2018 Bentley Continental problems

General information about Bentley-Continental
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

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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Common 2018 Bentley Continental problems

The Bentley Continental, a symbol of elegance and power, is known for its smooth ride and high-performance capabilities. However, like any other vehicle, it can encounter certain mechanical problems due to wear and tear. Here are some of the most common issues and their solutions:

Brake Light Malfunctions: Specifically for the Continental GT model, the highest brake light, located at the center of the vehicle's rear above the rear window, can suffer from premature burnout. This is an essential safety feature, particularly in low light conditions. The solution is relatively straightforward - a quick replacement of the light unit by a qualified mechanic.

Window Complications: Bentley models, including the Continental GT, can experience window issues. Unlike other vehicles, Bentley windows do not provide a warning light when a problem occurs. Instead, a distinct hissing sound signifies that the window is starting to fail. The cause is typically an aging motor, which can usually be replaced without much difficulty. However, sometimes the issue may be more complex, involving a failure in the entire lifting mechanism, requiring a thorough inspection and repair.

Engine Troubles: Gasket leaks are a significant concern for Bentley Flying Spur owners, warranting a costly and labor-intensive replacement. Other recurrent issues include problems with the turbo oil pipe and vacuum, cooling fan malfunctions, and radiator corrosion. Regular maintenance is an absolute must to prevent such complications, especially for high-performance engines like those in Bentley vehicles.

Brake Hose Wear and Tear: Bentley brake hoses tend to wear down faster than other Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, necessitating replacement roughly every five years. The frequency of this replacement can be attributed to the high-performance demands of Bentley vehicles.

Regular maintenance is paramount for Bentley vehicles, especially for models like the GT, which can be more susceptible to problems. Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule and adhering strictly to the maintenance plan provided by Bentley can help prevent many common issues. Choosing certified Bentley mechanics familiar with the specific challenges posed by Bentley models is also essential for the upkeep of these luxury cars.

2018 Bentley Continental complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Bentley Continental.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2018 Bentley Continental recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2018 Bentley Continental.

2019-12-04

Manufacturer: Bentley Motors, Inc.
Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Summary: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Continental Supersports vehicles. The Power Assisted Steering (PAS) cooler pipe may be the incorrect size, allowing the cooler hose to detach and leak power steering fluid.
Consequence: A power steering fluid leak may cause a loss of vehicle control, or a hazard to following traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, the fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Bentley will notify the owners, and dealers will replace the PAS cooler pipe, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE19/27.