The McLaren 600LT spans 2017–2021 with 5 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2020, 2021, 2019 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2017, 2018, 2019. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
Is the McLaren 600LT a good car?
Short answer: it depends heavily on which year you buy. Our score for the McLaren 600LT is 3.5 out of 5, built from NHTSA crash-test results, how often it gets recalled and what owners actually complain about — not from reviews.
The complaint that comes up most is the engine — 2 of the 2 reports owners filed with NHTSA. If you're choosing a year, 2017, 2018, 2019 score best in our data, and 2020, 2021 worst.
This page describes the model. It can't tell you whether that car has an open recall, a rolled-back odometer or a branded title — for that, run its number through our free VIN check.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The McLaren 600LT is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2017 to 2021 across multiple generations.
How to read a McLaren 600LT VIN — every digit explained
Every McLaren 600LT carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a McLaren and the country it was built in (real McLaren codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this 600LT.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- EnglandSBM
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. See exactly what your VIN decodes to: model year, assembly plant, country of origin and the full 2001–2026 year-code table.
How many recalls does the McLaren 600LT have?
The McLaren 600LT has 5 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2017–2021. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2021 McLaren 600LT recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McClaren) is recalling certain 2020-2025 600LT, 720S, Artura, GT, and GTS vehicles. The brake lines may be routed incorrectly and cause the brakes on the incorrect side to activate, possibly resulting in one of the rear wheels locking up.
Risk. A rear wheel locking condition may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and correct the brake line connections as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 21, 2025. Owners may contact McClaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916.
2020 McLaren 600LT recalls 2
Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly
What's wrong. McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2019-2020 600LT Coupe and Spider vehicles. The joint between the temperature sensor housing and the hose from the outboard radiator may not be sealed properly, which can result in coolant leaking into the engine compartment.
Risk. A coolant leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the coolant hose, temperature sensor housing, and constant pressure clamp, free of charge. Owner notifications letters were mailed September 7, 2023. Owners may contact McLaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McClaren) is recalling certain 2020-2025 600LT, 720S, Artura, GT, and GTS vehicles. The brake lines may be routed incorrectly and cause the brakes on the incorrect side to activate, possibly resulting in one of the rear wheels locking up.
Risk. A rear wheel locking condition may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and correct the brake line connections as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 21, 2025. Owners may contact McClaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916.
2019 McLaren 600LT recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2020 570S, GT, 2019 600LT, and 2019-2020 720S vehicles. The brake assembly banjo bolt may be missing the holes that supply brake fluid to the caliper, which would cause the brakes to fail on one corner of the vehicle.
Risk. Brake failure in one corner can cause the vehicle to pull to one side during braking, and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the banjo bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 1, 2021. Owners may contact McLaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916. McLaren's number for this recall is SRC 00 C 001.
Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly
What's wrong. McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2019-2020 600LT Coupe and Spider vehicles. The joint between the temperature sensor housing and the hose from the outboard radiator may not be sealed properly, which can result in coolant leaking into the engine compartment.
Risk. A coolant leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the coolant hose, temperature sensor housing, and constant pressure clamp, free of charge. Owner notifications letters were mailed September 7, 2023. Owners may contact McLaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916.
Best and worst years for the McLaren 600LT
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 5 tracked years, the worst years are 2020, 2021, 2019 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2017, 2018, 2019.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 600LT | — | Best | |
| 2018 600LT | — | Best | |
| 2019 600LT | — | Avoid | |
| 2020 600LT | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2021 600LT | — | Avoid |
What are the most common McLaren 600LT problems?
The most-reported McLaren 600LT problems are Engine (2 reports), Electrical System (1 reports) and Fuel/propulsion System (1 reports) — out of 2 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
McLaren 600LT specifications & dimensions
The 2021 McLaren 600LT measures 181″ long on a 105″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,994 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the McLaren 600LT window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 181″ | 80″ | 47″ | 105″ | 2,994 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
McLaren 600LT cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 600LT holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
McLaren 600LT tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the McLaren 600LT get?
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What engines does the McLaren 600LT have? Power & range
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How much does a McLaren 600LT cost to own?
A McLaren 600LT depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used 600LT is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this 600LT loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the 600LT ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the McLaren 600LT safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 600LT yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a McLaren 600LT last?
A well-maintained McLaren 600LT typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your McLaren 600LT’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this 600LT’s VIN free →All McLaren 600LT model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the McLaren 600LT — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 600LT | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2020 600LT | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2019 600LT | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2018 600LT | 0 | — | — |
| 2017 600LT | 0 | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the 600LT?
By owner-complaint volume, 2020, 2021, 2019 drew the most reports. 2017, 2018, 2019 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the 600LT have?
5 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2017–2021. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all McLaren recalls and reliability across every model.
How many miles does a 600LT last?
A well-maintained 600LT typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 600LT reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the 600LT is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the McLaren 600LT warranty?
New McLaren models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a McLaren dealer.
Where is the McLaren 600LT made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 600LT's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; McLaren may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a 600LT weigh?
The 600LT's curb weight is around 2,994 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the 600LT have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.