The Most Expensive McLaren 720S Problems (And How to Avoid Them)
Owning a McLaren 720S is not just about having one of the fastest supercars on the road. It's also about entering a world where modern technology and high performance comes together. Every part is made to push the limits. But here's the trade-off that most owners don't think about - when something goes wrong, it doesn't fail cheaply.
This isn't a simple guide that just lists - common problems. This is a detailed, experience based look at the most costly problems with the McLaren 720S - those that can quietly lead to repair bills in the five figures and how smart owners can avoid them before they happen.
1. Hydraulic Suspension Failure (Proactive Suspension Control System)
The 720S doesn't have regular anti-roll bars. Instead, it has a hydraulically linked suspension system that gives you both comfort and performance on the track.
Why It’s Expensive
When this system fails, it’s not a simple fix:
- Hydraulic accumulators wear out
- Fluid leaks develop in lines or seals
- Ride height sensors fail
Repair costs can easily cross $8,000–$15,000+, depending on the extent of the issue.
Early Warning Signs
- Uneven ride height
- “Suspension fault” warnings
- Excessive bouncing or stiffness
How to Avoid It
- Replace hydraulic fluid proactively (don’t wait for failure)
- Inspect seals and lines during routine servicing
- Avoid long-term storage without cycling the suspension
Smart owners treat this system like a performance component, not a lifetime part.
2. Carbon Ceramic Brake Wear & Replacement
The 720S has carbon ceramic brakes, which are great but cost a lot when they wear out.
Why It’s Expensive
- Full replacement can cost $15,000–$25,000+
- Even pads alone are significantly more expensive than standard systems
Early Warning Signs
- Squealing under light braking
- Reduced braking bite
- Visible scoring on rotors
How to Avoid It
- Don't brake hard when the brakes are cold.
- Use proper bedding-in procedures after replacement
- Don’t track the car excessively without upgrading pads
Driving style plays a huge role here—smooth drivers save thousands.
3. Door Dihedral Mechanism Failure
The signature upward-opening doors are iconic—but mechanically complex.
Why It’s Expensive
- Hydraulic struts and sensors can fail
- Misalignment damages hinges and panels
- Repairs often involve labor-intensive recalibration
- Typical repair costs range from $2,000 to $7,000+
Early Warning Signs
- Doors opening unevenly
- Clicking or resistance while opening
- Warning messages related to door systems
How to Avoid It
- Never force the door open/closed
- Check struts and oil hinges on a regular basis.
- When you can, don't park on uneven ground.
4. Turbocharger Wear & Boost Issues
The twin-turbo V8 is a masterpiece but also a high-stress component.
Why It’s Expensive
Turbo failure can cost:
- $6,000–$12,000+ per unit
- Plus labor and supporting components
Early Warning Signs
- Loss of power
- Whining or unusual turbo noise
- Excessive exhaust smoke
How to Avoid It
- Let the engine warm up before hard driving
- Allow cool down time after aggressive runs
- Use high quality oil and change it more frequently than recommended
Skipping warm-up is one of the fastest ways to destroy turbo longevity.
5. Electrical System Glitches (Hidden Cost Driver)
Modern McLarens are packed with electronics and that’s where subtle issues turn expensive.
Why It’s Expensive
- Fault tracing is time-consuming
- It costs a lot to buy sensors, oecus, and wiring harnesses.
- Problems often build on each other (one failure causes another).
Common Issues
- Infotainment system freezing
- Warning lights with no clear cause
- Battery drain issues
How to Avoid It
- Keep the battery on a maintainer when not in use
- Avoid aftermarket electrical modifications
- Perform regular software updates
Most “mystery faults” come from low voltage or poor battery health.
6. Paint & Carbon Fiber Damage
The 720S uses extensive carbon fiber panels, which are lightweight but expensive to repair.
Why It’s Expensive
- Carbon panels are not easily repairable
- Replacement often required instead of fixing
- Paint matching on exotic finishes is complex
Costs
- Minor repair- $2,000+
- Full panel replacement- $5,000–$20,000+
How to Avoid It
- Put on paint protection film (PPF)
- Always stay away from roads with plenty of debris.
- Use proper washing techniques
7. Cooling System Vulnerabilities
Engines that work well make a lot of heat, and the 720S is no different.
Why It’s Expensive
- Radiators are positioned low and exposed
- Debris damage is common
- Overheating can cause engine damage
Early Warning Signs
- Rising temperature gauge
- Coolant leaks
- Reduced performance under load
How to Avoid It
- Install protective grille meshes
- Regularly inspect radiators for debris
- Flush coolant at recommended intervals
8. Clutch & Transmission Wear
The dual-clutch transmission is fast but not forgiving.
Why It’s Expensive
- Clutch replacements can exceed $8,000–$12,000
- Mechatronic units are costly
Early Warning Signs
- Jerky gear shifts
- Delayed engagement
- Transmission warnings
How to Avoid It
- Avoid excessive stop-start aggressive driving
- Don’t “ride” the throttle in traffic
- Keep transmission software updated
The Real Pattern Behind These Costs
If you look closely, none of these problems are random.
They come down to three things-
- Heat management
- Fluid health
- Driving behavior
People who treat the 720S like a delicate showpiece tend to experience more problems than people who drive it right and take care of it before it breaks down.
How Smart Owners Avoid 80% of These Costs
What separates expensive ownership from controlled ownership is simple—being proactive, not reactive. The McLaren 720S rewards smart habits and punishes delays.
1. Preventive Maintenance Over Reactive Repairs
The most expensive way is to wait for failure. Small problems quickly become big repairs. Regular checks and timely repairs can help keep breakdowns from costing a lot of money.
2. Use the Right Parts
Cheap parts often lead to bigger problems. Quality components ensure better performance and protect critical systems from premature wear.
3. Drive It Properly
Driving habits directly impact costs.
- Warm up before pushing
- Cool down after hard driving
- Avoid unnecessary stress on components
These simple steps extend the life of key parts like turbos and transmission.
4. Store It Correctly
Keeping things in the right place keeps them safe.
- Keep your battery charged
- Store the car in a place with controlled temperature.
- To keep systems running, start it up often.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Why is the McLaren 720S expensive to maintain?
Because most systems are performance-engineered, not standard automotive components. Failures involve hydraulics, carbon fiber and electronic systems rather than simple mechanical parts.
2. What is the most expensive 720S repair?
The most expensive problems are replacing carbon ceramic brakes and fixing the hydraulic suspension system.
3. Are McLaren 720S problems common?
Not by nature. Most problems happen because of missed maintenance, bad driving habits or not taking care of storage.
4. Can regular driving damage a 720S?
Not driving regularly, but driving in a way that is wrong (cold abuse, no cooldown, aggressive stop-start use) makes things wear out much faster.
Final Thoughts
The McLaren 720S is not unreliable - its unforgiving.
It rewards precision and punishes neglect.
People complain about "expensive problems" that aren't really design flaws. These are usually created by putting off maintenance, driving badly or using the wrong parts.
If you think about ownership in a smart way, you can avoid most of these expensive problems and really enjoy what the car was made for.
When you need high quality Mclaren 720s parts - it's important to choose a reliable supplier like Exotic Auto Parts. This way, you're not just fixing problems but also stopping the next one before it starts.