Fire Risk Prompts McLaren Recall
McLaren is recalling 2,763 vehicles built between 2016 and 2020. Considering the ultra-premium auto brand rarely moves more then 4,000 units a year (a tally it hopes to ramp up to 6,000 by 2025), its a sizable recall. Affected models include the $1-million Senna, 570GT, GT, and 720S.
As if hearkening back to the supercars of yore, the issue poses a potential fire hazard.
According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), McLaren faults corrosion of the fuel tank for the problem. A foam pad installed beneath the tank to mitigate NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) apparently has a propensity for holding water. The manufacturer is concerned that, on a long enough timeline, this corrosion could eventually create a hole, resulting in a fuel leak.
Recalls include the 2016-2020 McLaren 720S, 2019 Senna, 2020 GT, and 2017-2019 570GT models. While company has a fix ready for most models, it’s reportedly still working on a solution for the GT. However, it’s still happy to take a look at those cars while the remedy is finalized. NHTSA says that once that’s been done, McLaren will provide a notification schedule for contacting owners.
Dealers will then remove NVH foam pad from the vehicle and inspect the fuel tank. If the fuel tank is found to have corrosion, it will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge and owners disinclined to await can contact McLaren’s Client Services department at 855-202-8815.
[Image: McLaren]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Of course it doesn't help any fire that might occur should the car hit an immovable object at 150mph
Cue the “Lucas, Prince of Darkness” jokes in 3..2..1!
“Lucas, Prince of Darkness” I did not know he was a vampire...
Yeah, regarding Lucas... I am a fan of Star Wars.