McLaren 12C Faults That Could Cost You Thousands in Repairs

The McLaren 12C or MP4-12C is a beautiful piece of technology and design that offers incredible performance and the latest technology. But there are some problems that come with owning this British supercar. Some common problems can lead to expensive repairs for many owners and potential buyers. Being acknowledged of what to expect can help you avoid wasting time, money and trouble in the future.

We will discuss the common issues with the McLaren 12C in this blog. This will show what they look like, what causes them and how much they usually cost to fix. We will also give you some advice on how to keep your supercar safe and make it last longer.

Infotainment System Failures

The IRIS infotainment system is one of the first things that McLaren 12C owners complain about. Users generally say that their touchscreens freeze, their Bluetooth connections drop and their GPS doesn't work. This system was ahead of its time but it has problems with old hardware and software.

Fixing or completely replacing the IRIS system can be very expensive and usually cost thousands of dollars or pounds. To avoid it make sure your software is up to date and keep the system safe from heat and moisture. Many owners have been able to find refurbished parts or upgrades  from trusted sellers for their McLaren MP4-12C parts for upgrades, which is a less expensive option.

Transmission and Clutch Problems

The McLaren 12C uses a complex 7 speed dual clutch transmission designed for rapid and smooth shifts. But driving aggressively or using the track and not taking care of your car makes the clutch wear out. The gearbox can have problems like hesitation, slipping or leaking fluid.

A new clutch can cost more than $10,000/£8,000. A complete gearbox rebuild can cost $25,000/£20,000 or more than this. To make your gearbox work for a long time you need to have it serviced regularly and drive carefully. If you are buying a second hand McLaren 12C then check the gearbox carefully and ask for maintenance records to avoid any extra costs.

Hydraulic Suspension Faults

The McLaren's ProActive Chassis Control (PCC) hydraulic suspension is an invention that makes handling and ride comfort better as compared to others. But this level of complexity costs money. Some common problems are shocks that are too loud, ride height which is not even and leaks in the hydraulic system.

It will cost thousands of dollars to fix and replace accumulators, dampers and hydraulic lines. Check strange sounds and warning lights right away. Early detection of the issues is very important. Timely inspections by McLaren professionals who know how McLaren suspension systems work will help keep them from breaking down and costing a lot of money.

Engine and Turbocharger Issues

The 12C's 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 gives it a lot of power but you need to be careful with the turbocharger system. Common signs that something is wrong are loss of boost, oil leaks, strange noises or the car going into limp mode.

Worn turbo seals, leaking charge air hoses or broken wastegate actuators are some of the most common causes of failures. The cost of repairs varies- small repairs cost a few thousand dollar, while turbo replacements cost a lot more. You need to change the oil regularly and use fluids that the manufacturer suggests to prevent your turbo from breaking.

Cooling and Air Conditioning System Problems

The McLaren's performance engine needs to be kept cool in the right way. Some owners have problems with their air conditioning system not working as well, radiator or hoses leaking or their car getting too hot. If these problems are not fixed, they could hurt the engine.

Depending on how bad the problem is, you can expect to pay a few hundred to a few thousand dollars or pounds to fix parts of the cooling system. If you check your hoses and coolant levels regularly and check warning signs then you can avoid costly repairs.

Wear and Tear- Brakes, Tires and Exterior

Higher wear rates come with better performance. The McLaren 12C has carbon-ceramic brakes that stop better than regular brakes but replacing the pads and discs costs a lot of money. High-performance tires also wear out quickly and can be expensive to replace.

Some Mclaren owners also say that their doors do not line up right, they hear wind noise or they have water leaks because the seals are getting old. On time maintenance like checking the seals and making sure the wheels are aligned will make the car more comfortable and help preserve its value.

How to Minimize Repair Costs

If you own a McLaren 12C, you need to plan for regular maintenance and repairs but there are ways to save money:

Regular Service by a Specialist- Always have a workshop that has worked on McLaren supercars do your inspections and repairs.

Check the Service History- Get all maintenance records and have the car checked before you buy it.

Do not drive aggressively- Limit how commonly you use the track and how hard you launch to make the gearbox and clutch last longer.

Protect Electronics- To lower the chance of infotainment and electrical problems keep the car in dry and shady places.

Consider Extended Warranties- Think about getting an extended warranty. It can help pay for expensive repairs on big parts  when you need it.

Finding Quality Parts for Your McLaren 12C

When you need to fix something or make it better then it's important to get high-quality parts. Many owners look for verified suppliers for McLaren MP4-12C performance upgrades and maintenance parts to  make sure long-term reliability and best performance. Not only does choosing reliable sources make driving better, it also helps keep mechanical problems from happening in the future.

Using real or approved parts lowers the chance of breakdowns and keeps your supercar running smoothly whether you are replacing worn parts or adding new ones to make it better.

Conclusion

The McLaren 12C is an amazing car that gives you a fantastic ride but you need to take care of it and respect it. Usual problems like infotainment glitches, worn transmissions, hydraulic suspension issues and turbocharger problems can result in costly repairs that can cost thousands of dollars.

You can enjoy your McLaren for years to come and avoid unexpected costs by keeping yourself updated. You should take good care of the car and buy only genuine MP4-12C parts. Many owners trust Exotic Auto Parts to be their first choice for genuine McLaren MP4-12C parts and performance upgrades because they know they can trust them.