Head-to-head reliability
Bentley Continental vs FORD F 150
How the Bentley Continental and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Bentley Continental vs FORD F 150: The Bentley averaged 1.9 complaints per year with 5 recalls, while the Ford F-150 averaged 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The Ford also had 330 crash-related reports versus 1 for the Bentley. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Bentley Continental or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Bentley Continental
The Bentley Continental is a low-volume luxury car, averaging just 1.9 complaints per year over the past decade. Owner reports center on power seats that can trap rear passengers, steering that can lock up, and wheel tools that don't fit. With only 5 recalls and no reported injuries or deaths in the data, it appears to have fewer but potentially serious issues.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume pickup with an average of 1,162 complaints per year, plus 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe transmission problems, electrical glitches, and rear window shattering. The sheer number of complaints and recalls suggests a wide range of recurring problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Bentley Continental | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 19 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.9 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Bentley Continental
- 01SEATS8
- 02WHEELS5
- 03STEERING4
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
Owners report that front power seats, when moved to let someone into the back, do not return to their original position and instead slide fully backward, trapping rear passengers. This can be frightening and difficult to escape, especially for children or less mobile passengers.
The factory-provided tools are said to be the wrong size for the wheel nuts, making it impossible to change a flat tire on the road. One owner described being stranded at night on the highway because the spare tire tools did not fit.
A complaint describes warning lights coming on and the steering locking up while driving on an interstate, leaving the driver unable to steer. The car had to be restarted multiple times, and the issue could recur, posing a serious safety risk.
“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 hand…”
“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 hand…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission problems, including a 'lead frame' issue that can cause sudden downshifts or limp mode, and a 6-speed automatic that gets stuck in 5th gear. These failures can happen while driving and may lead to loss of power or control.
Electrical complaints often involve the same lead frame defect, which can trigger limp mode and error codes like P0722. Owners describe recurring failures even after repairs, and some say the issue nearly caused a collision.
A reported problem is the rear window defroster shorting out and causing the back window to shatter explosively. This can happen without warning and creates a safety hazard from flying glass and sudden loss of visibility.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting issues are common, though specific failure details are not provided in the sample. Buyers should check all lights for proper function and look for recalls related to lighting.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Bentley Continental — 5 recalls
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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.
The defect: 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 f…
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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-…
The defect: 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.
The risk: The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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 (RC…
The defect: 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 s…
The risk: A missing ALR on a passenger seat belt may not properly secure a child restraint, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: 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…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Bentley Continental or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Bentley Continental has far fewer issues per year (1.9 vs. 1,162.1) and fewer recalls (5 vs. 151). In practice, this means a Bentley owner is much less likely to face frequent repair visits, but the problems reported can still be severe, such as steering lock-up. The Ford F-150, while more common, has a much higher volume of complaints and recalls, indicating a broader range of potential headaches.
Key differences
- The Bentley Continental averages 1.9 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,162.1, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Ford F-150 has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports, compared to Bentley's 5 recalls and 1 crash-related report.
- Bentley owners report seat trapping and steering lock-up, while Ford owners report transmission limp mode and rear window shattering.
- Ford F-150 has 297 injuries and 1 death in the data; Bentley has 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
- Test the power front seats: move them fully forward and back, then check if they return to the original position without sliding too far backward.
- Check the tire-changing tools and ensure they fit the wheel nuts; try removing and reinstalling a wheel nut if possible.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes, especially P0722, and test-drive to feel for harsh shifting or limp mode.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting or damage, and ask if the rear window has ever shattered.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the brand.
- For the Bentley, specifically test the power seats and steering for lock-up or warning lights.
- For the Ford, test the transmission thoroughly and check for electrical issues like the rear window defroster.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission or steering repairs.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Bentley Continental | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 1 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 12 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 5 | 79 |
| 2017 | 0 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Bentley Continental or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Bentley Continental vs FORD F 150
- Bentley Continental total complaints
- 19
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Bentley Continental total recalls
- 5
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Bentley Continental avg complaints/year
- 1.9
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Bentley Continental
- Bentley Continental top complaint area
- SEATS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN