Bentley Continental gt problems
The Bentley Continental GT is a grand touring car manufactured and marketed by the British company Bentley Motors since 2003. A two-door coupé or convertible, it was the first new Bentley released after the company's acquisition by Volkswagen AG in 1998, and the first Bentley to employ mass production manufacturing techniques. It was later joined by the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, a four-door saloon car variant.
Origin
In 1994, Rolls-Royce Motors who at that time owned the Bentley brand, previewed a convertible concept car at the Geneva Motor Show – the Concept Java. The car was designed to be a smaller, more affordable Bentley, yet still exclusive in order to maintain the integrity of the brand. It was to appeal to a new range of potential buyers and generate increase sales volume for Rolls-Royce. At the time the current Bentley Continental R was an ultra-exclusive £180,000 in the UK, within reach of a very select market, selling only 200–300 units a year. The Concept Java never went into production in the form seen in 1994, although 13 cars were made for the Sultan of Brunei. However, the Bentley Continental GT realised the concept of the Java as a more affordable Bentley, manufactured in much larger volumes. Whilst external styling is different, the dashboard design was clearly influenced by the Java.
First generation (2003–2011)
Continental GT (2003–2011)
The vehicle debuted in 2002 at the Paris Motor Show, followed by Le Mans, the 2003 Goodwood Festival of Speed and the 2003 annual Bentley Drivers Club meeting at Silverstone. The car differed from the previous Continental R & T models in terms of its concept: although much of the car is hand assembled, it is a mass-produced car made in significantly larger numbers. It is not a coach-built car. The price at launch was less than half the price of the Continental R, giving the car a wider customer base.
The Continental GT is equipped with a 6.0 litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine, which produces a DIN-rated power output of 560 PS (412 kW; 552 bhp) at 6,100 rpm, and torque of 650 N⋅m (479 lbf⋅ft) at 1,600–6,100 rpm. A Torsen-based permanent four-wheel drive is standard. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0.0 to 62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and go on to reach a top speed of 318 km/h (197.6 mph).
Early models include a choice of 6 body colours (Diamond Black, Burnt Oak, Cypress, Neptune, Spruce, and Umbrian Red), 8 hide colours (Beluga, Burnt Oak, Laurel, Nautic, Portland, Saffron, Savannah, Saddle), 5 veneer types (Burr Oak, Burr Walnut, Dark Stained Walnut, Madrona, Piano Black) and 4 carpet and seatbelt colours (Beluga, Burnt Oak, Laurel, Nautic). The dashboard clock was made by Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling.
American Musician Prince owned a 2006 Continental GT Coupe in Baby Blue. Upon his death, in April 2016, the car was placed on permanent display in the sound stage at his famous Paisley Park complex in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
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Bentley Continental gt model years
Common Bentley Continental gt problems
The Bentley Continental GT is a luxury vehicle that is known for its precision engineering and stellar performance. However, like any other vehicle, it is not immune to certain common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the Bentley Continental GT, based on complaints from owners of this car.
- Complicated Routine Maintenance: The Bentley Continental GT requires scheduled maintenance, just like any other vehicle. However, due to the compact design of the engine compartment, accessing various components for maintenance tasks can be challenging. Therefore, it is recommended to hire the services of an expert mechanic for routine maintenance tasks.
- Suspension Issues: The Bentley Continental GT uses an air suspension system, which is powered by an engine-driven or electric pump. When the air suspension system shows signs of wear and tear, the front part of the vehicle may sit lower than the backside. In some cases, a knocking noise may be heard coming from the front of the car, indicating a total suspension failure. If the air spring is deflected, it can cause significant damage to the compressor.
- Brake Light Failure: Brake light failure is one of the most common issues with the Bentley Continental GT. Although this problem is quite common, replacing the brake light is relatively easy. Typically, you may need to replace the complete unit to resolve the issue.
- Brake Hoses Replacement: Bentley recommends that the users of the vehicle should replace the brake hoses after a certain period, which is at least five years. This guideline is valid for every model of Bentley. Due to the high-end design of the GT, you have to perform this replacement quite often.
- Power Window Failure: Another common issue with the GT is that the power windows stop working from time to time. A common symptom of this issue is the hissing sound that comes from the windows. If you hear this noise, you may need to check the windows. In some cases, the motor replacement can fix this issue. However, in the worst-case scenario, the total replacement of the unit may be required.
- Electrical Problems: Sometimes, there can be electrical problems with the system. As a result of this failure, faulty icons may appear on the dashboard. In this case, you may not want to ignore these signs and have the electrical system checked up by a professional electrician who specializes in dealing with problems with Bentley GT.
In conclusion, while the Bentley Continental GT is a luxury vehicle that offers stellar performance, it is not immune to certain common problems. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help ensure that the vehicle stays in good condition and lasts for a long time.
How reliable is the Bentley Continental GT?
On the whole, owners report that this solidly constructed car has a good reputation for reliability. The only reported problems lie in the actual cost of the parts, rather than the issue of breaking down.
Are Bentleys high 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.
What year Bentley Continental is most reliable?
The best year to buy the Bentley Continental Supersports is the 2010-2012 years, and yes we know those are the only three years of production. Just keep in mind that some of these cars are nearing nearly a decade old at this point, so NEVER FORGET to PPI a Supersport before you purchase it.
What is the life expectancy of a Bentley Continental?
What is Bentley Continental lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Bentley Continental is 140,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bentley Continental gt years
We have researched Bentley problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bentley Continental gt cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Bentley Continental gt model years:
- Bentley Continental gt 2007
- Bentley Continental gt 2021
- Bentley Continental gt 2015
- Bentley Continental gt 2023
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bentley Continental gt model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bentley Continental gt years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bentley Continental gt car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bentley Continental gt , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Seats problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bentley Continental gt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Continental gt model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bentley Continental gt . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bentley Continental gt vehicles.
List of Bentley Continental gt complaints
Bentley Continental gt 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-04
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-17
- VIN: SCBCG2ZG2PC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: On Monday December 4, 2023, at about 1:30pm, it was a normal sunny day, I was headed eastbound on [XXX] . I was coming to a stop at the intersection of Airport Rd. I was in the turn lane to go north on Airport Rd. No one was in front of me. As I was almost stopped, only going one or two mph, the car suddenly lurched forward. Since my right foot was already on the brake I quickly pushed the brake down with full force and was able to stop the car. If there had been another car in front of me, or a person crossing the intersection I would of hit the car or person. Two days before I had heard about the 2022 Bentley Flying Spur crashing in Niagara Falls. When I heard of this crash I immediately thought the car took off on its own and the driver couldn’t stop it as this happened to my wife in her 2006 BMW M6 when it was about 2-3 years old. I immediately contacted the CEO of Bentley via email and he responded and had the President of the North America operation call me. He had an engineer come from Germany to take the “black box” out of the car and back to Germany to examine it. Three weeks later they said there was nothing wrong with the car. I then sold the car immediately and took a huge loss on it. After this happened in my Bentley I contacted Bentley in Crewe, England via email on 12/7/23 and they told me to call the local dealer and have them pick up the car so I did but they refused to do it when I told them I didn’t want the car back. I then notified Bentley again and they wrote back on 12/7/23 and said they are reviewing my info and they said they would have their North American people call me. On Monday 12/10/23 they had not responded so I wrote them again. After no response I emailed the CEO Adrian Hallmark and he responded and said they would like to pick up the car and look at it. Then his Consumer Affairs Manager for the Americas called and I told him I am not giving them the car without the US Government being involved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Bentley Continental gt 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-16
- Date Complaint: 2022-02-19
- VIN: SCBCB2ZG0MC
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: The front seats in this vehicle, when moved to allow back seat access, do not return to the original position. They move totally backward, trapping the person sitting in the back. My friend had to remove her shoes and actually pull her legs out using her hands and arms. Had there been an accident or a fire, this person would be killed before she could escape. I know it has been recalled and I took it to the dealer for the service. Dimmit automotive Service Department had the car for 24 hours and the seat is not fixed. This is a dangerous recall. How can I get Dimmit Automotive in Pinellas Park, Florida, to actually do this repair? Please, I have grandchildren who love to ride in the back. Help before someone is in danger.
Bentley Continental gt 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-02-03
- VIN: SCBCB2ZG0MC
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Bentley Continental GT. The contact stated that an occupant was trapped in the rear seat of the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V550000 (Seats) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Bentley Continental gt 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-02
- Date Complaint: 2018-06-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: SCBGH3ZA3FC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT IT WAS EQUIPPED WITH ALL SEASON TIRES; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH SUMMER TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY MANEUVERING THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 8 MPH OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND CRASHED INTO A CURB EXTREMELY HARD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT OF THE CRASH. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BENTLEY EDISON (808 US-1, EDISON, NJ 08817, (732) 395-2900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH $25,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CRASH WAS DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING EQUIPPED WITH SUMMER TIRES. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO FUNCTION AFTER THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SPEAK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Bentley Continental gt 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-20
- Date Complaint: 2014-05-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE LEFT SIDE OF THE EXHAUST BECAUSE IT WAS MAKING A LOUD RATTLING NOISE WHEN THE CAR IS ON. THERE IS A SOME SORT OF FLAP IN THERE THAT BECOMES LOOSE AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE JUST TO REPLACE THAT FLAP SO THE WHOLE EXHAUST HAD TO BE REPLACED ON THE LEFT SIDE AT A COST OF $2,000. THE BENTLEY SERVICE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR A BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT MADE BEFORE 2009 AND THAT I SHOULD REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE EXHAUST NOW BECAUSE THE SAME RATTLING WILL START ON THE RIGHT SIDE AS WELL. I DIDN'T SPEND THE EXTRA $2,000 TO REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE EXHAUST AT THIS TIME. BENTLEY MADE THAT PART REPLACEABLE FROM THE YEAR 2009, SO THAT THE JUST THE FLAP PART CAN BE REPLACED AND NO NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE EXHAUST. THIS SHOWS THAT BENTLEY KNOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, BUT NO RECALL? *TR
Bentley Continental gt 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2008-09-02
- Date Complaint: 2010-10-07
- VIN: SCBDR33W97C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2007 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT CONVERTIBLE HAS SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATING DESPITE THE DEALER HAVING WORKED ON THE VEHICLE MANY TIMES. SRS SYSTEM KEEPS RESETTING THE CODE FOR AN OUT OF PARAMETER DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER IGNITER. *TR
Latest 5 recalls Bentley Continental gt
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the Bentley Continental gt.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bentley Continental gt 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-03-23
- Manufacturer: Bentley Motors, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
- Summary: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Continental GT Convertible, Continental GT, and 2021-2022 Flying Spur vehicles. The front seat belt assemblies may have been incorrectly installed, resulting in the front passenger seat missing the automatic locking retractor (ALR). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: A missing ALR on a passenger seat belt may not properly secure a child restraint, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the affected seat belt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE22/08 (RC34).
- Model: Bentley Continental gt 2021
- Report Received Date: 2021-12-15
- Manufacturer: Bentley Motors, Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
- Summary: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga, Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Continental GT Convertible vehicles. The owner's manual incorrectly states that the air bag system will not deploy when the "Passenger Airbag On" symbol is illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: The incorrect information may change how occupants position themselves in relation to the air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: Bentley will mail new labels to owners. Owners may apply the label themselves or have a dealer apply the label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE21/43 (RC26).
- Model: Bentley Continental gt 2021
- Report Received Date: 2021-07-21
- Manufacturer: Bentley Motors, Inc.
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
- Summary: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Continental GT/GT Convertible vehicles. During some automated front seat movements, the front seat may trap a rear passenger's legs.
- Consequence: The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the software for the front seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE21/26 (RC08).
- Model: Bentley Continental gt 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 gt 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.
Latest negative Bentley Continental gt car reviews
Latest positive Bentley Continental gt car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2007
The 2005 Bentley Continental GT is a fantastic car! It's so much fun to drive and I find it superior to my Mercedes-Benz S55. It's almost as much fun as my Ferrari 360! The build quality, pickup, and styling are all excellent. I'm so excited to have already ordered a Bentley Flying Spur. This car is a real head turner!
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Vehicle year: 2007
I really like the Bentley Continental GT. While it may not be the fastest in acceleration or handle the best, it is a solid car that performs well in all categories. The fuel mileage isn't great, but that's to be expected from a 5,300 lb. car with a twin turbo 6.0 liter engine.
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Vehicle year: 2007
The 2005 Bentley Continental GT is a fantastic car. Its comfort is truly unbelievable and its performance is surprisingly impressive. It's definitely the best car I've ever owned.
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Vehicle year: 2007
I have owned many cars in my life, but I must say that the Bentley Continental GT coupe is by far the best one yet. My wife loves it too! Interestingly, there are twenty of them here in Bighorn. I traded in my Aston Martin for this car and I'm so glad that I did.
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Vehicle year: 2007
Get ready for all the attention on the road! The 2005 Bentley Continental GT is a real head-turner. Its performance is absolutely fantastic, and the roar from the exhaust confirms it. The classic scent of leather and wood brings back fond memories. Although I'm 6'3
Are you having problems with your Bentley Continental gt?
Roderick Quigley 2024-07-20
Vehicle year: 2007
This car took me a while to receive and unfortunately, after 3 months, I'm not satisfied. While the engine is strong, it doesn't quite live up to the alleged specs that were reported. Porsche's models would definitely give it a solid run to 60mph. The handling is a bit sloppy and the braking isn't exactly world class. On the bright side, the interior is beautiful and the controls are nicely placed. Overall, I think I'll opt for a Ferrari or Aston on my next trip around.
Barry Johnson 2024-02-27
Vehicle year: 2007
The 2005 Bentley Continental GT is a great car to drive, even though the electronics can act up occasionally. It's part of my collection of fine cars, which includes the Lamborghini Murcielago, Ferrari 360, Aston Martin Vanquish, Porsche Carrera GT, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Maybach 57 (custom made), and Mercedes SLR. However, at $600,000, the Mercedes SLR is hardly the car to go shopping with! The Continental could probably benefit from losing some weight, as it detracts from its performance. Overall, it's a decent car for a VW.