Bentley Continental flying spur problems

bentley logo

The Bentley Flying Spur, known as the Bentley Continental Flying Spur before 2013, is a full-sized luxury car produced by Bentley Motors Limited since 2005. It is the four-door saloon variant of the Bentley Continental GT two-door coupé.

The Flying Spur is assembled by hand at Bentley's factory in Crewe, England. Briefly, due to lack of capacity at the Crewe factory upon the car's introduction, 1,358 units of the first generation Flying Spur destined for markets other than the United States and United Kingdom were built at parent-company Volkswagen's Transparent Factory in Dresden, Germany. This arrangement ended in early 2007, when all assembly works reverted to Crewe.

First generation (2005–2013)

Overview

The first-generation Flying Spur was officially unveiled at the 75th Geneva Motor Show in March 2005. It had a 5,998 cc (6.0 L) twin-turbocharged W12 engine tuned to produce 560 PS (412 kW; 552 bhp) and torque of 650 N⋅m (479 lbf⋅ft) at 1,600–6,100 rpm. Torsen-based permanent all-wheel drive system was standard on the Flying Spur. It can go 0–100 km/h (0.0–62.1 mph) in 4.9 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 314 km/h (195 mph). It also has Adaptive Air Suspension and Continuous Damping Control as standard. At that time, it was the world's fastest and most powerful production saloon.

Sales of the first-generation Flying Spur began in late 2005. During the first full-year sales of the Flying Spur, the number of deliveries exceeded 4,000 units. The Speed model of the Flying Spur was introduced in 2008 as a higher performance variant with revised ceramic disc brakes and tuned to produce 602 horsepower. The acceleration of the Speed model is 0–100 km/h (0.0–62.1 mph) in 4.5 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph). A total of 1,155 units of the Speed model were produced in model years 2009 and 2010.

photo of Bentley Continental flying spur car production

Social links

Bentley Continental flying spur model years

bentley continental flying spur 2015 photo
Continental flying spur 2015
Bentley

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bentley continental flying spur 2012 photo
Continental flying spur 2012
Bentley

1

1

15

3.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bentley continental flying spur 2007 photo
Continental flying spur 2007
Bentley

3

3

13

3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bentley continental flying spur 2006 photo
Continental flying spur 2006
Bentley

0

2

13

3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Bentley Continental flying spur problems

The Bentley Flying Spur, a symbol of luxury and elegance, is known for its smooth ride and high-end finishes. However, it has been reported to have several common problems, particularly with its air suspension system.

One of the most significant issues with the Bentley Flying Spur is the air suspension system's failure, which can lead to leaks in the chambers that provide damping for the car. These leaks can overwork the pump, causing it to burn out. The chambers themselves are not cheap to replace, and the pump is even more costly. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect the car carefully for any signs of unevenness in height or air escaping within each wheel arch before purchasing.

Another common problem with the Bentley Flying Spur is electrical glitches, which can affect various electrical equipment, including the infotainment system. It is essential to check each item of electrical equipment, such as programming the satellite navigation or connecting with your mobile phone via Bluetooth, to ensure everything is working correctly.

Additionally, the bodywork of the Bentley Flying Spur can often end up scuffed or scraped, so it is crucial to inspect the car meticulously for any signs of body repair, such as mismatched paintwork or larger-than-usual gaps between panels. If flaws are visible, it is likely that the car has been repaired at some point, and not to the highest of standards, indicating that money may have been skimped elsewhere too.

Lastly, the Bentley Flying Spur engines, while spectacular, can suffer from gasket leaks in the engine, which are an expensive fix and require meaningful work to replace. Other common engine problems include issues with the turbo oil pipe and vacuum, cooling fan issues, and corrosion on the radiator.

In summary, while the Bentley Flying Spur is a luxurious and elegant vehicle, it is crucial to be aware of these common problems, particularly with the air suspension system, electrical equipment, bodywork, and engine. Regular and proper maintenance is essential to ensure that the vehicle can operate as a high-performance vehicle, and it is recommended to have any issues addressed promptly to prevent further damage.

Bentley Continental flying spur

What is the problem with the Bentley Flying Spur?

Bentley Engine Problems

One of the significant Bentley flying spur problems is gasket leaks in the engine. It is an expensive fix and does require some meaningful work to replace. Other common Bentley engine problems are issues with the turbo oil pipe and vacuum, cooling fan issues and corrosion on the radiator.

Do Bentleys require a lot of maintenance?

Gasket leaks and issues with the turbo oil pipe, vacuum, and cooling fan are all common in Bentley cars. These can be expensive to fix and may require extensive work or replacement. Preventive Bentley maintenance is better than spending thousands on repairs or replacements.

Are Bentleys expensive to fix?

We get asked this question all the time: Are Bentleys expensive to repair and maintain? The simple answer is, yes.

Why is a Bentley oil change so expensive?

Specialized oil — An oil change for a Bentley can run as much as $500. This is because they require more engine oil and motor oil. Fuel tanks for German-engineered vehicles are larger than those made in the U.S. In some cases, you could need twice the oil for a standard vehicle.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Bentley Continental flying spur years

We have researched Bentley problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bentley Continental flying spur cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Bentley Continental flying spur model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bentley Continental flying spur model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bentley Continental flying spur years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Bentley Continental flying spur car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bentley Continental flying spur , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Back over prevention problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bentley Continental flying spur vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bentley Continental flying spur . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bentley Continental flying spur vehicles.

List of Bentley Continental flying spur complaints

Bentley Continental flying spur 2007
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-12-08
  • Date Complaint: 2019-01-06
  • VIN: SCBBR93W27C
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: FAULTS WAS ERASE JUST BEFORE I GOT THE VEHICLE AT SOME POINT BY WHO I DON'T KNOW,AND ON THE WAY HOME A 90 MILE TRIP ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND OTHER LIGHTS ALSO, I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND THERE WAS 28 FAULTS IN THE SYSTEM, ERASE THE SYSTEM AND WENT BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT LOOK AT, LIGHTS NEVER WENT OFF AS OF TODAY,
Bentley Continental flying spur 2007
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-12-08
  • Date Complaint: 2019-01-06
  • VIN: SCBBR93W27C
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: I JUST GOT THIS VEHICLE 12-8-18M ON THE WAY HOME CHECK YELLOW ENGINE LIGHT COME ON,WE LOOKED AT THE SYSTEM AND SEEN 28 FAULTS WE ERASE THEM TO SEE IT THEY COME BACK, LIGHTS STILL ON , I ALSO ASK THE DEALER ABOUT ALL THE SAFETY RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE, AND HE CALL BENTLEY AND THEY TOLD HIM THERE WAS NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AT ALL, BUT IN THE REPORT ON THIS SITE I SEE THERE IS SAFETY RECALLS ON THE 2007 BCFS,
Bentley Continental flying spur 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-04-03
  • Date Complaint: 2018-04-05
  • VIN: SCBBP9ZA5CC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING
Bentley Continental flying spur 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2015-10-10
  • Date Complaint: 2016-02-03
  • Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE REAR CAMERA TOOK 15 TO 25 SECONDS TO ACTIVATE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS WARMED UP, IT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Bentley Continental flying spur 2007
  • Date Of Incident: 2009-07-07
  • Date Complaint: 2009-07-07
  • VIN: SCBBR93W57C
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2007 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR READS 6-8% HIGH. BENTLEY MOTORS SAYS THE INSTRUMENT WAS DESIGNED THIS WAY AND THEY HAVE REFUSED TO CALIBRATE MY SPEEDOMETER TO RENDER IT ACCURATE. *TR

Latest 5 recalls Bentley Continental flying spur

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the Bentley Continental flying spur.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Bentley Continental flying spur 2007
  • Report Received Date: 2016-07-19
  • Manufacturer: Bentley Motors, Inc.
  • Components: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Continental Flying Spur vehicles manufactured April 25, 2007 through October 31, 2008. The sunroof glass on the affected vehicles may not be properly secured to the sunroof frame. As a result, the sunroof glass may detach from the car while driving.
  • Consequence: If the glass detaches from the sunroof frame it could be come a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will apply additional adhesive between the sunroof glass frame and sunroof glass panel, free of charge. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE16/17.
  • Model: Bentley Continental flying spur 2012
  • Report Received Date: 2015-10-21
  • Manufacturer: Bentley Motors, Inc.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
  • Summary: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Continental GT vehicles manufactured February 1, 2011, to April 30, 2014, 2012-2015 Continental GTC vehicles manufactured February 1, 2011, to June 30, 2014, 2012-2013 Continental Flying Spur vehicles manufactured March 31, 2011, to August 30, 2012, and 2014 Flying Spur vehicles manufactured February 28, 2013, to April 28, 2014. In the affected vehicles, a battery cable connection may be loose at the firewall.
  • Consequence: A loose battery cable may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
  • Remedy: Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will replace the battery cable securing nut, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2015. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE15/15.
  • Model: Bentley Continental flying spur 2007
  • Report Received Date: 2013-10-17
  • Manufacturer: Bentley Motors, Inc.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
  • Summary: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur vehicles, manufactured from July 2006 through June 2010 and equipped with carbon ceramic brake discs. In the affected vehicles, the stainless steel screws that secure the brake rotors may fail after being exposed to salty conditions.
  • Consequence: Failure of the securing screws may result in a reduction of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will replace the screws, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 22, 2013. Owners may contact Bentley at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this campaign is RE13/14.
  • Model: Bentley Continental flying spur 2007
  • Report Received Date: 2008-05-15
  • Manufacturer: BENTLEY MOTORS LTD
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
  • Summary: BENTLEY IS RECALLING 13,420 MY 2004-2008 CONTINENTAL GT, CONTINENTAL GT SPEED, CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR, AND CONTINENTAL GTC VEHICLES. THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR ROAD SALT TO CORRODE THE OUTER SURFACE OF THE FUEL FILTER. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE FILTER HOUSING BECOMING POROUS WITH A CORRESPONDING FUEL LEAK.
  • Consequence: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER AND REPOSITION THE RETAINING CLIP ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BENTLEY AT 1-800-777-6923.
  • Model: Bentley Continental flying spur 2006
  • Report Received Date: 2008-05-15
  • Manufacturer: BENTLEY MOTORS LTD
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
  • Summary: BENTLEY IS RECALLING 13,420 MY 2004-2008 CONTINENTAL GT, CONTINENTAL GT SPEED, CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR, AND CONTINENTAL GTC VEHICLES. THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR ROAD SALT TO CORRODE THE OUTER SURFACE OF THE FUEL FILTER. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE FILTER HOUSING BECOMING POROUS WITH A CORRESPONDING FUEL LEAK.
  • Consequence: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER AND REPOSITION THE RETAINING CLIP ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BENTLEY AT 1-800-777-6923.

Latest negative Bentley Continental flying spur car reviews

  1. Jordy Orn 2024-11-20

    Vehicle year: 2012

    Consider other luxury vehicles before purchasing a Bentley. While some may enjoy the brand, I found it uncomfortable and heavy. A 2007 Mercedes Benz S600 or Audi A8 W12 L may be a better fit for those seeking a luxury vehicle. It's important to remember that everyone has their own opinion.

  2. Zander Gutkowski 2024-11-11

    Vehicle year: 2012

    Parple Lossh seems to know what he's talking about! I completely agree with him that Bentleys can be quite uncomfortable. Personally, I would prefer a Mercedes-Benz S600. But of course, everyone has their own opinion.

  3. Colt Hermann 2024-10-18

    Vehicle year: 2007

    Parple Lossh seems to know what he's talking about! I completely agree with him that Bentleys can be quite uncomfortable. Personally, I would prefer a Mercedes-Benz S600. But of course, everyone has their own opinion.

  4. Stanford Bergnaum 2024-09-21

    Vehicle year: 2007

    Consider other luxury vehicles before purchasing a Bentley. While some may enjoy the brand, I found it uncomfortable and heavy. A 2007 Mercedes Benz S600 or Audi A8 W12 L may be a better fit for those seeking a luxury vehicle. It's important to remember that everyone has their own opinion.

  5. Jalen Greenholt 2024-09-06

    Vehicle year: 2007

    The car's performance is impressive, but I couldn't help but notice that the Chrysler 300 has the exact same front grille. It's a shame that the garage door opener isn't standard, but the radio and navigation are top-notch. The comfort level is also excellent. However, it's worth noting that it's a gas guzzler, unlike the 760Li which gets 22 mpg and the S65 AMG which gets 18 mpg. While I do love my Bentley and would recommend it, I would suggest considering a Mercedes-Benz S600 or S65 as well.

Latest positive Bentley Continental flying spur car reviews

  1. Ariel Kreiger 2024-10-07

    Vehicle year: 2007

    Let's face it, all cars are good these days and our expectations are equally high. However, there is something special about my Bentley that fills me with pride every time I approach it. It exudes class and quality, and judging by the finger marks on the glass after parking in public, it seems that others feel the same way (or wish they did).

  2. Mack Wilderman 2024-09-24

    Vehicle year: 2007

    I'm really impressed with this car. I've driven a lot of luxury cars, but this one stands out. The Continental Flying Spur has great power, plenty of room, and stylish design. The only downside is that the bluetooth system only works with Nokia phones, and unfortunately my Razer isn't compatible.

  3. Rocky Wisoky 2024-08-29

    Vehicle year: 2012

    This car is a joy to drive, with a beautiful sound system and smooth handling. While there were a few minor issues with the wheels and air conditioning, these were quickly resolved through prompt and efficient service. The interior storage space could be improved, but overall this is a lovely car that I look forward to taking on many open road adventures.

  4. Ewell Kilback 2024-08-15

    Vehicle year: 2012

    Great road car and comfort.

  5. Craig Okuneva 2024-08-14

    Vehicle year: 2006

    This car is a joy to drive, with a beautiful sound system and smooth handling. While there were a few minor issues with the wheels and air conditioning, these were quickly resolved through prompt and efficient service. The interior storage space could be improved, but overall this is a lovely car that I look forward to taking on many open road adventures.

Are you having problems with your Bentley Continental flying spur?

Add car complaint
Bentley Continental flying spur photo