2018 McLaren 720S

Here’s a breakdown of common issues reported by owners of the 2018 McLaren 720S, categorized for clarity. The 2018 McLaren 720S is a high-performance supercar featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. It exclusively uses a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Owners generally praise its blistering acceleration, stunning design, and surprisingly comfortable ride for a supercar. Common complaints often revolve around the car’s complex electronics and potential for mechanical issues, along with the high cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (M840T)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of oil leaks originating from various points on the engine, including around the turbochargers, valve covers, and oil pan. Visible oil drips under the car are a common symptom, along with a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Identifying the source of the leak and replacing the affected gaskets or seals. In severe cases, turbocharger replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the location and complexity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, often originating from hoses or fittings related to the cooling system for the turbochargers and engine. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant puddles.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking hoses or fittings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cracked Intercooler
  • Description/Symptoms: Occasional reports of cracked intercoolers. Symptoms can include a check engine light, loss of power, and/or poor engine performance.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intercooler
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission

• Clutch Wear Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature clutch wear reported, particularly with aggressive driving or frequent track use. Symptoms include slipping during gear changes, jerky engagement, and difficulty shifting.
  • Solution: Clutch replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000 - $12,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Software Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Occasional software glitches causing erratic shifting behavior, including delayed shifts, harsh engagement, and error messages.
  • Solution: Transmission control unit (TCU) software reflash or update.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Damper (Shock Absorber) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the Proactive Chassis Control II dampers (shock absorbers). Symptoms include uneven ride height, knocking noises from the suspension, and poor handling.
  • Solution: Damper replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+ per corner, depending on labor and parts.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Hydraulic Line Leaks (Related to Suspension)
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaks in the hydraulic lines that control the active suspension system. Symptoms include a drop in ride height, warning lights, and diminished handling performance.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the leaking hydraulic lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the location and extent of the damage.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain when the car is not in use, leading to difficulty starting or a completely dead battery.
  • Solution: Identifying and addressing the parasitic drain. This could involve software updates, module replacements, or repair of faulty wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the cause of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Glitches, freezes, and slow response times with the infotainment system.
  • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3,000+ depending on the severity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensor malfunctions, including those related to the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), parking sensors, and other driver-assistance features.
  • Solution: Sensor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per sensor, plus labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Door Opening Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The dihedral (butterfly) doors can sometimes experience issues with their automatic opening/closing mechanisms.
  • Solution: Adjustments, lubrication, or replacement of the door actuators or sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2018 McLaren 720S, while an exceptional performance vehicle, is not without its potential issues. The most commonly reported problems revolve around the engine (oil/coolant leaks), transmission (clutch wear), suspension (damper failures), and electrical systems (battery drain and infotainment glitches). The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs potentially reaching into the thousands of dollars. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential pitfalls and ensure a thorough pre-purchase inspection is performed.