2019 McLaren 720S
The 2019 McLaren 720S is a mid-engine supercar renowned for its blistering performance and striking design. It is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which produces 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, delivered exclusively through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Owners often praise the 720S for its incredible acceleration, precise handling, and relatively comfortable ride for a supercar. However, some common complaints include electronic glitches, occasional reliability issues, and the high cost of maintenance and repairs. There are no other engine or transmission options available for the 2019 McLaren 720S.
Engine
4.0L Twin-Turbocharged V8
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various points on the engine, including turbocharger oil lines, valve cover gaskets, and oil cooler lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, the smell of burning oil, and low oil level warnings.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty gaskets, lines, or seals. Thorough inspection to pinpoint the exact leak source is crucial.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+, depending on the leak’s location and complexity.
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with turbochargers, including failures or malfunctions. Symptoms can include reduced engine power, unusual noises from the engine bay, and error codes related to the turbocharger system.
- Solution: Turbocharger replacement or repair.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+ for a new turbocharger, depending on the extent of damage and if one or both need replacing.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission
- Clutch Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting, or jerky engagement. These issues are often associated with wear and tear, especially under aggressive driving conditions.
- Solution: Clutch replacement or transmission repair.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Mechatronic Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic unit, which controls the transmission’s hydraulic functions, can fail. Symptoms include erratic shifting, inability to select gears, or complete transmission failure.
- Solution: Replacement or repair of the mechatronic unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $7,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Damper Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The adaptive dampers on the 720S can sometimes develop leaks or malfunctions, affecting the ride quality and handling. Symptoms include a bouncy or unstable ride, uneven tire wear, and suspension warning lights.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty damper.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ per damper, including labor.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with excessive battery drain, especially when the car is not driven regularly.
- Solution: Identification and repair of the parasitic drain. Often involves checking for faulty modules or accessories that are not shutting down properly. A battery tender is also recommended for extended periods of inactivity.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+, depending on the source of the drain.
- Recalls: None Found
- Infotainment System Glitches
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, or unresponsiveness.
- Solution: Software updates, system resets, or replacement of the infotainment unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 for software updates, $1,000 - $3,000+ for unit replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Hydraulic Door Strut Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The hydraulic struts that assist in opening and closing the dihedral doors can fail, making the doors difficult to operate.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty hydraulic strut.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ per strut, including labor.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Air Conditioning Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Failure of the air conditioning system, often due to compressor or refrigerant leaks.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the AC compressor, condenser, or lines.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2019 McLaren 720S, while a marvel of engineering and performance, can be prone to certain issues. The engine and transmission can experience problems with oil leaks, turbochargers, clutches, and mechatronic units, leading to significant repair costs. Electrical gremlins, suspension damper issues, and hydraulic door strut failures are also common concerns. While not all 720S models will experience these issues, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in the high cost of maintenance and repairs when considering purchasing a 720S. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major component failures, resulting in repair costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.