2016 McLaren 650S

The 2016 McLaren 650S is a mid-engine sports car celebrated for its exhilarating performance and striking design. It’s powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 641 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Drivers often praise its incredible acceleration, responsive handling, and exotic car appeal. Common criticisms include the high cost of ownership, potential reliability concerns, and a less-than-plush ride compared to grand touring rivals.

Engine

3.8L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various points on the engine, including the valve covers, oil pan, and turbocharger lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips, a burning oil smell, and potentially low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets, seals, or lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the source and extent of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbochargers can experience premature failure. Symptoms include a loss of power, whistling noises from the engine, and potentially smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+ per turbocharger.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from hoses, fittings, or the water pump. Symptoms include a low coolant level, overheating, and visible coolant puddles.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ depending on the location and extent of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission

• Clutch Wear/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The dual-clutch transmission can experience premature clutch wear, especially with aggressive driving. Symptoms include slipping during gear changes, jerky shifts, and difficulty engaging gears.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000 - $15,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Software Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported software glitches that cause erratic shifting behavior or transmission faults.
  • Solution: Software update or reflash of the transmission control module (TCM).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Ride Height Sensor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The electronic ride height sensors can fail, causing the suspension to malfunction. This can result in an uneven ride height or suspension warning lights.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Damper Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive dampers can leak fluid, affecting the ride quality and handling. Symptoms include a bouncy ride, poor handling, and visible fluid leaks.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking damper(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ per damper.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive battery drain, especially when the car is not driven regularly. This can lead to a dead battery and difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the parasitic draw, or replacing the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ for diagnosis, $300+ for a new battery.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, or unresponsiveness.
  • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Hydraulic Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The doors can have issues with the hydraulics, making it difficult for the door to open and close properly.
  • Solution: Replacing the hydraulic pump and door struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4000 - $10,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2016 McLaren 650S, while offering exhilarating performance, is prone to certain reliability issues. Engine oil leaks and turbocharger failures can be costly to repair. The dual-clutch transmission may experience clutch wear, and the suspension can suffer from ride height sensor problems or damper leaks. Electrical issues such as battery drain and infotainment system glitches are also common. Overall, the issues range from moderate to severe in terms of impact and can result in significant repair expenses. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs.