Post
Research the Car Logo

2019 McLaren GT

Posted
By Research the Car 4 min read

Introduction

The 2019 McLaren GT is a high-performance grand touring automobile manufactured by McLaren Automotive. It shares the same platform as the McLaren Speedtail and 720S but has a more refined and luxurious interior. The GT is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The V8 engine produces 612 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, enabling the GT to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 203 mph.

Despite its impressive performance and luxurious amenities, the McLaren GT has been plagued by a number of issues reported by owners. These issues range from minor inconveniences to more serious problems that could impact the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

Engine

4.0-liter Twin-Turbocharged V8

  • Valve Spring Failure Description/Symptoms: Premature failure of the valve springs can lead to engine damage. Symptoms include excessive engine noise, reduced power output, and difficulty starting the engine. Solution: Replacement of the valve springs. Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip or break. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Symptoms include engine noise, reduced power output, and difficulty starting the engine. Solution: Replacement of the timing chain tensioner. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Turbocharger Failure Description/Symptoms: The turbochargers can fail, causing a loss of power and increased emissions. Symptoms include reduced power output, increased fuel consumption, and smoke from the exhaust pipe. Solution: Replacement of the turbochargers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $6,000 - $12,000+ Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission

  • Shifting Issues Description/Symptoms: The transmission may experience difficulty shifting gears or may shift erratically. Symptoms include delayed or rough shifting, gear slippage, and a loss of power. Solution: Reprogramming of the transmission control unit (TCU) or replacement of the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $4,000+
  • Clutch Pack Failure Description/Symptoms: The clutch pack within the transmission can fail, causing a loss of power and difficulty shifting gears. Symptoms include slipping, shuddering, or a complete loss of power when shifting. Solution: Replacement of the clutch pack. Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Front Suspension Strut Failure Description/Symptoms: The front suspension struts can fail, causing the vehicle to become unstable and difficult to control. Symptoms include excessive bouncing, swaying, and a loss of steering precision. Solution: Replacement of the front suspension struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Rear Suspension Bushing Failure Description/Symptoms: The rear suspension bushings can fail, causing excessive noise and vibrations. Symptoms include a thumping or clunking sound from the rear of the vehicle and a decrease in handling performance. Solution: Replacement of the rear suspension bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Alternator Failure Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to drain and the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, dimming headlights, and a warning light on the dashboard. Solution: Replacement of the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Battery Drain Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain prematurely, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, a dead battery, and a warning light on the dashboard. Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the cause of the battery drain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Panel Gaps Description/Symptoms: Uneven or excessive gaps between body panels. Solution: Adjustment of the body panels. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Paint Defects Description/Symptoms: Scratches, swirls, or peeling paint. Solution: Repair or repainting of the affected areas. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Infotainment System Issues Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, reboot, or experience other glitches. Symptoms include a blank screen, unresponsive buttons, and difficulty using navigation or audio features. Solution: Reprogramming of the infotainment system or replacement of the unit. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Leather Trim Damage Description/Symptoms: Ripping or tearing of the leather trim on seats, dashboard, or door panels. Solution: Repair or replacement of the damaged leather trim. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ Recalls: None Found

Summary

The McLaren GT is a high-performance grand tourer that has been plagued by a number of issues. The severity of the issues ranges from minor cosmetic problems to more serious mechanical problems that could impact the safety and reliability of the vehicle. Some of the most common issues include valve spring failure, timing chain tensioner failure, turbocharger failure, shifting issues, clutch pack failure, front suspension strut failure, and electrical problems. The cost to fix these issues can be significant, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Overall, the McLaren GT is a capable and exciting vehicle, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues that it may encounter before making a purchase decision.

McLaren, GT
McLaren GT 2019
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.