The best McLaren 720S model years are 2021 and 2022, offering updated software and proven reliability. Buyers should approach 2018 and 2019 models carefully due to early infotainment bugs and major fuel tank recalls.
Rankings are comparative, and no supercar is flawless. Maintenance history, recall completion, and storage conditions matter far more than the badge on the trunk.
Reliability varies by configuration. The Coupe and Spider share mechanicals, but early build examples require stricter inspections than later, software-updated models.
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Best and Worst McLaren 720S Years at a Glance
| Model Year | Verdict | Main Reason | Buyer Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | Best Choice | Updated software, sorted electronics | Prioritize low-mileage examples with service records |
| 2020 | Good With Inspection | Mechanically sorted, subject to recalls | Verify fuel tank and brake line recall completion |
| 2018-2019 | Approach Carefully | Early infotainment bugs, door strut issues | Demand full service history and VIN recall check |
| 2023 | Too New to Judge | End of production, limited data | Treat as a collector-grade transition model |
Key Takeaways
- 2021 and 2022 are the strongest choices for updated infotainment and reliability.
- 2018 and 2019 models require strict verification of the fuel tank foam recall.
- The 720S was produced from 2018 through 2023 before being replaced.
- Prolonged storage without a trickle charger causes severe electrical issues.
- Always verify the VIN for open recalls before purchasing any McLaren.
How We Evaluated the McLaren 720S Model Years
Our analysis reviews official NHTSA recalls, manufacturer service campaigns, and owner-reported reliability patterns.
We separate confirmed mechanical defects from anecdotal forum complaints.
Complaints are not failure rates, and a recall does not automatically ruin a vehicle if the remedy is completed.
Recent years have less long-term exposure, making maintenance history the ultimate deciding factor.
Best McLaren 720S Years
2021-2022: Best Choice
The 2021 and 2022 model years represent the most mature versions of the platform.
McLaren addressed early infotainment sluggishness and refined the Proactive Chassis Control II system.
These years generally avoid the major fuel tank foam recall that plagued earlier builds.
Buyers gain a supercar with sorted electronics and peak performance reliability.
Best Year by Buyer Type
- Best Overall: 2022 (Final full year of optimized Coupe production).
- Best Enthusiast Choice: 2021-2022 Spider (Open-air performance with sorted software).
- Best Track Alternative: Consider the McLaren Senna for extreme aerodynamics.
Years to Approach Carefully
2018-2019: Approach Carefully
As the first production years, these models introduced the new platform but suffered from early software glitches.
The IRIS infotainment system was prone to freezing and slow boot times.
Additionally, door struts on the dihedral doors can fail, causing them to drop.
Most critically, these years are subject to the fuel tank foam pad recall.
2020: Good With Inspection
The 2020 model year benefits from factory refinements but remains entangled in specific safety campaigns.
A major recall involves an NVH foam pad under the aluminum fuel tank that traps moisture, potentially causing corrosion and fire risks.
Another campaign addresses crossed rear brake lines.
Only buy if a dealer has verified the recall remedies.
Worst McLaren 720S Years
While no year earns a strict avoid rating if properly maintained, the 2018 model year is the most problematic.
It carries the highest concentration of early-build electrical gremlins and infotainment complaints.
Without a documented software update and recall completion, a 2018 example poses a higher financial risk than later examples.
McLaren 720S Reliability by Generation
The 720S represents a single generation that ran from the 2018 through 2023 model years.
It replaced the 650S and introduced a carbon fiber chassis and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.
This engine produces 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque.
Production ended to make way for an updated successor featuring enhanced aerodynamics and revised powertrain tuning.
Common McLaren 720S Problems
Fuel Tank Corrosion Recall
Models from 2018 to 2020 were recalled due to an NVH foam pad resting against the aluminum fuel tank.
This pad traps moisture, leading to severe corrosion, potential fuel leaks, and fire hazards.
The remedy requires removing the pad and inspecting or replacing the tank.
Infotainment System Glitches
Early models feature the IRIS system, which owners report is sluggish or prone to freezing.
While not a mechanical failure, it frustrates daily usability.
Later software updates and hardware revisions in 2021 and beyond significantly improved responsiveness.
Dihedral Door Strut Failures
The complex gas struts that operate the signature dihedral doors can lose pressure over time.
Symptoms include doors failing to stay open or dropping unexpectedly.
Replacing these struts requires specialized dealership labor.
Battery Drain from Hibernation
The 720S features complex electrical architectures that drain the battery rapidly if the car sits idle.
Owners must use a trickle charger during storage.
Failing to do so can corrupt control modules and require expensive dealership resets.
What to Check Before Buying a Used McLaren 720S
- Verify the VIN for the fuel tank foam and crossed brake line recalls.
- Confirm the IRIS system has received all available software updates.
- Test the dihedral doors for smooth operation and strut pressure retention.
- Inspect the active rear wing for proper deployment and retraction.
- Inspect the cabin for wear on the carbon fiber trim and leather bolsters.
- Test the infotainment system for sluggishness and ensure all software updates are applied.
- Review service records to ensure annual McLaren-specific maintenance was performed.
- Arrange a pre-purchase inspection with an authorized McLaren dealer or exotic car specialist.
Related Buying Guides
- McLaren 750S best and worst years: The direct successor to the 720S with updated aerodynamics and power.
- McLaren Artura best and worst years: A hybrid V6 alternative for buyers seeking modern efficiency and daily usability.
- McLaren GT best and worst years: A grand touring alternative prioritizing luggage space and long-distance comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable McLaren 720S year?
The 2021 and 2022 model years are the most reliable.
They benefit from factory software updates, refined electronics, and avoidance of the early-build fuel tank foam recall that affected earlier models.
Did the McLaren 720S have a fuel tank recall?
Yes, models from 2018 to 2020 were recalled.
An NVH foam pad under the aluminum fuel tank could trap moisture, causing corrosion and potential fuel leaks.
Buyers must verify the remedy was completed.
Are McLaren 720S infotainment systems problematic?
Early 2018 and 2019 models feature the IRIS system, which is known for sluggishness and freezing.
Later models received hardware and software updates that vastly improved system stability and responsiveness.
How much does it cost to maintain a 720S?
Maintenance costs are exceptionally high, typical of exotic supercars.
Annual servicing, specialized fluid changes, and carbon fiber repairs require dealership rates.
Neglecting scheduled maintenance leads to catastrophic repair bills.
Do the dihedral doors on the 720S break?
The gas struts supporting the dihedral doors can fail over time.
Symptoms include doors failing to hold their weight or dropping suddenly.
Replacing these struts requires specialized labor and proprietary parts.
What replaced the McLaren 720S?
The 720S was replaced by the 750S for the 2024 model year.
The 750S features a revised powertrain, enhanced aerodynamics, and updated interior technology while retaining the core carbon fiber architecture.
Choosing the Right McLaren 720S Model Year
The 2021 and 2022 McLaren 720S models offer the best balance of sorted electronics and proven mechanical reliability.
Buyers should approach 2018 and 2019 examples with extreme caution, as they frequently appear on lists of years to avoid without proper maintenance.
Regardless of the year, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified exotic car specialist is mandatory.
Always verify the VIN for open safety campaigns and ensure the vehicle was stored properly on a trickle charger.
