The McLaren 720S spans 2017–2023 with 6 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2019, 2018, 2023 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2017, 2020, 2021. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The McLaren 720S is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2017 to 2023 across multiple generations.
Decode or check a McLaren 720S by VIN
Enter a 17-digit VIN to decode this McLaren 720S — trim, engine, plant and full specs — and instantly pull its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
How to read a McLaren 720S VIN — every digit explained
Every McLaren 720S carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. 4T1 = Toyota, built in the USA.
- VDS (4–8) — model line, body style, engine & restraint system.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built. H = 2017.
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this 720S.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Model-year code (10th digit)
The 10th character is the model year. It cycles through letters and numbers, skipping I, O, Q, U, Z and 0 to avoid confusion:
Where to find your 720S VIN
- Dashboard — driver's side, visible through the windshield from outside.
- Driver's door jamb — on the manufacturer sticker when you open the door.
- Paperwork — vehicle registration, title and insurance card.
- Engine bay & frame — stamped on the firewall or chassis on many models.
How many recalls does the McLaren 720S have?
The McLaren 720S has 6 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2017–2023. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2020 McLaren 720S recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2016-2020 720S, 2019 Senna, 2020 GT, and 2017-2019 570GT vehicles. The Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) foam pad underneath the fuel tank may retain moisture and corrode the fuel tank, potentially causing a fuel leak.
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will remove the NVH foam pad from the vehicle and inspect the fuel tank. If the fuel tank is found to have corrosion, it will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 17, 2020. Owners may contact McLaren's Client Services department at 855-202-8815, Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm EST or [email protected].
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2020 570S, GT, 2019 600LT, and 2019-2020 720S vehicles. The brake assembly banjo bolt may be missing the holes that supply brake fluid to the caliper, which would cause the brakes to fail on one corner of the vehicle.
Risk. Brake failure in one corner can cause the vehicle to pull to one side during braking, and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the banjo bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 1, 2021. Owners may contact McLaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916. McLaren's number for this recall is SRC 00 C 001.
2019 McLaren 720S recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2016-2020 720S, 2019 Senna, 2020 GT, and 2017-2019 570GT vehicles. The Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) foam pad underneath the fuel tank may retain moisture and corrode the fuel tank, potentially causing a fuel leak.
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will remove the NVH foam pad from the vehicle and inspect the fuel tank. If the fuel tank is found to have corrosion, it will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 17, 2020. Owners may contact McLaren's Client Services department at 855-202-8815, Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm EST or [email protected].
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2020 570S, GT, 2019 600LT, and 2019-2020 720S vehicles. The brake assembly banjo bolt may be missing the holes that supply brake fluid to the caliper, which would cause the brakes to fail on one corner of the vehicle.
Risk. Brake failure in one corner can cause the vehicle to pull to one side during braking, and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the banjo bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 1, 2021. Owners may contact McLaren customer service at 1-646-429-8916. McLaren's number for this recall is SRC 00 C 001.
2018 McLaren 720S recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2016-2020 720S, 2019 Senna, 2020 GT, and 2017-2019 570GT vehicles. The Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) foam pad underneath the fuel tank may retain moisture and corrode the fuel tank, potentially causing a fuel leak.
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will remove the NVH foam pad from the vehicle and inspect the fuel tank. If the fuel tank is found to have corrosion, it will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 17, 2020. Owners may contact McLaren's Client Services department at 855-202-8815, Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm EST or [email protected].
2017 McLaren 720S recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2016-2020 720S, 2019 Senna, 2020 GT, and 2017-2019 570GT vehicles. The Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) foam pad underneath the fuel tank may retain moisture and corrode the fuel tank, potentially causing a fuel leak.
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix. McLaren will notify owners, and dealers will remove the NVH foam pad from the vehicle and inspect the fuel tank. If the fuel tank is found to have corrosion, it will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 17, 2020. Owners may contact McLaren's Client Services department at 855-202-8815, Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm EST or [email protected].
Best and worst years for the McLaren 720S
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 7 tracked years, the worst years are 2019, 2018, 2023 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2017, 2020, 2021.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 720S | 0 | — | Best |
| 2018 720S | 1 | — | Avoid |
| 2019 720S | 1 | Suspension | Avoid |
| 2020 720S | 0 | — | Best |
| 2021 720S | 0 | — | Best |
| 2022 720S | 0 | — | Average |
| 2023 720S | 0 | — | Avoid |
What are the most common McLaren 720S problems?
The most-reported McLaren 720S problems are Suspension (1 reports) — out of 2 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Suspension 1 Read
McLaren automotive has a known suspension accumulator problem on earlier year 720s models. This is a major safety concern as the suspension is a huge safety component in all vehicles. They have a revised updated part to fix this, but it has not yet issued a recall to have the manufacture responsible for fixing this , not the consumer. This should have been a recall for long time now but since they are low productions that's why it probably hasn't been issued yet since the updated part is newly released, but they do have a fix to this, but it comes at the cost of the consumer as of now until a recall is issued. Since this is a safety concern I think the nhtsa should be aware of this issue and do something about this safety concern and have the manufacture issue the recall as soon as possible. here is the service bulletin that should be a recall [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
McLaren 720S specifications & dimensions
The 2023 McLaren 720S measures 179″ long on a 105″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,139 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN.
| Wheelbase | 105″ (267 cm) |
| Rear track | 64″ |
| Body / trim | 720s 2dr Coupe / Spider |
| Curb weight | 3,139 lb (1424 kg) |
| Front track | 66″ |
| Overall width | 80″ (204 cm) |
| Overall height | 47″ (120 cm) |
| Overall length | 179″ (454 cm) |
| Weight distribution (front/rear) | 41/59% |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
McLaren 720S cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 720S holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
McLaren 720S tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the McLaren 720S get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the McLaren 720S have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a McLaren 720S cost to own?
A McLaren 720S depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | — | — |
| Year 2 | 70% | — | — |
| Year 3 | 61% | — | — |
| Year 4 | 53% | — | — |
| Year 5 | 46% | — | — |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this 720S loses about 54% of its value over five years.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the 720S ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the McLaren 720S safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 720S yet.
How many miles does a McLaren 720S last?
A well-maintained McLaren 720S typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Decode your McLaren 720S’s window sticker & build
Original options, specs, recalls and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Decode VIN →All McLaren 720S model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the McLaren 720S — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 720S | 0 | — | — |
| 2022 720S | 0 | — | — |
| 2021 720S | 0 | — | — |
| 2020 720S | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2019 720S | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2018 720S | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2017 720S | 1 recall | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the 720S?
By owner-complaint volume, 2019, 2018, 2023 drew the most reports. 2017, 2020, 2021 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the 720S have?
6 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2017–2023. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a 720S last?
A well-maintained 720S typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 720S reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the 720S is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the McLaren 720S warranty?
New McLaren models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a McLaren dealer.
Where is the McLaren 720S made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 720S's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; McLaren may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a 720S weigh?
The 720S's curb weight is around 3,139 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the 720S have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.