McLaren’s Million-Dollar Mistake? Brake Issue Sparks Recall

McLaren Automotive has initiated a Voluntary recall for 29 cars across several models, including the 600LT, 720S, Artura, GT and GTS, that were produced between April 17, 2019 and July 9, 2024 due to a defect in their brake pipe connections that affects critical safety systems.

According to the recall report filed by McLaren to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability programme (ESP) may not function correctly due to the brake pipes being connected incorrectly into the control module, meaning the rear right and rear left brake pipes are braking the opposite wheel.

When a user is driving the vehicle at the limit or close to the limit of available traction, resulting in the ABS/ESP system intervening to maintain vehicle trajectory, the opposite reaction will occur on the rear axle, resulting in a locking condition of one of the wheels, which could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. It is possible that the brake pipes are routed incorrectly into the control module, meaning the rear right and rear left brake pipes are braking the opposite wheel.

The issue came to McLaren’s attention in March 2025 after a vehicle experienced a sudden loss of control at a racetrack. Though no injuries were reported and the vehicle was not damaged, an internal investigation found the root cause to be reversed brake pipe connections.

Further checks revealed 80 vehicles that had failed an ESP test during McLaren's standard quality control process. While the company believes most were fixed, there is no official documentation confirming this. The car involved in the incident was one of those 80.

Although no further incidents have been reported, McLaren is recalling the 29 vehicles as a precaution. Dealerships will inspect each car to confirm proper brake pipe routing and make corrections if needed.

To deal with the issue, McLaren has implemented a process change in March 2025 to prevent recurrence. Notification schedules for owners and dealers have not yet been publicly disclosed.