a specialist technician prevents premature wear and keeps the transmission shifting smoothly.
5. Brake Performance and Maintenance
With performance braking comes high stress on pads and discs. Carbon-ceramic rotors can glaze, squeal or even crack under repeated hard stops. Brake fluid can also degrade faster in high-heat conditions.
Preventive steps include:
- Inspecting pad and disc thickness every service
- Using the correct fluid and bleeding it regularly
- Cooling the brakes between track sessions or spirited drives
6. Tyres, Alignment and Everyday Care
Tyres are a direct link between all that power and the road. Poor alignment or uneven wear not only affects grip but can also hint at deeper suspension issues. Keep tyres balanced, rotated, and replaced in matched sets to maintain predictable handling.
Checking pressures before every drive is one of the simplest yet most effective maintenance habits McLaren owners can adopt.
7. Preventive Maintenance Pays Off
The McLaren 570S rewards owners who stay proactive. Sticking to maintenance schedules, listening for early warning signs, and using workshops familiar with performance cars will always pay off in reliability, safety, and resale value.
Keeping Your McLaren at Its Best
Owning a McLaren 570S comes with responsibility, but also reward. With consistent maintenance, early problem detection and support from skilled technicians, owners can keep their car performing exactly as McLaren intended. Attention to detail now means many more years of confident, powerful driving ahead.
