Head-to-head reliability
Mclaren MP4 12C vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mclaren MP4 12C and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mclaren MP4 12C vs Chevrolet Silverado: The McLaren has 7 complaints and 5 recalls over 10 years, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints and 101 recalls. The McLaren's issues are mostly lighting and wipers; the Silverado's include engine, brake, and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mclaren MP4 12C or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mclaren MP4 12C
The McLaren MP4-12C is a low-volume exotic, so its 7 complaints over 10 years reflect a small owner pool rather than a trouble-free record. The pattern is consistent: headlight lenses fog and grow mold, wipers fail intermittently, and the IRIS infotainment system has documented problems. A Takata airbag recall and a crash where the airbag did not deploy are serious safety notes. Living with one means expecting expensive, specialized repairs for visibility and electronic issues.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a mass-market truck with 8,227 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year. Owners report engine and power train failures, electrical glitches that can kill braking or shut off the engine, and brake problems. With 101 recalls and 3 deaths, the volume of issues is high, but many are covered by recalls or warranties. It is a mainstream vehicle with widespread, sometimes serious, reliability complaints.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mclaren MP4 12C | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.7 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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 MP4 12C
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER2
- 03EQUIPMENT1
- 04AIR BAGS1
Owners report mold and fogging inside both headlight lenses, which worsens over time and can reduce light output or cause glare. This matters because it affects nighttime visibility and is a known issue that may not be covered after warranty.
Windshield wipers intermittently fail or do not clean water and debris properly, sometimes with an error message. In rainy weather this directly compromises the driver's view, and the wiper motor has been recalled.
The IRIS infotainment system, which controls navigation, radio, and other settings, has documented problems and required an upgrade. A buyer should expect potential electronic glitches that can affect usability and safety features.
A Takata recall affects the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator, and one owner reported the airbag did not deploy in a serious crash. This is a critical safety concern; buyers must confirm the recall was performed.
“THE HEADLIGHT LENSES ON BOTH SIDES ARE GROWING A MOLD AND FOGGING. THE FOGGING IS GRADUALLY WORSENING, AND, AT SOME POINT, WILL COMPROMISE THE LIGHT EMITTED AND RESULT IN GLARE. IT IS A WELL-KNOWN ISSUE IN THESE CARS, AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED UNDER WARRANTY, B…”
“The contact owns a 2013 McLaren MP4-12C. The contact stated that mold was developing in the lens covering the headlights, causing the headlights to be foggy. The contact stated that the failure was affecting his vision of the roadway while driving and was cau…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 models report engine shutdowns while driving, diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and other failures. These can leave you stranded and may be dangerous if the engine cuts out in traffic.
Complaints include sudden shifting into neutral and loss of power, sometimes with very low mileage. This can cause loss of control, especially at low speeds or in parking situations.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking, engine shut-off while driving, and messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems and are a major red flag.
Owners report the brake pedal remaining firm but braking effectiveness severely reduced, and the truck shutting off with blank screens. Brake failure is an immediate safety hazard that needs prompt attention.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
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 MP4 12C — 5 recalls
The defect: McLaren Automotive, Inc. (McLaren) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 MP4 12-C Spider and Coupe vehicles manufactured October 10, 2011, through October 23, 2013 and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Due to a combinat…
The risk: Non-functioning wipers during inclement weather may be reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: McLaren will notify will notify owners and dealers will replace the wiper motors, free of charge. Vehicles outside of the recall area will have a lifetime warranty on their wiper motors that fail for this issue. The recall began on Decembe…
The defect: McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2013 MP4-12C vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S.…
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 front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. 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 MP4-12C vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands…
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 13, 2017. Owners may contact McLaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916.
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Mclaren MP4 12C or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The McLaren MP4-12C has far fewer complaints per year (0.7 vs. 822.7), but that reflects its tiny production numbers, not necessarily better reliability. The Silverado's issues are more numerous and include serious engine, brake, and electrical failures that can strand or endanger drivers. In practice, the McLaren's problems are exotic and expensive, while the Silverado's are widespread and sometimes safety-critical.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: McLaren averages 0.7 per year; Silverado averages 822.7 per year, but the McLaren is a low-production exotic.
- Safety patterns: McLaren has a Takata airbag recall and a non-deployment crash; Silverado has reports of brake loss, engine shutdown, and 3 deaths.
- Failure types: McLaren issues are mostly lighting, wipers, and infotainment; Silverado issues are engine, power train, electrical, and brakes.
- Recalls: McLaren has 5 recalls; Silverado has 101, covering fuel pumps, tires, and forward collision warnings.
- Inspect both headlight lenses for mold or fogging, as this is a common owner complaint and can worsen over time.
- Test the windshield wipers at various speeds and in wet conditions, and confirm the wiper motor recall was performed.
- Check for any signs of engine shutdown or electrical glitches by reviewing service records and asking about 'Return to Neutral' messages.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and look for recalls related to fuel pump, tires, and forward collision warnings; ensure all are completed.
Before you buy
- Verify all open recalls are completed, especially the Takata airbag on the McLaren and fuel pump/tire recalls on the Silverado.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a specialist familiar with the specific model.
- Review the full NHTSA complaint history for the exact year and model you are considering.
- Check service records for repeated engine, brake, or electrical repairs on the Silverado.
- For the McLaren, test the IRIS system, wipers, and headlights, and budget for potential expensive repairs.
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 MP4 12C | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 961 |
| 2020 | 0 | 868 |
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 MP4 12C or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mclaren MP4 12C vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mclaren MP4 12C total complaints
- 7
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mclaren MP4 12C total recalls
- 5
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mclaren MP4 12C avg complaints/year
- 0.7
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mclaren MP4 12C
- Mclaren MP4 12C top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE