Head-to-head reliability
Mclaren 720S vs FORD F 150
How the Mclaren 720S 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 720S vs FORD F 150: The 720S has 2 complaints over 7 years (0.3/year) and 6 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,311 complaints over 10 years (1,131/year) and 145 recalls. F-150 owners report transmission and electrical failures; 720S owners report suspension and turbo issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mclaren 720S or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mclaren 720S
The Mclaren 720S is a high-performance exotic car with very low reported complaint volume: just 2 complaints over 7 years (0.3 per year) and 6 recalls. Owners report serious but isolated issues like suspension accumulator failures and turbo inlet baffles breaking apart. Living with one means dealing with rare but potentially expensive and safety-relevant faults, and recall fixes for brakes and fuel tanks.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a mass-market pickup with a huge complaint volume: 11,311 complaints over 10 years (1,131 per year) and 145 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the power train (3,553 complaints), electrical system (2,071), and exterior lighting (1,164). Owners frequently describe hard or delayed transmission shifts, sudden power loss, and electrical glitches like camera and pre-collision warnings.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mclaren 720S | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 287 |
| 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 720S
- 01SUSPENSION1
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
One owner reported a known suspension accumulator problem on earlier 720S models, calling it a major safety concern because the suspension is critical. A revised part exists, but the complaint notes it had not yet been issued as a recall at the time.
One owner described the turbo inlet baffle coming loose, getting chopped by the turbo, and sending debris into the engine. They said this is a common known issue that could lead to engine failure and fire if parts reach certain areas.
Two recalls involve hydraulic foundation components like hoses, lines, and piping. While no owner complaints detail these, the recalls suggest potential brake fluid leaks or failures that buyers should verify were fixed.
Three recalls cover gasoline storage tank assembly issues. These could involve leaks or improper fuel delivery, and buyers should confirm all recall work was completed.
“McLaren automotive has a known suspension accumulator problem on earlier year 720s models. This is a major safety concern as the suspension is a huge safety component in all vehicles. They have a revised updated part to fix this, but it has not yet issued a r…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Owners report hard, delayed, or jerky shifts, especially with the 10R80 automatic transmission. Some describe losing all power while driving, with the vehicle shutting off and drifting, which is a serious safety risk.
Complaints include loud bangs from the transmission, popping sounds from the rear suspension, and dashboard warnings like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' that appear every time the truck starts.
With 1,164 complaints, lighting problems are common. Recalls also cover headlights, so buyers should check for flickering, dim, or failed lights that could affect visibility.
There are 847 engine complaints and multiple engine-related recalls. While details are not in the sample, the volume suggests buyers should watch for rough running, stalling, or check-engine lights.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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 720S — 6 recalls
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.
The defect: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2016-2020 720S, 2019 Senna, 2020 GT, and 2017-2019 570GT vehicles. The Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) foam pad underneath the fuel tank may retain moisture and corrode the fuel tank, potentially causing a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will remove the 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. The recall began J…
The defect: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2016-2020 720S, 2019 Senna, 2020 GT, and 2017-2019 570GT vehicles. The Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) foam pad underneath the fuel tank may retain moisture and corrode the fuel tank, potentially causing a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will remove the 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. The recall began J…
The defect: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2016-2020 720S, 2019 Senna, 2020 GT, and 2017-2019 570GT vehicles. The Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) foam pad underneath the fuel tank may retain moisture and corrode the fuel tank, potentially causing a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will remove the 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. The recall began J…
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
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 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
Mclaren 720S or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mclaren 720S has far fewer issues per year (0.3 complaints/year) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,131 complaints/year). In practice, the F-150 is far more likely to leave you dealing with transmission, electrical, or lighting problems, while the 720S issues are rarer but can be severe and costly.
Key differences
- Complaint rate: Mclaren 720S averages 0.3 complaints/year; Ford F-150 averages 1,131 complaints/year.
- Recalls: Mclaren 720S has 6 recalls (brakes, fuel tank); Ford F-150 has 145 recalls (lighting, battery cables, engine, seats).
- Reported failures: 720S owners cite suspension accumulators and turbo baffles; F-150 owners cite transmission jerking, power loss, and electrical warnings.
- Safety outcomes: F-150 data includes 328 crash-related complaints, 287 injuries, and 1 death; 720S data shows 0 for all three.
- Check for suspension accumulator issues: listen for clunks or warning lights, and confirm if the revised part was installed.
- Inspect the turbo inlet for a loose baffle: look for debris or damage, and ask if the turbo has been replaced or inspected.
- Test drive the transmission: watch for hard, delayed, or jerky shifts, especially between 4-5, 5-6, and 7-8 gears.
- Check electrical functions: start the truck and look for 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' warnings, and test all lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full NHTSA recall history for the specific VIN and confirm all recalls are repaired.
- For the Mclaren 720S, have a specialist inspect the suspension accumulators and turbo inlet for the reported failures.
- For the Ford F-150, test drive extensively to feel for transmission shudder or delayed engagement, and scan for stored trouble codes.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially any transmission repairs or software updates on the F-150.
- Budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the top complaint areas.
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 720S | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 1507 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3432 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5234 |
| 2020 | 0 | 33 |
| 2019 | 1 | 36 |
| 2018 | 1 | 56 |
| 2017 | 0 | 43 |
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 720S or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mclaren 720S vs FORD F 150
- Mclaren 720S total complaints
- 2
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Mclaren 720S total recalls
- 6
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Mclaren 720S avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Mclaren 720S
- Mclaren 720S top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN