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2012 McLaren MP4-12c SpiderProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2012 McLaren MP4-12c Spider, most often about the exterior lighting. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 13V-541 the manufacturer reports only 86% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Lowest repair rate 86%Owner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage3kExterior lighting, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 28, 2019. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 McLaren MP4-12c Spider has problems

2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Exterior lighting20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2012 McLaren MP4-12c Spider recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

89%repaired · 2022 Q4

Passenger side: inflator module

Recall 19V-141 · Feb 28, 2019 · 2,792 vehicles · 2,486 repaired

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

87%repaired · 2022 Q3

Passenger side: inflator module

Recall 17V-005 · Jan 9, 2017 · 654 vehicles · 571 repaired

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

86%repaired · 2015 Q1

Windshield wiper/washer: motor

Recall 13V-541 · Oct 30, 2013 · 376 vehicles · 324 repaired

Risk. Non-functioning wipers during inclement weather may be reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with McLaren.

Best & worst years

2012 vs. every other MP4-12c Spider year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MP4-12c Spider median. How we score

'12'13'14'15
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What MP4-12c Spider owners report

Recent exterior lighting complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

HAZE,CONDENSATION AND VISIBLE IMPERFECTIONS INSIDE BOTH HEADLIGHT LENSES. MORE PRONOUNCED ON DRIVERS SIDE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AMONG MCLAREN OWNERS, PLEASE SEE PICTURES OTHER OWNERS HAVE SUBMITTED.
Complaint 11097341 · May 23, 2018 · 2,500 miles
HEADLIGHTS ARE DEVELOPING FOGGING ON THE INNER SURFACE. I AM WORRIED THIS WILL LEAD TO POOR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT AND IS SAFETY CONCERN. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS OF MCLAREN MP4-12CS AS WELL AND IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE OR REPAIR THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER…
Complaint 11081394 · Mar 26, 2018

Own a 2012 MP4-12c Spider?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.