McLaren Recall 2025: Brake Line Defect Sparks Safety Alert Across Multiple Models
By Team Dailyrevs April 16, 2025
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McLaren recalls Artura, 720S, GT, and 600LT due to incorrectly routed brake lines that may lead to rear-wheel lockup.
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Just 29 vehicles are affected in the U.S., but the implications reach much further for McLaren’s quality assurance reputation.
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An ESP diagnostic test first uncovered the issue following a racetrack incident.
British supercar manufacturer McLaren is recalling a small but significant number of its vehicles—29 in the U.S., to be precise—due to a potentially dangerous brake line routing error that could result in rear-wheel lockup under specific conditions.
While the number might seem minor, the mechanical nature of the defect and the elite clientele McLaren caters to make this recall a high-visibility issue for the brand. Especially when the names involved include the Artura, 720S, 600LT, and GT—flagship models from a marque that trades on performance, precision, and trust.
What Exactly Is the Problem?
At the center of the issue is an assembly error involving the brake pipe routing. According to official documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and McLaren itself, a supplier incorrectly installed the brake lines—resulting in the rear right and rear left pipes being crossed.
This misrouting can confuse the car’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Under dynamic driving conditions, especially at high speeds, this could cause rear wheel lockup—dramatically increasing the risk of a loss of control.
| Model | Production Dates |
|---|---|
| Artura | April 17, 2019 – July 9, 2024 |
| 600LT | April 17, 2019 – July 9, 2024 |
| GT | April 17, 2019 – July 9, 2024 |
| 720S | April 17, 2019 – July 9, 2024 |
A total of 29 vehicles in the U.S. are confirmed as affected. The number in other markets has not been specified.
How Was It Discovered?
The issue first came to light during rolling road ESP tests at McLaren’s facility. Reports indicate the control module flagged abnormal braking behavior, which triggered further diagnostics. This investigation escalated after a track incident, where the driver experienced a sudden and unanticipated rear-end instability—luckily, without injury.
McLaren quickly traced the cause to incorrectly routed brake lines, and a recall was issued under NHTSA Campaign Number 25V-216.
McLaren’s Response
In a public filing, McLaren emphasized that the issue was isolated and originated from a specific third-party supplier. The automaker is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities stemming from the issue.
Affected owners will be contacted, and the cars will receive a free inspection and re-routing of the brake lines if necessary at authorized service centers.
Bigger Than 29 Cars?
Even though the recall officially impacts only 29 U.S. units, the optics of this problem go deeper. When you sell ultra-high-performance cars with six-figure price tags, every detail—from engineering to execution—is expected to be flawless. This type of mechanical failure, however rare, risks undermining buyer confidence.
It’s not McLaren’s first brush with recall territory either. Just last year, issues with the Artura’s hybrid system led to a brief production pause. All of this adds up for customers who expect the highest standards not just in performance, but in quality control.
What’s Next?
If you own one of the affected models or recently purchased a McLaren between 2019 and 2024, check with your dealer. Even if your VIN doesn’t fall under the 29 identified, it’s worth getting peace of mind.
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