2023-2026 McLaren Artura Rear Fender Liner: Damage, Noise, and Replacement Guide

Symptoms of a Damaged Artura Fender Liner

Since the fender liner is a non-electronic, physical barrier, signs of failure are typically audible or visible. There are no diagnostic trouble codes associated with a bad fender liner.

• Scraping or Rubbing Noises: This is the most common symptom. A loose or broken liner can make contact with the tire, especially during turns or suspension compression. This sound is often described as a rhythmic scraping or rubbing that changes with vehicle speed.
🎬 Watch: Diagnose scraping and rattling wheel well noises
• Flapping or Rattling Sounds: If a section of the liner has broken free or fasteners have come loose, it can flap in the wind at speed, creating a rattling or drumming noise from the wheel well area.
• Visible Damage: A visual inspection is the easiest way to confirm a problem. Look for cracks, holes, or sections of the liner that are hanging down or missing entirely. A tire blowout can cause catastrophic damage to the liner.
• Debris in Engine Bay: If you notice an unusual amount of dirt, water, or mud accumulating in the engine bay or on underbody components, it could be a sign that the fender liner is compromised and no longer providing a proper seal.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins

As of early 2026, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by McLaren or the NHTSA that directly concern the fender liners on the 2023-2026 Artura.

However, several safety recalls have been issued for the Artura that may require a technician to remove the rear fender liners to access other components. These include:

• NHTSA Recall No. 23V796000: Pertains to a low-pressure fuel pipe assembly that could detach and cause a fuel leak.
• NHTSA Recall No. 22V908000: Involves nuts on the high-pressure fuel pipe that could loosen, also creating a risk of a fuel leak.
• NHTSA Recall No. 25V216000: Addresses incorrectly routed brake lines that could cause a rear wheel to lock up.

During these recall services, the fender liner is removed and reinstalled. It is possible for the liner or its mounting clips to be damaged during this process if not handled carefully. 🎬 Watch: McLaren bumper and liner removal tips If you are experiencing liner-related noises after a recall service, it's worth inspecting the area for loose fasteners.

Buying a Used McLaren Artura Fender Liner: What to Look For

Given the high cost of new OEM McLaren parts, a used fender liner is an excellent value. However, careful inspection is key. This is a simple part, but a bad used one is useless.

• Check for Cracks and Tears: Carefully inspect the entire surface, especially around the mounting holes. Even small cracks can propagate over time. An eBay listing for a used liner noted a tear by a mounting point, which is a common failure area.
• Verify All Mounting Tabs Are Intact: This is the most critical inspection point. The liner is held in by a series of plastic clips and screws. If the mounting tabs or holes are broken, cracked, or elongated, the liner will not sit securely and will eventually flap or rub.
• Look for Heat Damage: The rear liners are near the engine and exhaust components. Check for any signs of melting, warping, or discoloration that could indicate excessive heat exposure.
• Avoid Repaired Liners: Look for signs of plastic welding, adhesives, or patches. These repairs rarely last and suggest the part has significant prior damage.
• Confirm Part Number: Whenever possible, confirm the part is 16AE703CP for the rear passenger side. While sellers may list it as fitting a 2023-2026 Artura, verifying the OEM number is the only way to guarantee perfect fitment.

OEM vs. Aftermarket

For a specialized, low-volume vehicle like the McLaren Artura, the aftermarket for a specific part like a fender liner is virtually non-existent from major manufacturers. While some companies produce high-end carbon fiber exterior components, they typically focus on aesthetic upgrades like fender vents, not replacement liners. For this part, your choices are new OEM or used OEM. A used OEM liner is preferable to a hypothetical cheap aftermarket alternative because it guarantees correct material, fitment, and aerodynamic properties designed by McLaren. An ill-fitting liner can cause noise, fall off, or fail to protect critical components.

Cost of Replacement

Pricing for McLaren parts can be high, making used parts a cost-effective option. Labor for a fender liner replacement is relatively straightforward.

Note: Prices are estimates as of early 2026 and can vary based on supplier, location, and vehicle condition. New OEM pricing is an estimate based on similar parts for other high-end vehicles, as official online pricing is not readily available.

Replacement Overview

Replacing the fender liner is a feasible DIY project for someone comfortable with basic tools. The general process involves:

1. Safely Lift the Vehicle: Use a jack and jack stands to safely lift the rear of the vehicle and provide access to the wheel well.
2. Remove the Rear Wheel: This is necessary to gain full access to all the liner's fasteners. 🎬 See: How to safely remove McLaren wheels Be sure to use the correct socket size and follow McLaren's recommended torque specifications when reinstalling.
3. Remove Fasteners: Locate and remove all the screws and plastic push-clips that secure the liner to the fender, bumper, and chassis. A trim removal tool is highly recommended to avoid breaking the clips.
4. Install the New Liner: Maneuver the new liner into place. It may require some flexing. Start by loosely installing a few fasteners to hold it in position before tightening everything down.
5. Reinstall Wheel and Lower Vehicle: Reinstall the wheel, torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specification, and lower the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)