- McLaren 765LT recall affects 163 vehicles due to rear window detachment risk at high speeds.
- Warranty claims revealed rear panel de-bonding or detaching, prompting the recall action.
- The recall is limited to 765LT Coupes without the MSO carbon fiber roof scoop.
When launched in the US, the McLaren 765LT had a starting price of almost $400,000, and with options, that figure could soar to well over half a million dollars. Despite its value and the engineering that went into it, the British supercar is now the subject of a local recall that impacts 163 examples across the country.
McLaren has revealed that the supercar’s rear window, made from lightweight polycarbonate, could de-bond from the support frame due to an adhesion failure. The carmaker believes the fault could arise when the panel is subjected to aero-loading forces higher than the design tolerances, specifically when 765LTs are driven at high speed with the side windows open. It’s also possible the bonding process used in production wasn’t in compliance with McLaren’s standards.
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The recall involves 765LT models that were built between August 3, 2020, and May 19, 2021. It does not include the 765LT Spider as they do not have these polycarbonate panels, nor does the recall affect 765LT Coupes fitted with a carbon fiber roof scoop from MSO. Owners of impacted models may notice a rattling sound coming from the polycarbonate panel when the bonding begins to fail.
McLaren became aware of a potential issue after receiving several warranty claims about rear windows that were de-bonding from the support frame. The firm has revealed it’s also aware of cases where the panel has detached completely. Initially, McLaren was unable to replicate the panel detaching but was later told that certain racetracks require drivers to leave their windows open while driving. There have been no reports of injuries caused by the panels flying out at high speed.
Both dealers and owners were informed of the recall earlier this week. Dealers need to install bespoke fastenings into each corner of the polycarbonate panel to secure it in place. In the meantime, McLaren has advised drivers not to exceed 96 mph (154 km/h) with the windows open and also avoid driving on racetracks. For those who wish to do so before the fix is ready, McLaren will apply an extra adhesive to the perimeter edge of the support frame to reinforce it as a temporary measure.
