The 2020 McLaren 570GT shares the M838TE 3.8L twin-turbo V8 and SSG 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with the entire Sports Series lineup. While newer than the catastrophic engine failures seen in early 12C models, these still experience rod bearing issues, transmission cooling problems, and hydraulic system failures that can sideline the car unexpectedly.
Rod Bearing Wear and Catastrophic Engine Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: metallic knocking at idle that worsens with RPM, oil pressure fluctuations, metal debris in oil filter during service, sudden loss of power followed by engine seizure
Fix: McLaren's M838TE suffers from inadequate rod bearing oil clearances in some engines. Once knocked, requires complete engine-out rebuild with oversized bearings or short block replacement. 40-60 labor hours for removal, inspection, and reinstall. Many shops send the block to McLaren or specialized rebuilders.
Estimated cost: $35,000-65,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure and Overheating
Common · high severityTypical onset: 20,000-50,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission overheat warnings on dash, harsh or delayed shifts when hot, burning smell from rear of car, limp mode activation in traffic or spirited driving
Fix: The SSG transmission runs hot by design, and the oil cooler develops internal leaks or gets clogged. Requires removal of rear clamshell and undertray for access. Replace cooler, flush system, refill with expensive Mobil SHC 75W-90 fluid. 8-12 labor hours plus parts.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
Transmission Mount Hydraulic Failure
Common · medium severitySymptoms: clunking or banging during gear changes, excessive driveline vibration at idle, visible fluid leak under center of car, rough engagement from stop
Fix: The active hydraulic transmission mount fails, leaking fluid and losing damping. Common failure regardless of mileage due to heat cycles. Requires lift access and subframe lowering. 4-6 labor hours. OEM part only—aftermarket not reliable.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500
Fuel System Vapor Lock and Stalling
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: hard starting when hot, stalling after shutting down and immediate restart, rough idle after fuel stops, check engine light with fuel pressure codes
Fix: Fuel system heat-soaks in the rear engine bay, causing vapor lock. Sometimes requires fuel filter replacement, tank vent valve service, or fuel pump module replacement. Diagnosis is key—don't throw parts. Filter change alone is 2-3 hours due to access. Full pump module is 6-8 hours.
Estimated cost: $1,500-4,500
Hydraulic Suspension and Lift System Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 25,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: nose lift system fails to raise, car sits unevenly when parked, hydraulic fluid puddles under front, warning lights for suspension system, nose scraping on driveways despite lift activation
Fix: Hydraulic rams, hoses, and actuators for the front-lift system develop leaks. System shares fluid with power steering. Requires pressure testing to isolate the leak, then component replacement. 3-8 hours depending on which part fails. OEM parts expensive.
Estimated cost: $2,000-5,500
Shift Solenoid Pack Failure (SSG Transmission)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission stuck in one gear, erratic shifting patterns, check engine light with solenoid codes, transmission goes into limp mode, car won't move forward or reverse
Fix: The solenoid pack in the SSG dual-clutch fails electrically or mechanically. Requires transmission oil drain, pan removal, and solenoid pack replacement. Sometimes mechatronic unit needs replacement or reprogramming. 6-10 labor hours. Expensive parts from McLaren.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500
Coolant Hose and Connector Failures
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: coolant smell in cabin or engine bay, overheating warnings, visible coolant leak under car, steam from rear vents, low coolant level warnings
Fix: Quick-disconnect coolant fittings and hoses in the engine bay crack or separate from heat cycles. Can cause rapid coolant loss and engine overheat. Requires clamshell removal for full access. Replace all suspect hoses and fittings, pressure test. 6-10 hours depending on location.
Estimated cost: $2,500-5,000
Buy only with a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a McLaren specialist and a healthy repair reserve—these are phenomenal drivers but expensive to maintain, with several high-dollar failure modes that strike without warning even at low mileage.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.