Head-to-head reliability
Mclaren MP4 12C vs Toyota Camry
How the Mclaren MP4 12C 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 MP4 12C vs Toyota Camry: The McLaren had 7 complaints and 5 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry had 2056 complaints and 31 recalls. The McLaren's issues include headlight fogging and wiper failures; the Camry's include power train shuddering and brake noise. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mclaren MP4 12C or Toyota Camry 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 sports car, so it sees very few complaints per year—just 0.7 on average over a decade. The pattern is not about major mechanical breakdowns but about nagging issues like foggy headlights, wipers that fail in rain, and an infotainment system that can act up. There are also recalls for wiper motors and airbag inflators, and one crash where the airbag didn't deploy. For a buyer, this means you're dealing with a car that may need frequent attention to small but annoying problems, and you should verify recall work was done.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan, and with 205.6 complaints per year, it's clear that many owners report issues. The most common areas are the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical system, with symptoms like shuddering, delayed acceleration, stuck keys, and brake noises. There are also 31 recalls, including for seats and airbag sensors. While the sheer number of complaints is high, that's partly because there are so many Camrys on the road. Still, a buyer should be aware of these recurring problems and check for recall repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mclaren MP4 12C | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.7 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 158 |
| 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 MP4 12C
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER2
- 03EQUIPMENT1
- 04AIR BAGS1
Owners report mold and fogging inside the headlight lenses, which worsens over time and can reduce light output or cause glare. This is a known issue that may not be covered after warranty, so inspect lenses carefully.
Windshield wipers can intermittently fail or not clean the glass properly, especially in rain, and an error message may appear. This is a safety concern because it impairs visibility, and there are recalls for the wiper motor.
The IRIS infotainment system, which controls navigation, radio, and other functions, has documented problems and required an upgrade. A buyer should test all screen functions and ensure any updates were applied.
A Takata recall affects the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator, and one owner reported the airbag did not deploy in a serious crash. Confirm the recall remedy was performed, as an unrepaired airbag may not protect you.
“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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues like the ignition key getting stuck in Park, and shuddering or hesitation while driving with the check engine light on. These can leave you stranded or cause costly repairs.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, sometimes taking several seconds to move. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that is blamed on the ABS system. Brake problems are serious and should be checked immediately.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping can malfunction at once, often with warning lights. This suggests complex electronic issues that may be hard to diagnose.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
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.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Mclaren MP4 12C or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The McLaren MP4-12C has far fewer complaints per year (0.7) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6), but that's largely because there are so few McLarens on the road. In practice, the Camry's higher volume means more reported problems, but many are common to mass-market cars and may be easier to fix. The McLaren's issues are more exotic and potentially expensive, while the Camry's are more frequent but often less costly.
Key differences
- The McLaren has 7 complaints over 10 years, while the Camry has 2056, but the Camry's volume is much higher, so rates per vehicle are not directly comparable.
- McLaren complaints focus on headlight fogging, wiper failure, and infotainment glitches; Camry complaints center on power train shuddering, brake noise, and electrical malfunctions.
- The McLaren has 5 recalls, including wiper motor and Takata airbag inflators; the Camry has 31 recalls, including seats and airbag occupant sensors.
- The McLaren had 1 crash-related complaint and 3 injuries; the Camry had 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death, reflecting its much larger fleet.
- Check both headlight lenses for mold or fogging inside the lens, as this is a common complaint and can worsen over time.
- Test the windshield wipers in all modes, including intermittent, and look for any error messages; also confirm the wiper motor recall was performed.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and look for any sticking; also check for shuddering or hesitation during a test drive.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and ensure the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been remedied, especially airbag and wiper recalls on the McLaren and seat/airbag recalls on the Camry.
- For the McLaren, inspect headlights for fogging and test the IRIS infotainment system thoroughly, including navigation and radio.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds to feel for transmission shudder or delayed acceleration, and check for any warning lights.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model to check for the reported issues, such as brake noises on the Camry or wiper function on the McLaren.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and verify that any software updates or recall repairs were completed by a dealer.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
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 Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mclaren MP4 12C vs Toyota Camry
- Mclaren MP4 12C total complaints
- 7
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mclaren MP4 12C total recalls
- 5
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mclaren MP4 12C avg complaints/year
- 0.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mclaren MP4 12C
- Mclaren MP4 12C top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN