Start with the records. Repair orders, warranty documents, mileage, and days out of service are more useful than general assumptions about whether a vehicle qualifies.
If your 2020 McLaren 720S Spider keeps returning to the service bay for the same problem, you may be wondering whether California’s lemon law can help. High-performance vehicles can be complex, and persistent issues—especially with a nearly new exotic—are frustrating and costly. Below, we explain how California’s lemon law generally works for a 2020 720S Spider and what steps you can take to protect your rights, all in plain language.
Does Your 2020 720S Spider Qualify Under CA Lemon Law?
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—commonly called the California lemon law—typically applies to new vehicles purchased or leased in California with a manufacturer’s warranty, and in many cases to used or Certified Pre-Owned vehicles still under that warranty. The law covers cars used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, and certain small businesses may also qualify if they have a limited number of vehicles registered in California. The key question is whether the manufacturer or its authorized dealer has had a fair chance to repair a warranty-covered defect that substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
A vehicle can be considered a “lemon” when a substantial defect persists after a reasonable number of repair attempts, or when the vehicle has been out of service for repairs for an extended period. California has a legal “presumption” that can make it easier to prove a claim if, within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, any of the following occurs: two or more attempts to fix a serious safety defect; four or more attempts to fix the same non-safety defect; or the car is out of service for 30 or more total days for repairs. This presumption is a guideline, not a requirement—vehicles outside those benchmarks may still qualify based on the facts. Keep in mind that modifications, racing/track use, or misuse can complicate warranty coverage.
For a 2020 McLaren 720S Spider, exotic parts and specialized repairs can lengthen downtime. Extended parts backorders, repeated visits for the same warning lights, or a critical system that never seems to stay fixed may be relevant under the lemon law. If you think your 720S Spider might qualify, gather your purchase/lease documents, warranty booklet, and all repair orders, and note dates, mileage, and the exact complaints you reported. Every situation is unique and fact-specific; a consultation can help you understand how the law might apply to your circumstances.
Common 720S Spider Defects and What to Do Next
Owners of high-performance supercars sometimes report issues such as intermittent check-engine lights related to sensors or emissions components, battery drain and electrical glitches, infotainment or cluster malfunctions, and problems with the folding hardtop roof like rattles, wind noise, or water intrusion. Other complaints can include rough or hesitant shifting from the dual-clutch transmission, turbo boost irregularities, coolant or oil leaks, brake vibration or squeal, steering feel concerns, or suspension faults tied to active chassis systems. Not every 720S Spider will have these problems, but recurring defects that affect the car’s use, value, or safety are the types of issues the lemon law addresses.
If you experience a problem, schedule service promptly with an authorized McLaren dealer and describe the symptoms exactly as you experience them—when it happens, at what speed, the conditions, and any dashboard messages. Always request and keep copies of your repair orders and invoices, even for warranty or no-charge visits; these documents are critical evidence of what was reported and what was done. Consider keeping a log of dates in the shop, mileage at drop-off and pickup, and photos or videos of the issue when it appears. Ask the service advisor if there are any technical service bulletins (TSBs) applicable to your VIN.
If the defect continues after multiple visits or your 720S Spider spends substantial time in the shop, you can explore your options under California’s lemon law. Some consumers choose to send a written notice to the manufacturer and consult a California lemon law attorney to evaluate potential remedies such as repurchase, replacement, or a negotiated cash-and-keep settlement, depending on the circumstances. Time limits may apply, so it’s wise to act sooner rather than later. This information is general and not legal advice; a consultation is the best way to understand your options.
Need a case-specific review?
Use the case-review form to share the warranty, repair orders, dates, mileage, and supporting facts an attorney would need to evaluate, or call (877) 492-8282.
Attorney advertising. General information is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. No result is promised or guaranteed.