Owning a 2021 McLaren 720S should be about breathtaking performance and pride, not repeated trips to the service bay. If your supercar is spending more time in the shop than on the road, California’s lemon law may offer relief. This article breaks down the basics and shows you how to stay organized and focused on your goal—getting a safe, reliable vehicle or pursuing the remedies the law may provide. This is general information, not legal advice, and every situation is different.
2021 McLaren 720S Lemon Law Basics in California
California’s lemon law—part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—generally protects consumers who buy or lease vehicles with warranty-covered defects that the manufacturer or its authorized dealers can’t repair within a reasonable number of attempts. It applies to new vehicles and many used vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. The key idea is simple: if a recurring defect substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer can’t fix it after reasonable attempts, the law may provide a remedy.
For an exotic like the 2021 McLaren 720S, “defects” can show up in different ways. Examples drivers sometimes report with high-performance cars include intermittent electrical faults, check-engine lights tied to turbo or sensor issues, dual-clutch transmission hesitation, suspension or front-axle lift failures, brake noise or vibration, HVAC or infotainment glitches, and warning messages that won’t clear. Not every issue is a “lemon,” and a single visit usually isn’t enough—but repeated, documented repair attempts for the same or related problem (or lengthy time out of service) can be important.
If a vehicle qualifies, potential outcomes under California law can include a repurchase (commonly called a buyback), a replacement vehicle, or, in some situations, compensation for certain incidental expenses. Manufacturers may be entitled to a usage offset for the miles driven before the first substantial defect appeared. None of this is automatic—facts matter, timelines matter, and warranties matter. A focused approach and strong documentation are essential to understand your options and to discuss them in a consultation.
Stay Focused: Steps to Protect Your Lemon Claim
Start by documenting everything. Each time the defect appears, note the date, mileage, conditions (cold start, heavy traffic, track mode, etc.), and how the issue affects driving. When visiting the dealer, ask that your exact complaint be written on the repair order in your own words—e.g., “DCT slips in 2nd gear under light throttle,” or “front lift fails to raise; warning message displayed.” Keep copies of all repair orders, invoices, tow records, emails, and texts. Photos or short videos of the symptom can be invaluable.
Keep your 720S under warranty and avoid changes that can complicate your claim. Aftermarket tunes, non-OEM parts, and track events can raise questions about causation or coverage. Use authorized McLaren service centers, follow the maintenance schedule, and promptly report recurring issues rather than waiting. If the car is out of service for extended periods, track the dates precisely—days add up and may be significant.
Stay clear on your goal and communicate it. If reliability and safety are your top priorities, say so when you escalate to the manufacturer. Be polite but persistent, and keep communications in writing where possible. Consider your preferences—repurchase, replacement, or further repair attempts—and be open to discussing options during a consultation. Deadlines may apply to lemon law claims, and the details of your warranty, repair timeline, and defect history will drive your strategy. A focused plan, backed by complete records, is your best asset.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship with ZapLemon. Every case is unique, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. If you believe your 2021 McLaren 720S may qualify as a lemon, contact ZapLemon for a consultation at (310) 489-3017 or visit https://zaplemon.com. We can review your documents, explain your options, and help you stay focused on your goal.