Head-to-head reliability
Mclaren 600lt vs FORD F 150
How the Mclaren 600lt and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mclaren 600lt vs FORD F 150: The Mclaren has 2 complaints over 5 years (0.4/year) and 5 recalls, with owners reporting self-ignition while parked. The Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year), 151 recalls, and 330 crash-related complaints, often tied to transmission limp mode. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mclaren 600lt or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mclaren 600lt
The Mclaren 600lt is a low-volume exotic sports car, so it sees very few miles and few complaints—just 2 over 5 years. The main reported issue is a serious one: owners say the car can self-ignite and catch fire while parked and turned off. Recalls cover cooling system radiators and brake control modules, so even with low mileage, potential fire and brake risks need attention.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume pickup with 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 1,162 per year. The most common trouble spots are the powertrain, electrical system, and exterior lighting, with many reports of transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. There are also 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death, so safety-related failures are a real concern.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mclaren 600lt | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mclaren 600lt
- 01ENGINE2
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
Two owners reported the car self-ignited and caught fire while off and parked in a driveway. This is a severe fire risk that can happen without warning, even when the vehicle is not running.
One owner linked the same self-ignition event to an electrical system complaint. A parked car catching fire points to a possible short or wiring fault that could total the vehicle or endanger a garage or home.
Another owner reported the same self-ignition under the fuel/propulsion category. A fuel-related fire while parked is especially dangerous because it can spread quickly and is hard to predict.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 MCLAREN 600LT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OFF AND PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SELF IGNITED AND CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE AUTHORITIES WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE OF THE FIRE AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUIS…”
“The car (2020 McLaren 600LT Spider ) self ignited while turned off in our driveway.”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a 'lead frame' issue that can cause the truck to go into limp mode or get stuck in 5th gear, sometimes almost daily. One owner said it nearly ended their life after a near collision, so transmission failures can be sudden and dangerous.
The same lead frame problem also shows up as an electrical complaint, and one owner reported an output speed sensor failure that triggered highway limp mode. Electrical faults can disable the truck's ability to accelerate or shift properly.
One owner reported the rear window defroster shorted and the back window exploded outward within minutes of turning it off. This is a surprising and potentially injurious failure that buyers should be aware of.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting is a top concern, though no sample text was provided. Lighting failures matter because they affect visibility and can lead to accidents or tickets.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mclaren 600lt — 5 recalls
The defect: 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.
The risk: A coolant leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.
The defect: 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.
The risk: A rear wheel locking condition may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
The defect: 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.
The risk: A rear wheel locking condition may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
The defect: 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.
The risk: Brake failure in one corner can cause the vehicle to pull to one side during braking, and increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Mclaren 600lt or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mclaren 600lt has far fewer complaints per year (0.4 vs. 1,162.1), but its main reported issue is a parked-car fire, which is catastrophic. The Ford F-150 has many more complaints and some crash-related outcomes, but the problems are more widespread and often tied to transmission limp mode. In practice, the Mclaren is a low-mileage exotic with a rare but severe fire risk, while the F-150 is a high-volume truck with frequent, sometimes dangerous, powertrain and electrical faults.
Key differences
- The Mclaren 600lt has 2 complaints over 5 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 over 10 years—about 2,900 times more complaints per year.
- Mclaren owners report self-ignition while parked, a fire risk that can happen with the car off; F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can occur while driving.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death; the Mclaren has 0 in each of those categories.
- Recalls differ: Mclaren recalls cover radiators and brake control modules; F-150 recalls include engine, seat belts, door latches, and air bag inflators.
- Check for any signs of prior fire or heat damage under the hood, especially near the engine and fuel lines, since owners reported self-ignition while parked.
- Ask for proof that all recalls—especially radiator and brake control module recalls—were completed, as these are known safety fixes.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for sudden limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in 5th gear, which owners report with lead frame and transmission issues.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for cracks or prior replacement, because one owner reported the back window exploding after the defroster shorted.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are closed for the specific VIN.
- For the Mclaren, have a pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist who can check for fire damage and brake module health.
- For the F-150, scan for transmission trouble codes (like P0722) and ask if the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced.
- Test all electrical features, including lights, defroster, and infotainment, since electrical complaints are common on the F-150.
- Ask the seller for any repair invoices related to the reported issues—fire repairs for the Mclaren, transmission or electrical work for the F-150.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mclaren 600lt | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 2 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 0 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mclaren 600lt or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mclaren 600lt vs FORD F 150
- Mclaren 600lt total complaints
- 2
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mclaren 600lt total recalls
- 5
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mclaren 600lt avg complaints/year
- 0.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mclaren 600lt
- Mclaren 600lt top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN