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2012 McLaren MP4-12C

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2012 McLaren MP4-12C marked McLaren’s return to producing its own road cars after the iconic F1. It came standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 engine producing around 592 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired exclusively with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Owners generally praised the MP4-12C for its incredible performance, handling, and innovative technology. However, some common complaints included a somewhat sterile driving experience (compared to more visceral supercars), early model reliability issues, and a relatively uninspiring engine sound.

Engine

3.8L Twin-Turbo V8

  • Oil Leaks from Turbochargers
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the turbocharger seals, resulting in burning oil smell and potential engine damage if not addressed.
    • Solution: Replacing the turbocharger seals or the entire turbocharger unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Vacuum Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the vacuum pump, leading to brake booster issues and reduced braking performance.
    • Solution: Replacing the vacuum pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission

  • Transmission Hesitation/Rough Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation during gear changes, particularly at low speeds, and rough or jerky shifting.
    • Solution: Transmission software update or in some cases, replacement of clutch packs or mechatronic unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $8,000+ depending on severity

Suspension

  • Proactive Chassis Control (PCC) Hydraulic Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Hydraulic fluid leaks from the PCC system, which controls the adaptive dampers and anti-roll function, leading to degraded handling performance.
    • Solution: Replacing leaking hydraulic lines, dampers, or the PCC accumulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+ depending on the affected component.

Electrical

  • Instrument Cluster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent flickering, blank screen, or complete failure of the instrument cluster.
    • Solution: Replacement of the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Rapid battery drain, particularly when the car is not driven regularly.
    • Solution: Identifying and addressing parasitic drain sources or replacing the battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the cause.
  • Door Latch Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the door latch actuator, making it difficult or impossible to open the doors from the inside or outside.
    • Solution: Replacing the door latch actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500 per door.

Exterior

  • Hydraulic Door Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the hydraulic actuators that control the dihedral doors, leading to slow or incomplete opening/closing of the doors.
    • Solution: Replacing the hydraulic actuators or related components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000 per door.

Interior

  • IRIS Infotainment System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, or malfunctioning of the IRIS infotainment system, affecting navigation, audio, and other functions.
    • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the IRIS unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • HVAC System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent cooling, blower motor malfunction, or failure of the HVAC control module.
    • Solution: Replacing faulty components such as the blower motor, resistor, or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+

Recalls 13V-137: MCLAREN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 MP4-12C VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 20, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. THE INADEQUATE BONDING STRENGTH BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK’S OUTER AND INNER PANELS MAY RESULT IN THE TANK NOT MEETING FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 301, “FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY.” 13V-586: MCLAREN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 AND 2013 MP4-12C VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 20, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 22, 2012. DUE TO INADEQUATE ADHESION OF THE WINDSHIELD TO THE VEHICLE BODY, THE WINDSHIELD MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. 14V-441: MCLAREN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 AND 2013 MP4-12C VEHICLES MANUFACTURED OCTOBER 3, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 26, 2012. THE A/C SYSTEM MAY NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY. THE INTERNAL COOLANT CONTROL VALVE CAN STICK CAUSING THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM TO ONLY PROVIDE WARM AIR. 14V-819: MCLAREN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 AND 2013 MP4-12C VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 20, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 12, 2013. THE BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY TORQUED RESULTING IN A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER.

Summary

The 2012 McLaren MP4-12C, while lauded for its performance, is susceptible to several common issues, particularly related to its engine, transmission, and electrical systems. These problems range from relatively minor inconveniences to potentially costly repairs, with some fixes easily exceeding several thousand dollars. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and factor them into their purchase decision, including the cost of pre-purchase inspections and potential maintenance. The severity of these issues varies, but the potential for high repair costs makes thorough due diligence essential.

McLaren, MP4-12C
McLaren MP4-12C 2012
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