Head-to-head reliability
Mclaren 650S vs Toyota Camry
How the Mclaren 650S and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mclaren 650S vs Toyota Camry: The Mclaren 650S has 2 complaints and 3 recalls over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143 complaints, 31 recalls, and 181 crash-related reports. The Camry's higher volume brings more reported problems, including transmission and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mclaren 650S or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mclaren 650S
The Mclaren 650S is a low-volume exotic sports car, so it sees very few miles and very few complaints—just 2 over 10 years. The main owner-reported issues are small spider cracks inside the headlight lenses and a passenger airbag inflator recall that owners say dealers cannot fix due to missing parts. With only 3 recalls and no crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, it appears to be a car with rare but potentially serious recall-related downtime.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan, and its 2,143 complaints over 10 years reflect that popularity. Owners report a wide range of problems, from transmission grinding and sudden acceleration to brake failure and AC odors. The data shows 181 crash-related complaints, 163 injuries, and 1 death, plus 31 recalls, indicating that while many issues are minor, some can be serious.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mclaren 650S | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 163 |
| 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 650S
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
- 02AIR BAGS1
One owner reported that the front driver and passenger headlight lenses developed very small spider web cracks on the interior section over time. This can reduce visibility and may require expensive replacement of the entire headlight assembly.
A owner received two recall letters warning that the passenger airbag inflator may explode with shrapnel, but the dealer did not have the parts to fix it. This means a known safety defect could remain unrepaired for months, leaving the passenger seat risky to use.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MCLAREN 650S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OVER TIME THE FRONT PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S HEADLIGHT LENSES HAD DEVELOPED VERY SMALL SPIDER WEB CRACKS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE CRACKS WERE LOCATED ON THE INTERIOR SECTION OF THE LENSE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front upon acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission failure and recommending replacement. Some also describe sudden acceleration or braking issues, such as a car that surged forward and crashed.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration that led to a crash, and a coolant valve bypass issue that triggered a maintenance code but was not covered by recall for that VIN. These can cause loss of control or unexpected repair costs.
One owner reported no brake response while driving down a steep hill, requiring emergency action. Another described needing extra brake force in a parking lot, suggesting inconsistent brake performance that could lead to collisions.
Owners report AC condenser damage from road debris and a recurring mildew or vinegar smell from the vents in warm weather. These are comfort and potential mold issues that may require repeated dealer visits.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 650S — 3 recalls
The defect: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2012-2013 MP4-12C, 2014-2016 650s, 2015-2016 675 LT, 2014-2015 P1 and 2015-2017 570 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or r…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bags, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. Owners may contact McLaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916.
The defect: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2012-2013 MP4-12C, 2014-2016 650s, 2015-2016 675 LT, 2014-2015 P1 and 2015-2017 570 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or r…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bags, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. Owners may contact McLaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916.
The defect: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2012-2013 MP4-12C, 2014-2016 650s, 2015-2016 675 LT, 2014-2015 P1 and 2015-2017 570 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or r…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bags, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. Owners may contact McLaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Mclaren 650S or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mclaren 650S has far fewer issues per year—about 0.2 complaints annually versus 214.3 for the Toyota Camry. In practice, the Camry owner is much more likely to experience a reported problem, including crashes and injuries, while the Mclaren's issues are rare but can involve unfixed safety recalls.
Key differences
- The Mclaren 650S has 2 complaints and 3 recalls over 10 years; the Toyota Camry has 2,143 complaints and 31 recalls, showing a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Camry owners report serious safety issues like sudden acceleration, brake failure, and transmission grinding, while Mclaren complaints focus on headlight cracks and an airbag recall with no parts available.
- The Camry data includes 181 crash-related complaints, 163 injuries, and 1 death; the Mclaren data shows zero crashes, injuries, or deaths.
- Mclaren owners face recall repair delays for a passenger airbag inflator, while Camry owners deal with a broad range of mechanical and electrical faults.
- Inspect both headlight lenses for small spider web cracks on the interior surface, as reported by an owner; replacement can be costly.
- Ask the dealer to confirm the passenger airbag inflator recall has been completed and that parts are available, since owners report long waits.
- Test drive at low speeds and listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration, which owners say can indicate transmission failure.
- Check for sudden acceleration or brake response issues during a test drive, and ask for any recall or repair history related to brakes, engine, or transmission.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full NHTSA recall history for the specific VIN and confirm all open recalls have been repaired.
- For the Mclaren, inspect headlight lenses closely and verify the passenger airbag inflator recall remedy was performed.
- For the Camry, test drive in stop-and-go traffic and on a hill to check for transmission grinding, brake response, and sudden acceleration.
- Ask for maintenance records showing transmission fluid changes, brake service, and any engine coolant valve repairs.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the components listed in owner complaints.
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 650S | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 155 |
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
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 650S or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mclaren 650S vs Toyota Camry
- Mclaren 650S total complaints
- 2
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mclaren 650S total recalls
- 3
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mclaren 650S avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mclaren 650S
- Mclaren 650S top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN