2020 McLaren 720S

The 2020 McLaren 720S is a mid-engine supercar renowned for its breathtaking performance and striking design. It comes equipped with a potent 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing a staggering 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. This engine is exclusively paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Owners frequently praise the 720S for its exhilarating acceleration, precise handling, and surprisingly comfortable ride for a supercar. However, some criticisms include complex electronics, potential reliability concerns, and high maintenance costs.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, often originating from the turbocharger oil lines or various engine seals. This can manifest as visible oil drips, a burning smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected oil lines, seals, or gaskets. Requires careful inspection to pinpoint the exact source of the leak.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ (depending on the source of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the turbochargers, including premature failure or decreased performance. Symptoms may include a loss of power, unusual noises from the engine bay, or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the turbo system.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty turbocharger(s). In some cases, related components such as the wastegate or diverter valve may also need to be addressed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+ (per turbocharger)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic

• Clutch Wear/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The dual-clutch transmission can experience premature clutch wear or failure, particularly with aggressive driving or track use. Symptoms include slipping, jerky shifts, difficulty engaging gears, or transmission fault messages.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch pack. This is a labor-intensive process requiring specialized tools and expertise.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000 - $15,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Hydraulic System Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with the hydraulic system that controls the clutch and gear changes. This can lead to erratic shifting, difficulty engaging gears, or complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the hydraulic pump, actuators, or valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $10,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Damper (Shock Absorber) Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaks from the adaptive dampers (shock absorbers) are not uncommon. This can result in a loss of damping performance, leading to a bouncy or unstable ride.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected dampers. Requires proper calibration and alignment.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+ (per damper)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors throughout the vehicle can malfunction, leading to warning lights, inaccurate readings, or performance issues. Examples include oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensors, and wheel speed sensors.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor. Requires proper diagnosis to identify the correct sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (per sensor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The 720S can be prone to battery drain, especially if left unused for extended periods. This can result in difficulty starting the car or complete battery failure.
  • Solution: Ensuring the battery is properly charged and maintained. Addressing any parasitic draws in the electrical system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (for a new battery); $500 - $2,000+ (for diagnosing and fixing parasitic draws)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Hydraulic Lift System Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: The hydraulic front lift system, which raises the front of the car to clear obstacles, can experience failures. This can result in the system not functioning properly or becoming stuck in the raised or lowered position.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the hydraulic pump, lines, or actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can be buggy or unresponsive, leading to frustration for owners. Issues may include screen freezes, slow response times, or software glitches.
  • Solution: Software updates or replacing the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software updates); $2,000 - $5,000+ (for infotainment unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Conditioning Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with the air conditioning system, such as weak airflow, warm air, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the compressor, condenser, or other components of the AC system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 McLaren 720S is a high-performance machine that can be prone to certain issues. Engine and transmission problems can be quite costly. While not every 720S will experience these problems, potential buyers should be aware of the possibility and factor them into their purchasing decision. Pre-purchase inspections by qualified McLaren technicians are highly recommended.